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October 19, 2016

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Delightful colors and the scents of autumn

By Wu Huixin | October 19, 2016, Wednesday | Print Edition

AUTUMN around Hangzhou is known for its kaleidoscope of colors. Gingko, maple, sunflowers, persimmon fruit and phoenix trees paint the hills a mix of yellow, orange, red and gold. The sight of the colorful leaves against a clear blue sky is one of autumn’s great charms in Zhejiang Province.

This beautiful combination of colors only lasts a couple of weeks or so. Shanghai Daily explores four places where people can take a stroll down sun-dappled paths.

Shilin Village

Autumn is the best time to savor persimmon. This fruit usually grows in northern China, but can also be found in Zhejiang Province. Shilin Village in Ningbo is noted for yummy persimmons that taste soft and mellow.

The village is situated in Danshan Chishui Scenic Area, and is surrounded by mountains and covered with lush vegetation.

Shilin is a traditional ancient village, where there are many antique buildings dating to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Today, villagers surnamed Shen still dominate the place. According to historical documents, they are offspring of the imperial family of Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-476 BC).

However, what attract sightseers most are not the historic architecture, but the red succulent persimmons in autumn. They hang from trees and look like small lanterns, adding a poetic ambience to the tranquil village.

Locals pick them from trees and sell them from roadside stalls, offering visitors the chance to savor an authentic autumn flavor. Still hungry? Family-run eateries offer low-price but savory local cuisine.

How to get there: G92 Expressway—213 Provincial Road—Yuyao Hutong exit

Dipu Village

The town is based along the border of Fuyang and Tonglu counties. Its history dates back hundreds of years, started by the Shentu family that lived there during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

The town still looks like a remnant from the past, with its antique bridges, temple, ancestral halls and other architectural structures with their carved beams and painted rafters.

To some extent, Dipu’s buildings represent traditional Hui-style architectures, but some parts also symbolize classical Chinese wood carving techniques by virtue of the sophisticated sculptures on beams, rafters, eaves and furniture. Their interior wooden decoration is based on mythical creatures and auspicious patterns.

Every autumn, the village is covered with vibrant yellow sunflowers that emit a feeling of hope and vigor. Tourists flock to Dipu to enjoy such early autumn vistas.

Since so many people come to village to see the sunflowers, villagers are setting up “happy farmhouses,” that provide simple food and accommodation. Visitors can also pick their own fruit and vegetables, and even cook it themselves in village-style kitchen stoves.

How to get there: G25 Expressway­—Shen’ao exit

Zhinan Village

Zhinan Village’s history might date to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), excavated artifacts suggest. The whole village is built upon green hills and surrounded by clear water. It is popular with professional photographers seeking to capture the splendid autumn views.

In October, fiery maple and gingko leaves inflame its streets, slopes and house roofs.

The best views are at the village’s high point, where the red and golden leaves stretch far into the distance.

Gingko trees grow slowly. They are known as “grandpa and grandson trees” in China because a man may plant the tree while young, but will only see it bear fruit when he is old enough to have a grandchild.

The village boasts hundreds of gingko trees that together create a magnificent scene. In addition, its terraced fields are also an attraction for the photographers.

While many local villagers have opened restaurants aimed at tourists, some visitors may be disappointed with its hotels and lodgings. Overnight travelers may be better served by booking a hotel in the scenic Taihuyuan area. This area boasts waterfalls, creeks and lots of ancient trees, as well as camping facilities for the more adventurous. It is about a 30-minute drive from the village.

How to get there: G56 Expressway—205 Provincial Road—Lin’an exit

Guihua Village

About 100 years ago, a monk from Lingyin Temple gave a pack of seeds to an old villager, who sowed them in his backyard and carefully cultivated them. During the past century, the trees gradually spread over the village — and utterly changed the inhabitants’ lives.

About 10 years ago, locals started to develop tourism. Government subsidized villagers who planted osmanthus trees and encouraged them to continue protecting the osmanthus resources.

Today, there are more than 15,000 osmanthus trees in the village, which turn the small place into a gigantic perfume bottle every autumn. This aromatic village lures tourists from Hangzhou and neighboring Shanghai due to its convenient location at the junction of Yuhang District and Tongxiang County.

Osmanthus flowers are used to produce snacks. The most popular variety is osmanthus cake, which is made of glutinous rice, sugar and dried osmanthus flowers.

How to get there: S2 Expressway—Chang’an exit

Hangzhou


 

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