LOCAL residents in Shenzhen have undoubtedly started to sense the arrival of autumn, one of the most comfortable periods of the year in the city, even though midday temperatures still hover around 30 degrees Celsius. Located in a subtropical region, the typical autumn scenery characterized by golden and red leaves starting to fall off trees is absent in Shenzhen. Instead, the city has been known for its blooming flowers all year round, with different varieties in full swing each month. Recently, Shenzhen has been embracing the colors of its autumn season, visible in both public parks and along street-side green belts throughout the city. So grab your cameras and join us in capturing the unique autumn of Shenzhen! Silk floss trees Ceiba speciosa, commonly known as silk floss trees, are currently presenting a stunning floral display in Shenzhen that usually lasts from October to December. When in bloom, the large, pinkish purple, five-petaled flowers are grown in small clusters, easily catching the attention of residents. Silk floss trees are widely planted in South China, and can be found in many public parks across Shenzhen, such as Lianhua Hill Park, Shenzhen Bay Park, Donghu Park, Bijia Hill Park, Huanggang Park and the Shenzhen International Garden and Flower Expo Park. Some road sections, such as Yongshun Street along the Guanlan River in Longhua District and Yonghe Road in Bao’an District, are also lined with silk floss trees, making them popular spots for viewing the flowers during the fall season. Of course, you don’t have to go out of your way to admire the silk floss flowers; a simple stroll through your neighborhood might reveal beautiful flowers overhead. Bougainvillea The bougainvillea, recognized as the city flower of Shenzhen, comes in various colors including red, purple, pale purple, orange-yellow, pink, and white. Its peak blooming seasons occur in March-April, July-August, and October-November. The 2024 Shenzhen Bougainvillea Flower Exhibition will kick off Saturday (Nov. 9), and run through Nov. 17, with the main venue at Lianhua Hill Park in Futian District. The exhibition will also feature subvenues at the Bougainvillea Valley Park in Bao’an District and the Central Park in Pingshan District. Notably, the parking lot entrance of Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Garden is renowned for its several layers of bougainvillea that create a stunning sea of flowers. The vibrant blossoms climb along the branches, and are closely packed together, creating a romantic and spectacular scene. From a distance, the entire parking lot resembles a cruise beautifully adorned with a floral display. Gazania flowers Guanlan Printmaking Village in Longhua District is renowned for an expansive field of Gazania flowers, which are now in full bloom. Currently, white, pink and red Gazania flowers create a vibrant sea of colors, set against a picturesque backdrop of the watchtower and the ancient village. The flower field, not enclosed by fences, has designated pathways for visitors to walk through. In the vicinity, there are many transformed printmaking workshops where exquisite prints can be seen, radiating an artistic atmosphere. Nearby, there is also a printmaking museum, so don’t miss out if you enjoy exhibitions or have an interest in printmaking. Pink hair grass The fall season is the blooming period for pink muhly grass, also known as pink hair grass. This clump-forming perennial grass is renowned for its attractive summer foliage and spectacular clouds of flowers in the fall. Currently it’s the best viewing time for pink hair grass in Shenzhen. The light before 9 a.m. is softer and the colors are most saturated, creating a more picturesque pink effect. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the warm yellow light adds a dreamy and beautiful quality to the scenery. The Hetang Wetland Park in Nan’ao, Dapeng New Area, Moshanghua Park and Shiyan Wetland Park in Bao’an District, as well as the Honghuashan Park in Guangming District are some of the best destinations for viewing pink hair grass. Greenstem forsythia Since October, greenstem forsythia has started to bloom, bursting forth on the branches and emitting a subtle fragrance. Strings of golden bells gently sway in the breeze, like playing the melody of autumn. Currently, about 200 greenstem Forsythia trees and shrubs are planted in Shenzhen Bay Park, primarily found in areas such as the Beiwan Egret Harbor, Torch Tower Square, Sunrise Theater, Tidal Wetland, and the Coastal Viewing Deck. Other recommended viewing locations include the Mengyuan Garden of Shenzhen International Garden and Flower Expo Park in Nanshan District, Lianhua Hill Park in Futian District, and Qingshui River Railway Park in Luohu District. (Wei Jie) | 