The sycamore leaves are just beginning to turn gold, and the fragrance of osmanthus quietly fills every corner of the city—next month in Shanghai

Next month in Shanghai is quietly brewing the best time of the year for a leisurely stroll. Don’t wait until the leaves are fully yellow to set out; start measuring the magical city with your footsteps now, discovering those charming spots illuminated by autumn light. 🌳 Yuyuan Road: One street, a century of Shanghai Compared to the bustling Wukang Road, Yuyuan Road offers a more relaxed and unhurried vibe. Under the overlapping shadows of sycamores, old Western-style houses, independent cafes, and boutique shops make every step feel like walking into a movie scene. It’s best to come before 9 a.m. to see sunlight filtering through the leaves, writing poems of light and shadow on the fallen leaves. 📍 Yuyuan Road, Changning District 🎑 Qiuxiapu Garden: Ming Dynasty autumn colors hidden in the city Jiading’s oldest garden in Shanghai, covered in red leaves every November, is known as the “Little Kyoto of Shanghai.” Pavilions reflect on the water, maple colors stretch like waves, and the place is quiet and serene. Wear a Hanfu or a plain long dress, snap a photo casually, and you’ll have a classical Jiangnan ink painting. (Entrance fee 10 RMB, a great value!) 📍 314 Dongdajie, Jiading District 🏞️ Ancient Tree Park: Millennium-old ginkgo and golden rain Come for the 1,200-year-old “King Ginkgo of Shanghai.” In mid to late November, fallen leaves cover the ground like a golden carpet, crunching underfoot, and time seems to slow down here. Bring a picnic blanket, lie down, daydream, and soak up the sun—this is the perfect autumn ritual. (Try to visit on weekdays; weekends can be crowded.) 📍 Anting Town, Jiading District 🌾 Jiabei Countryside Park: Ride into Van Gogh’s oil painting world Rent a bike for 30 RMB and wander among rice fields and pink muhly grass, instantly healing all your fatigue. The reed marshes on the west bank welcome stunning backlighting at 4 p.m., with gentle silhouettes and a full atmosphere. 📍 5051 Huyi Highway, Jiading District 🎵 Shanghai Concert Hall: Romantic resonance on the ginkgo avenue Not just classical music—the ginkgo avenue in front is the hidden autumn gem. On weekends, there are often markets and open-air performances. Holding a cup of hot mulled wine, strolling through falling leaves feels like a momentary trip to a European winter street. 📍 88 Jinling Middle Road, Huangpu District ⏳ Best time: Late October to early December, as the colors of different trees change in sequence. It’s worth visiting off-peak to capture the full gradient of autumn. “What place in your heart best represents autumn in Shanghai? Feel free to share in the comments and let’s discover this autumn together~”