Hangzhou’s Best Places for Fall Foliage in 2024

There is a particular magic that descends upon Hangzhou as the sweltering summer heat gives way to the crisp, cool air of autumn. The city, long celebrated in poetry and painting, undergoes a breathtaking transformation. The lush greens of its legendary lakes and mountains ignite into a brilliant tapestry of crimson, gold, amber, and bronze. For the discerning traveler, autumn is not just a season in Hangzhou; it is a destination in itself. The fall of 2024 promises to be an especially picturesque period, offering a perfect escape for leaf-peepers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts alike. This is your definitive guide to navigating Hangzhou’s most spectacular fall foliage spots, weaving through timeless classics and uncovering a few contemporary gems.

The Crown Jewel: West Lake's Multicolored Embrace

No visit to Hangzhou in autumn is complete without immersing oneself in the poetic scenery of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lake itself acts as a perfect mirror, doubling the beauty of the fiery colors that line its shores.

Su Causeway & Bai Causeway: A Walk Through a Painting

The causeways are the undisputed stars of the autumn show. Strolling or cycling along the Su Causeway in late November is like walking through a living Chinese landscape painting. The willow trees, still holding onto hints of green, frame the view of towering maple and sweet gum trees that are set ablaze with color. The early morning mist rising from the lake, combined with the golden sunrise, creates a truly ethereal atmosphere. It’s a sensory experience where the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot provides a gentle rhythm to your walk. For photographers, the bridges along the causeway—especially the Dawn-Interrupting Bridge—offer iconic vantage points to capture the perfect reflection of autumn colors on the water.

Solitary Hill Island: An Intimate Encounter with Fall

Accessible by boat or from the northern shore, Solitary Hill offers a more concentrated and intimate foliage experience. The groves of maple trees here are meticulously maintained, and their vibrant red leaves create stunning contrasts against the white walls and black tiles of traditional pavilions. Visit the Zhejiang Provincial Museum located on the hill and find its courtyards dotted with beautifully colored trees, merging history with nature’s spectacle.

The Temple of Serenity: Lingyin Temple Amidst Golden Ginkgos

While Lingyin Temple (Temple of the Soul's Retreat) is a major tourist draw year-round, autumn bestows upon it a unique spiritual gravitas. The journey begins even before you enter the main temple complex. The path leading to the gates is lined with ancient, towering ginkgo trees. In mid to late November, these trees shed their fan-shaped leaves, creating a breathtaking carpet of solid gold on the stone pathways. The sight of the majestic yellow ginkgo leaves against the deep green of the surrounding forest and the intricate carvings of the Feilai Feng grottoes is unforgettable. The temple’s architecture, with its sweeping eaves, provides a perfect frame for the golden canopy above. It’s a place for quiet contemplation, where the rustle of falling leaves seems to whisper ancient secrets.

A Mountain of Fire: The Colorful Ascent of North Peak

For those willing to trade a gentle stroll for a more vigorous hike, the hills surrounding West Lake offer unparalleled panoramic views of the autumn palette. Gem Hill (Baoshi Shan) and, more notably, the North Peak (Beigao Feng) are highly recommended.

The North Peak "Color Corridor"

A hike up the North Peak trail in early November will reward you with what locals call the "Color Corridor." The mixed deciduous forest here includes a variety of maple, smokebush, and oak trees, which turn at different times, creating a long-lasting and multi-hued display. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes. From the summit, you can gaze out over the entire West Lake basin, now looking like a bowl filled with a mosaic of red, orange, and yellow, set against the deep blue of the lake. The cable car ride down offers a less strenuous way to enjoy the same breathtaking vistas, especially beautiful in the soft light of the late afternoon.

Hidden Gems & Modern Twists on a Classic Theme

Beyond the classic itinerary, Hangzhou in 2024 offers several spots that provide a fresh perspective on the autumn tradition.

Xixi National Wetland Park: A Waterborne Foliage Tour

Experience autumn from the water at Xixi National Wetland Park. Instead of walking, you take a traditional wooden boat through the maze of waterways. The reeds turn a beautiful golden-brown, and the waterborne cypress trees and other shoreline foliage reflect perfectly in the calm waters. The quiet, interrupted only by the sound of the boatman's pole dipping into the water, makes for a serene and almost meditative leaf-peeping experience. It’s a fantastic alternative for families or those seeking a less crowded environment.

Longjing Tea Plantations: A Subtle Seasonal Shift

While not known for dramatic colors, the terraced hillsides of the Longjing tea plantations undergo their own subtle autumn transformation. The deep green of the tea bushes is punctuated by the scattered reds of maple trees planted for shade and soil health. Visiting a plantation in the fall, such as the one near Meijiawu Village, allows you to enjoy the serene beauty, taste the newly processed autumn tea, and understand a different, more understated side of Hangzhou’s autumn charm. The air is filled with the delightful aroma of roasting tea leaves, adding an olfactory dimension to your visit.

Hangzhou's City Balcony: An Urban Autumn Vista

For a dramatic contrast of old and new, head to the City Balcony (Chenghi Yangtai) on the north shore of the Qiantang River. From this modern architectural marvel, you can look back across the river towards the rolling hills of the city. On a clear autumn day, the distant mountains appear as a watercolor wash of reds and yellows, beautifully framed by the city’s sleek skyline. It’s a powerful reminder of how Hangzhou seamlessly blends its natural heritage with its dynamic present.

Planning Your 2024 Autumn Pilgrimage

To make the most of your trip, a little strategic planning is essential.

• Peak Timing: The foliage season in Hangzhou is typically at its peak from late October through late November. Higher elevations like the North Peak will turn color earlier, often in late October, while lakeside areas like West Lake hit their stride in mid-November. The ginkgos at Lingyin Temple are usually most golden in the second and third week of November.
• The 2024 "Smart Tourism" Advantage: Leverage technology. In 2024, the Hangzhou tourism bureau’s official app and WeChat mini-programs will feature real-time "Foliage Maps." These digital tools use data from sensors and user reports to show the current color status at major spots, helping you avoid crowds and find the most vibrant locations during your specific visit.
• Culinary Autumn: Your autumn experience isn’t just visual. This is the season for hairy crab, sweet osmanthus, and persimmons. Seek out local dishes like Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Gao) and enjoy a cup of Longjing tea while sitting by the lake. The sweet fragrance of osmanthus flowers, which bloom in autumn, fills the air in many parks, adding another layer to the season’s charm.
• Capturing the Moment: For the best photography, the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and just before sunset—provide the most flattering light. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare from the water and make the colors of the leaves pop. Don’t just focus on the grand vistas; look for details—a single red leaf on a moss-covered stone, the pattern of shadows through a yellow ginkgo canopy.