Recently, the hashtag "Experiencing the Beauty of Kunming in Early Winter" trended on Weibo, sparking widespread online discussion. In early winter, Kunming turns into a limited-season showcase of romance with its golden ginkgo leaves, fiery red metasequoia, and crystal-clear lakes.

Wenlin Street: A Tree of Gold, A Poem Untold

Currently, the ginkgo trees lining this Ming and Qing dynasty old street are in a unique transitional phase, where green and yellow leaves interweave to create a beautiful gradient. Many citizens and tourists pause beneath the trees, capturing this fleeting “half-yellow, half-green” scene.

2 Photos from Wuwei Travel and Very Wenlin WeChat Official Account

A coffee shop owner on the street remarked, "In previous years, Wenlin Street's ginkgo trees turned completely yellow by early December. The entire street is enveloped in gold, with fallen leaves creating a soft, golden carpet on the ground – it's incredibly magnificent." To welcome the peak viewing period, the Wenlin community is organizing a Ginkgo Lifestyle Festival, scheduled for December.

Cuihu Park: A Poetic Scroll Unfolds

Walking down from Wenlin Street via Senior's Slope brings you to Cuihu (Green Lake) Park. Early winter graces Green Lake with even more poetic charm. The weeping willows along the embankments have shed their deep green, while black-headed gulls glide across the water. Deciduous trees like Celtis tetrandra turn yellow or red, composing an ancient and elegant early winter scene alongside the classical architecture.

2 Photos from Souvenir of Kunming WeChat Official Account

Kunming Botanical Garden: Nature's Upside-Down Palette

The Maple Avenue within the Kunming Botanical Garden is now more than half-covered in red leaves. Over 700 maple trees create a dazzling tapestry of layered colors – red, orange, yellow, and green. Strolling through, you'll find thick layers of fallen leaves underfoot and blazing red maples beside you. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting warm dappled light on the ground, attracting countless photography enthusiasts and visitors. The air within the garden is fresh, with the fragrance of plants and the scent of soil mingling. Taking a deep breath here, you can feel the crisp, refreshing air—it’s the perfect place to escape the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in early winter’s charm.

2 Photos from Kunming Botanical Garden WeChat Official Account

Haihong Wetland Park: An Oil Painting from Monet's Brush

From late November to late December each year, the metasequoia trees in the park shed their emerald green for stunning hues of orange-red and deep red. Their straight trunks stand stoically in the water, creating a breathtaking scene where "trees grow from water, and water flows through forests." Sunlight, filtering through the metasequoia branches, scatters on the water's surface, creating shimmering, picturesque views. Along the banks, reed beds sway gently in the breeze, their fluffy plumes dancing softly, forming a richly colored early winter panorama with the metasequoia forest.

2 Photos from Cultural Tourism Yunnan WeChat Official Account

Cai Lian River: A Serene Secret Within the City

From late September to December each year, the metasequoia trees gradually don their orange-red hues, reflected in the water, creating a natural oil painting-like scene.. Wandering along the riverbanks, you'll be surrounded by vibrantly colored metasequoia, with paths covered in fallen leaves underfoot. The river flows gently, occasionally disturbed by passing wild ducks, creating ripples. Lush green trees flank both sides of the river, complementing the metasequoia forest. Various unnamed wildflowers dot the landscape, adding a touch of brightness to winter.

This early winter, why not gather your family and friends, and venture into these charming streets and parks? Capture the beautiful moments with your lenses and experience the city's unique allure amidst its early winter landscapes. This fleeting romance of early winter is something everyone should savor and cherish.

2 Photos from the Undercover Foodies WeChat Official Account