**Autumn Stroll in Wenzhou: A Poetic Tale of Jiangnan**
> Ginkgo leaves gleam gold, rice paddies ripple like waves—autumn in this mountain and sea town holds countless surprises!
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### **I. Trip Highlights: A Feast for the Eyes and Tastes**
**1. Golden Terraces and Poetic Wetlands**
- **Ming'ao Terraces:** In autumn, the terraces resemble a palette of colors, with rolling rice paddies and the fragrance of ripening rice carried on the wind. Standing on the viewing platform, I looked down and saw farmers harvesting amidst layers of golden rice, creating a scene like an oil painting—every snapshot a masterpiece.
- **Sanyang Wetlands:** A leisurely boat ride through this Jiangnan water town, reed beds ripple gently in the autumn breeze, and occasionally egrets skim the surface. The boatman, rowing, chuckled, "The water chestnuts here are at their fattest and most delicious in autumn!" I personally scooped up some dark brown water chestnuts from the wetlands—sweet and refreshing.
**2. Ancient Street Scenery and Golden Ginkgo Leaves**
**Wuma Historical and Cultural Street**: The thousand-year-old street awakens in the autumn night lights, the steam from Changren Wonton mingling with the aroma of the old Xiangshan Pharmacy. I stroll along the cobblestone path, holding a bowl of lantern-shaped rice cake; the crispy outer layer encasing shredded radish is like biting into the entirety of Wenzhou's autumn.
**Jiangxin Island**: For 30 yuan, take a boat to the island. The East and West Twin Pagodas are nestled among the golden ginkgo leaves. Sitting by the window of a Song Street teahouse, watching the falling leaves like golden rain, I seem to hear Xie Lingyun's landscape poems echoing in the wind.
**3. Autumn Flower Romance and Mountain and Sea Wonders**
**Pink Muhly Grass Sea**: The pink clouds at the Yueqing Beitang Modern Agricultural Sightseeing Park are unrealistically beautiful under the setting sun. I run into the sea of flowers in a white dress, and the moment captured by the camera feels like stepping into a fairy tale. - **Yandang Mountain Gesang Flowers:** Outside the Lingfeng Scenic Area, gesang flowers bloom profusely in the mountain streams, creating an autumnal rhapsody with the Danxia peaks. Hiking to the waterfall, the mist mingles with the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms – this is the true essence of autumn!
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### **II. 3-Day 2-Night Personally Tested Itinerary (A Blend of Nature and Culture)**
**Day 1: Urban Autumn Charm & Ancient Street Scenery**
- **Morning:** Enjoy the ginkgo trees on Jiangxin Island, explore the ancient pagoda on Song Street, and read poetry at Xie Gong Pavilion while gazing into the distance.
- **Afternoon:** Stroll through time-honored shops on Wuma Street, sample lantern cakes and fish ball soup, and listen to an impromptu Ouju opera performance under the city gate of the watchtower.
- **Evening:** Take a night cruise on the Nantang River in a painted boat, watching a water screen projection depicting the thousand-year-old legend of Ouyue.
**Day 2: Idyllic Scenery & Golden Fairytale**
- **Morning:** Drive to Ming'ao Rice Terraces to photograph the bountiful harvest; stop by a **Rice Paddy Cafe** to enjoy a latte and admire the golden rice fields.
- **Afternoon:** Boat trip and water chestnut harvesting at Sanyang Wetland; capture sunset silhouettes in the reed marshes along the West Ring Road.
- **Evening:** Stay overnight at a guesthouse on Qidu Island; stroll along the island's greenway and count the stars.
**Day 3: Mountain and Sea Encounter & Autumn Flower Feast**
- **Morning:** Admire the pink muhly grass at Beitang in Yueqing; in the afternoon, view the sea of cosmos flowers and visit the Waterfall Temple at Yandang Mountain.
- **Before Return:** Enjoy a limited-edition autumn dish at a farmhouse selling Huaixi Muscovy duck; the duck meat is firm, and the broth is rich and flavorful.
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### **III. Food Recommendations: A Fulfilling Autumn Treat**
**1. Must-Try Autumn Delicacies**
- **Shrimp and Swimming Crab**: Fresh river crabs at their peak release a burst of sweetness, their roe a testament to nature's bounty.
- **Huaixi Muscovy Duck**: Duck meat stewed in Shaoxing wine warms the stomach and heart; paired with a bowl of glutinous rice, it's the local ritual for gaining weight.
- **Longan and Egg**: Enjoy a bowl at an old alleyway snack shop; the runny yolk wrapped in the sweet aroma of longan instantly dispels the autumn chill.
**2. Snack Guide**
- **Jiushan Rice Balls**: Queue up early in the morning for the premium version; the crispy fried dough sticks and salted egg yolk explode with satisfaction in the glutinous rice.
- **Fish Ball Noodles**: The bouncy fish balls at Shuanglianqiao Fish Ball Shop, served in a peppery broth, are irresistible.
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### **IV. Practical Tips (Tested by Myself)**
1. **Best Time to Visit**: **Late October - November**, when the rice harvest is not yet complete, ginkgo leaves are turning golden, and osmanthus blossoms fill the air with fragrance.
2. **Transportation**: 1.5 hours by high-speed rail from Hangzhou. Driving between attractions is recommended (renting an electric scooter on Qidu Island is even more enjoyable).
3. **Accommodation**: Hotels around Wuma Street offer convenient access to shopping and dining. Guesthouses on Qidu Island offer tranquil autumn nights.
4. **Hidden Activities**:
- Arrive at Jiangxin Island at 8 am; the twin pagodas in the morning mist resemble an ink painting.
- Enjoy a cup of osmanthus latte at "Liwu Cafe" in Sanyang Wetland and watch the sunset sink into the reeds.
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### **V. Why Come to Wenzhou for Autumn?**
- **Best Value for Money**: Free terraced fields, wetlands, and affordable ancient streets; 3 days to explore for around 500 RMB per person.
- **Less Crowded, Off-the-Beaten-Path:** Compared to Suzhou and Hangzhou, this area retains its original agricultural civilization and rustic charm, offering a tranquil escape in the early morning with panoramic views of the rice paddies.
- **Cultural Immersion:** From Xie Lingyun's landscape poems to the birthplace of Southern Opera, every scenic spot is underpinned by a thousand-year-old story.
> "As the autumn wind whispers secrets, I unwrapped a love letter in Wenzhou, written by waves of rice, ginkgo leaves, and crab roe."
**Interactive Guide:** We'll randomly select 3 people from the comments section to receive a "Wenzhou Autumn Scenery Handbook"!
**Posting Notes:** Suggested photos: Ming'ao Terraced Fields harvest, Jiangxin Island ginkgo rain, pink muhly grass sea portraits, Huaixi duck hot soup. #PlacesYourWeChatFriendsAreAskedAbout #CityCultureNotes #StunningExhibitionsForPhotography #LayingDownWithKidsTips #CouplesTravel