On an autumn weekend, West Lake is like an overturned palette of colors, revealing the gentlest side of Jiangnan. Compared to the hustle and bustle of midsummer, the lake and mountains at this time possess a greater sense of tranquility and depth, worthy of slow appreciation.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the western route of West Lake is an excellent choice. Yanggong Causeway is most pleasant in the early morning; the sycamore leaves turn yellow and fall, rustling underfoot, while the dawn redwoods on both sides gradually turn red, their reflections on the lake creating a misty, oil painting-like scene. Turning into the secluded Turtle Pool, the tallow tree leaves are even more vibrant than the red maples, egrets skim the water, and the sound of reed flutes adds to the serene beauty.
The autumn colors at Flower Harbor Park are incredibly layered: sycamores at the top, red maples in the middle, and red berries of nandina at the bottom, all arranged in a staggered pattern. From the lakeside promenade, you can frame the scene of Leifeng Pagoda and the boats dancing together, while the fragrance of osmanthus wafts through the air, refreshing and delightful. In the afternoon, a visit to Yuhu Bay reveals a mirror-like surface, reflecting the colorful forests and pavilions, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Monet painting.
Even the taste buds are imbued with autumn's charm. Lou Wai Lou's sweet lotus root with osmanthus blossoms is soft, chewy, and fragrant; street vendors offer roasted sweet potatoes with ginger tea to warm your hands and heart; and buying a jar of osmanthus honey allows you to bring the sweetness of West Lake home.
The only downside is the crowds at popular weekend spots; early arrivals are recommended to catch the first rays of sunlight. But when the autumn sun filters through the maple leaves and falls on your shoulders, and the fragrance of osmanthus drifts across the lake on the evening breeze, you'll understand why it's said, "Paradise on earth is nothing more than an autumn scene at West Lake."