Rush to Nanjing in November to enjoy the autumn! 18 hidden photo spots + pitfall avoidance guide, breathtakingly beautiful

Only at the end of autumn do you understand Nanjing's romance! From November to December, Jinling is dyed in a clash of red and yellow, with falling phoenix trees, golden ginkgo, and red maple leaves. This autumn trip is worth making a thousand times～ We've compiled tested photo spots that won't let you down, even beginners can shoot stunning photos!📸 📍 Must-visit autumn photo spots (with shooting tips) 1. Music Stage｜Doves dancing with autumn sunshine When flocks of pigeons circle over golden phoenix trees, Nanjing’s autumn BGM instantly plays!🕊️ ✅ Shooting Tips: Be sure to go in the morning! Pigeons are hungry and easy to fly in the early morning; after lunch, they get lazy. Backlit shots of pigeons flying create a great atmosphere. 2. Meiling Palace｜Jinling’s exclusive “gem necklace” Hidden in Zhongshan’s romance, aerial views show the phoenix tree avenue surrounding Meiling Palace, resembling a sapphire necklace studded with diamonds💎 ✅ Shooting Tips: The sunlight in the early morning or evening is perfect, giving the phoenix trees a warm golden glow. Paired with Republic of China architecture, every shot looks vintage. It’s more cost-effective to buy a combined ticket with the Music Stage. 3. Phoenix Tree Avenue｜Golden tunnel paved with fallen leaves “A phrase for phoenix tree beauty, planted all over Nanjing city.” Morning autumn light shines on the phoenix leaves, and falling leaves drift in the wind, creating a full atmosphere🍂 ✅ Shooting Tips: Go early when it’s quiet. Wear light-colored clothes or Hanfu for photos. Walking through piles of fallen leaves feels like stepping into a Republic of China movie scene. 4. Liangzhou at Xuanwu Lake｜Lake light and autumn colors in harmony The lake hides Nanjing’s gentleness, with trees on the shore dyed in autumn colors reflecting on the calm water. Every shot is poetic📸 ✅ Shooting Tips: If you have time, walk along the lake. When tired, take the sightseeing bus. At dusk, watch the sunset on the lake; the shimmering waves are very healing. 5. Six Dynasties Museum｜Autumn scenes inside and outside the window The “Window of Nanjing” on the third floor is definitely a hidden gem! Looking through the rustic window lattice at the autumn street scene, the blend of ancient and modern beauty is stunning✨ ✅ Shooting Tips: Keep quiet inside the museum🤫. Visit on a sunny day; light through the window falls on the wall, creating rich layers of light and shadow. 6. Laomendong｜Chinese tallow trees reflecting ancient alleys In the Ming and Qing dynasty alleys with white walls and black tiles, Chinese tallow trees show red, orange, yellow, and green, like a flowing Chinese painting🎨 ✅ Shooting Tips: Afternoon light is soft. Shoot the Chinese tallow trees at alley corners, paired with moss on the walls and red lanterns, full of ancient charm. 7. Yihe Road｜The chill vibe of Citywalk Autumn on Yihe Road is so chill! Ginkgo and phoenix trees staggered beside old Republic of China houses, fallen leaves covering the bluestone path🍂 ✅ Shooting Tips: Avoid daytime crowds. It’s more atmospheric after lights come on at night, with warm yellow light reflecting on the leaves. Perfect for walking and photography. 8. Pilu Temple｜Ancient temple with strong ginkgo Zen vibe The ancient temple’s red walls paired with golden ginkgo create a comfortable Chinese aesthetic zone!🍁 ✅ Shooting Tips: Shoot Pilu Buddha in the afternoon with front light. The ginkgo leaf shadows fall on the red walls, perfectly blending Zen and autumn vibes. Few people and very peaceful, great for photos. 9. Yanque Lake｜Oil painting-like bald cypress forest Bald cypress changes from green to deep red, reflected in the lake like a spilled palette🎨 ✅ Shooting Tips: It’s hard to shoot wide scenes with crowds. Try close-ups of branches or water reflections. Enter from Gate 3, turn right; the spot near the small bridge is best for photos. 10. Linggu Temple｜A hidden autumn secret spot A quiet place at the foot of Zhongshan, Chinese tallow, ginkgo, and red maple compete in beauty. Few people, beautiful scenery, not crowded🍁 ✅ Shooting Tips: The millennium-old ginkgo in front of the Wuliang Hall is stunning, with fallen leaves covering the ground. Pair with ancient buildings for full atmosphere. Very close to Liuhui Pavilion, can visit on the way. 11. Nanjing Botanical Garden｜Autumn charm of the plant kingdom The garden has rich vegetation, with red maple hill’s leaves and golden ginkgo avenue leaves rivaling the rare plants inside🌿 ✅ Shooting Tips: Buy a combined ticket for the north and south gardens for better value. Morning light is soft, suitable for portraits and plant close-ups. The panoramic view of red maple hill is spectacular. 12. Qianhu｜A little-known fairyland with mist over the autumn lake A hidden gem in Nanjing, if lucky in the early morning you can see mist like a thin veil, paired with city walls and autumn woods, like a fairyland🌫️ ✅ Shooting Tips: The spot is at the Qianhu gap in the Nanjing city wall. Go early to secure a place. Shoot backlit autumn woods in the mist for a dreamy effect. 13. Liuhui Pavilion｜Quiet autumn scene missed by 80% of tourists A hidden gem in Zhongshan Scenic Area, clear lake water, autumn trees around the shore, pavilions reflected in the water, peaceful and beautiful🏞️ ✅ Shooting Tips: Not far from Linggu Temple. After visiting Linggu Temple, head here. Sit in the pavilion in the afternoon, watch the shimmering lake, relaxing and photogenic. 🍜 Must-try autumn foods (local recommendations) Tired from sightseeing? Unlock Jinling’s autumn exclusive delicacies! - Osmanthus sugar taro shoots: sweet, glutinous, and fragrant, warm and perfect for autumn🌰 - Duck oil crispy biscuit: crispy outside, savory, perfect with hot tea - Plum blossom cake: sweet but not greasy, filled with rich filling, found everywhere on the streets - Beef potstickers: golden and crispy, juicy, great with vinegar to cut the grease - Osmanthus rice wine: autumn exclusive sweet drink, wine aroma mixed with osmanthus fragrance, refreshing and relieving fatigue 📝 Practical tips - Best viewing period: Early November to early December, red maple, ginkgo, and phoenix trees all in one frame, miss it and wait a year! - Transportation advice: Metro Line 2 reaches Zhongshan Scenic Area. Use ride-hailing between spots for flexibility and saving money - Dressing advice: Wear warm jackets + comfortable sneakers, bring scarves, hats, and other accessories for warmth and photogenic looks - Pitfall reminder: Qixia Mountain Red Maple Festival is crowded on weekends, better to visit on weekdays; some spots require advance booking, plan ahead