In winter, Zhongshan whispers poetry as bald cypresses glow in amber and caramel. From parks and villages to riverbanks and lakesides, bald cypresses create a dreamlike Lingnan winter scene. Follow this guide to witness the city's most romantic seasonal moment before it fades.
Jinzhong Lake Park, Dongqu Subdistrict (东区街道金钟湖公园)
Along the lake shores, bald cypresses stand sentinel, their foliage a blend of greenish-yellow, orange-red, and caramel. A stroll here offers picturesque views at every turn.
Zhongshan Arboretum, Dongqu Subdistrict (东区街道中山树木园)
Wander on forest trails, snap photos, or simply slow down as everyday cares melt into a caramel-hued backdrop—a vivid urban oil painting.
Dengdu Ecological Wetland Park, Guzhen Town (古镇镇灯都生态湿地公园)
Here, bald cypresses, wooden plank roads, birds in flight, and the setting sun exist in quiet harmony. At dusk, warm light washes over orange-red foliage against the deepening sky, crafting a truly dreamlike scene.
Yongqian Road & Dachongkou Village, Tanzhou Town (坦洲镇永前路及大冲口)
From Denglong Sluice (灯笼水闸) to Xiguan Canal (西灌渠), the bald cypresses have reached their peak. The golden glow of the setting sun bathes the woods and dyes the water a vibrant orange-red.
Shisanqing Sluice & Luwei Sluice, Banfu Town (板芙镇十三顷水闸及禄围水闸)
The lake mirrors the trees' intertwined hues of caramel, orange-red, and rust-gold. Even a casual snapshot here captures a moment dense with atmosphere.
Qun'an Village, Yu'an Village, Jieyuan Village, and Xinjian Village, Minzhong Subdistrict (民众街道群安村、裕安村、接源村及新建村)
Bald cypresses line the riverbanks, forming a brilliant ribbon of color. Here, you can admire the glowing trees while listening to the gentle murmur of flowing water.
Madafeng Village, Gangkou Town (港口镇马大丰村)
Rows of bald cypresses stand in neat formation along a winding road. Cycling or walking beneath them feels like passing through a tunnel of shimmering light and shadow.
Jinliwan Wetland Park, Sanjiao Town (三角镇金鲤湾湿地公园)
Bald cypresses fringe the riverbank, with plank roads weaving between them. Sunlight filters through the dense needles, casting dappled, dancing patterns on the paths below.
Yat-sen Lake Park, Shiqi Subdistrict (石岐街道逸仙湖公园)
The bald cypresses here display striking color gradients—greens, yellows, and reds mirrored perfectly in the lake—inviting visitors to pause and capture the scene.
Shijiao River banks, Shengshi Village, Shaxi Town (沙溪镇圣狮村狮滘河沿岸)
Bald cypresses stretch for hundreds of meters along both riverbanks. While enjoying their beauty, explore the ancient village and its historic sites, and immerse yourself in the charm of this community shaped by its overseas Chinese heritage.
Tip: Some bald cypresses are only partially red for now. Wait another week or two, and you'll be surrounded by a sea of vibrant colors!
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Wenlv Zhongshan
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
