Whiff in the air: nature’s perfume heralds autumn(2)

The significance of osmanthus in Chinese cultures goes beyond mere fragrance. The plant is also used in Chinese cooking and in herbal remedies.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that osmanthus flowers, fruits and roots can be ground into remedies to treat stomach pains, irregular menstrual periods and rheumatism.

The osmanthus flower is also used to make wine, tea and desserts.

Osmanthus cakes are a popular favorite in Shanghai. The cakes have a light sweetness and a strong osmanthus flavor. The New Green Beauty World Restaurant is said to make the best osmanthus cakes in Shanghai. Its cakes follow one rule: They stick on the plate, stick on the chopsticks but never stick on the teeth.

On Qibao Old Street in Minhang, there are several snack shops selling osmanthus cakes. They might not be quite as famous as the New Green Beauty World cakes, but the local versions are still very tasty.

Yipin Fanggao Cake Special is one of the most popular shops on the street selling the cakes. They come in two varieties: one in the traditional recipe and one with a sweet bean paste filling.

Osmanthus wine, a specialty of the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, is sold in Shanghai but not considered a favorite tipple. The wine has a sweet and sour taste. It is fermented from wild grapes and flavored with osmanthus. It is often called a "lady's wine" because of its lightness and reputation for maintaining beauty.

Where to enjoy osmanthus outside Minhang

The Shanghai Botanic Garden

Osmanthus is a highlight of the annual autumn flower exhibition. Its fragrance complements the blaze of bright autumn flowers and trees turning color.

Address: 1111 Longwu Rd, Xuhui District

Daguanyuan Garden

The garden takes its design from the ancient Chinese classic novel "Dream of the Red Chamber." Osmanthus trees are everywhere in the garden.

Address: 900 Jinshang Highway, Qingpu District

Guilin Park

The park was once a private villa and the garden of a notorious gang leader in Shanghai Huang Jinrong. More than 1,000 osmanthus trees are planted in the park, and osmanthus green tea is available there year round.

Address: 128 Guilin Rd, Xuhui District

Oriental Land

This popular camping and barbeque site has one of the biggest osmanthus groves in Shanghai, stretching for 3.5 kilometers. Unlike other gardens or parks, visitors can inhale the perfume of osmanthus while enjoying water sports and other outdoor recreation.

Adress: 6888 Huqingping Highway, Qingpu District