Mountains and Rivers Dyed with Autumn Frost, Every Step a Poem｜Complete Guide to Chasing Autumn with Chinese Aesthetics
1. Prologue to Chasing Autumn: Unlocking the Core Code of Chinese Autumn Charm
The Chinese aesthetic of autumn is hidden in the artistic conception of "simplifying to the three autumn trees," concealed in the interplay of "vermilion tiles and black eaves reflecting golden hues," and further blended into the texture of "people busy drying autumn harvests under the smoke of daily life." This guide uses latitude as the thread and aesthetics as the needle to connect the splendid autumn scenes from north to south, paired with new Chinese-style outfits and photography tips, making every shutter click a concrete expression of Eastern aesthetics.
2. North-South Autumn Routes: Traveling Mountains and Rivers in Search of Autumn Shadows
(1) Northern Bold and Vivid Line: An Oil Painting-like Autumn Epic
1. Xinjiang · Kanas (Mid to late September to early October)
At 48°N latitude, Kanas is the pioneer of autumn. After the first frost, the Siberian taiga sheds its green, embracing the emerald lake with golden and crimson hues, resembling an oil painting by Monet. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk by the lake, the noon sunlight filters through the leaves casting mottled shadows on the water. Wearing an off-white Mandarin-collar shirt paired with khaki wide-leg pants and holding a bamboo tea cup prop, low-angle shots can capture the lake light, tree shadows, and flowing garments in one frame, fully expressing Zen. Thick down jackets are needed at night, and silhouettes in the morning mist appear ethereal.
2. Inner Mongolia · Ejina Banner (Late September to mid-October)
The poplar forest in the desert is the most magnificent autumn scene, with huge day-night temperature differences producing intensely saturated golden colors. When the wind blows, the leaves ripple like golden waves. It is recommended to wear a modified qipao or horse-face skirt in low-saturation tea brown or dark green to create a contrast with the bright poplars. At the poplars in the water near Erdaoqiao, holding an oil-paper umbrella and standing sideways, using the water reflection for composition, you can shoot a "one tree, one world" Chinese artistic conception. Be sure to protect against sun and sand; the best shooting period is within one week after the frost.
3. Beijing · Great Wall (Mid-October to early November)
In the crisp autumn air, red leaves crowd the winding Great Wall, perfectly blending historical grandeur with autumn splendor. Choose the Mutianyu section for fewer crowds, wearing a Chinese-style stand-collar jacket paired with jeans for a traditional yet practical look for climbing. At the beacon tower, with the mountains dyed in autumn colors as the background, capture the moment of turning to gaze afar; the Great Wall’s silhouette and the garment’s pankou button details complement each other, showing majestic beauty. The afternoon wind is strong; layering a knit vest is recommended for warmth.
(2) Southern Ink-Wash Poetic Line: Leisurely Autumn in Mist and Rain
1. Anhui · Huangshan (Late October to mid-November)
Autumn is the best time to view Huangshan’s sea of clouds, with red leaves dotting the strange pines and rocks, and drifting mist resembling flowing ink paintings. Lock in the window after rain clears, wear a light gray modified Tang suit paired with pearl earrings, and shoot at the Shixin Peak viewing platform, letting the sea of clouds flow over your shoulders. The drape of the fabric and the ethereal mist complement each other. Bring anti-slip hiking shoes and a rain cover for your camera. Side-profile silhouette shots in the morning glow maximize atmosphere.
2. Guizhou · Zhaoxing Dong Village (Mid-October)
Here, autumn is synonymous with the warmth of daily life. The Dong people dry chili peppers and corn under eaves, with the "gilded" blue tiles and distant green mountains forming a unique painting. Wear a new Chinese-style cotton-linen suit in elegant bean green or moon white. At the drying racks in front of the drum tower, hold a bamboo basket as if picking crops, using side light to capture the texture of clothing and the color layers of the harvest. Afternoon often brings "passing cloud rain"; carrying an oil-paper umbrella can both shelter from rain and serve as a prop. Close-ups of raindrops falling on the umbrella add liveliness.
3. Shaanxi · Xi’an Tang Paradise (All October)
The ginkgo trees reflecting on the palace walls hide the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. The lakeside opposite Ziyun Tower is an excellent spot; at 4 p.m., side light and wide-angle shots can capture flying eaves, ginkgo trees, and the shimmering Furong Lake. Rent a chest-high ru skirt or round-collar robe; focus makeup on low buns and reddish-brown lipstick. Smile back leaning on vermilion pillars in the ladies’ pavilion corridor, and use the "moonlight" filter with added grain to instantly become the protagonist of a "Chang’an 30,000 Li" illustration. After nightfall, shoot the lantern street with a large aperture to blur light spots, highlighting the splendid Tang night scene.
3. New Chinese-Style Outfits and Photography Tips
(1) Outfit Formulas
1. Lazy must-have: new Chinese-style suits ready to wear. In autumn, choose soft yet thick fabrics in tea brown or dark green for the most elegant look, paired with Mary Jane shoes and a peace buckle necklace, showing taste in details.
2. Mixing techniques: layer a pankou button shirt over a tight white T-shirt, paired with a long skirt to highlight the waistline and add layers, suitable for switching between work and travel.
3. Scene adaptation: northern autumn scenes are intense, so choose simple items to balance; southern autumn scenes are light, so add embroidery or tassel elements to brighten.
(2) Photography and Travel Tips
1. Light and shadow use: in the north, choose soft light before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.; in the south, use overcast diffuse light to capture delicate textures.
2. Props add points: oil-paper umbrellas, bamboo tea cups, round fans, and other Chinese props enhance the artistic conception and echo natural autumn scenes.
3. Weather contingency: monitor destination weather forecasts; bring warm clothes in the north, portable rain gear in the south, and pay attention to road safety in mountainous areas.
4. Autumn Scenery and Cultural Experiences
Chasing autumn is not just about sightseeing. In Beijing’s hutongs, taste osmanthus aged wine; in Xi’an’s Tang Market, try mirror cakes and gourd chicken; in Zhaoxing Dong Village, participate in pounding glutinous rice cakes, letting taste blend into autumn memories. Learn bamboo basket weaving in Wuyuan’s drying homes, and view murals in Dunhuang’s autumn—where culture and nature collide, deepening the Chinese aesthetic.
The Chinese aesthetic of autumn is the blue and yellow of Kanas Lake, the life and death of the poplar forest, the ancient and modern of the Great Wall, and the interplay of outfits and scenery. Take this guide, let your steps follow autumn’s pace, and write your own autumn poem among mountains and rivers.