The Zhejiang Forestry Bureau has joined hands with the local media to select the coastal province's most picturesque spots. In June, the spring-and-summer seasonal spots were revealed, and selection is now underway for autumn and winter.
The bureau has shortlisted 52 places and divided them into five categories: ginkgo trees and osmanthus flowers, flower sea parks, colorful forests, plum blossoms and beautiful landscapes. The result will be announced at the end of this month.
Shanghai Daily checked out the impressive shortlist and selected five favorites from the list of attractions.
Xiazhu Lake Wetland 下渚湖湿地
Xiazhu Lake is surrounded by 600 islets featuring rare wildlife species, such as the crested ibis, a species on the verge of extinction in China. As one of the largest wetlands in southern China, it is also home to over 500 varieties of plants, especially aquatic vegetation.
Some of the islets have been developed for the sole purpose of tourism. More than 1,000 watercourses crisscross the wetland and boat rides are available for visitors to explore. Following a stunning water route, surrounded by a variety of birds and waving reeds, you feel as if you've just entered an ink-wash painting. The idyllic scenery is that beautiful.
Meanwhile, the islands have teahouses and bird observatories, allowing tourists to rest at this idyllic wildlife heaven and observe the animals much closer. Fishermen from the nearby villages still rely on the wetland's natural resources for their livelihoods. And family-run restaurants provide freshwater fish caught by the fisherman from around the wetland.
How to get there: G25 Expressway — get off
at Deqing Exit
Yangjia Village 杨家村
The hundreds of shutterbugs visiting the village to take pictures of the golden ginkgo trees bears testimony to its overwhelming popularity. In late November and early December tourists can enjoy the yellow scenery, walk on sun-dappled paths and feel the comforting scrunch from the leaves beneath their feet.
The village is located at the intersection of Fuyang, Lin'an and Tonglu, and boasts hundreds of gingko trees. The trees, which extend several kilometers in length, has created a pastoral scene with numerous shades of yellow hue.
The village is composed of many smaller hamlets where the trees grow naturally between farmers' habitat. Most of them were planted over 100 years ago. House roofs and slab-paved roads are covered with fallen leaves and add to the serenity of the village.
