Published : 2025-10-15
As autumn arrives, you needn't travel far to see stunning red leaves—Jinan’s Red Leaf Valley in Shandong offers just that.
Planted with over a million trees including maples and smoke trees, the valley transforms into a vivid tapestry of red, set against classic architecture for a truly enchanting scene.
Over 400 species of red-leaved plants planted
Nestled in the southern mountainous area of Jinan, the Red Leaf Valley Eco-Cultural Tourism Zone spans over 4,000 acres.
The park boasts a remarkable diversity of plant species, including Amur cork trees, Japanese maples, wisteria, and more than 400 other varieties, with trees numbering in the millions. True to its name, it is a suburban scenic destination centred around ecological and cultural appreciation.
Among the many trees, the smoke tree is Red Leaf Valley's unique ornamental tree species. From an aerial view, the entire park, with its more than 10 winding and steep valleys and mountain paths, is completely covered with smoke trees.
In late autumn, the layered forests are dyed in different colours, including deep red, reddish-brown, golden yellow, and light green. From a distance, they look like tie-dyed ribbons, forming the unique natural landscape of Red Leaf Valley.
As November begins, it is the peak season for red leaves again. If you're planning an autumn mountain-climbing trip, Red Leaf Valley is the perfect choice.
Upon entering the scenic area, you can choose to climb a small hill to overlook the nearby landscape of mountains and water, or ascend the Wanye Pagoda to lean on the railings and enjoy the sight of a thousand mountains turned red.
Read more: China's vibrant water forests: A picturesque autumn escape
Go boating on Xuanqiu Lake in Red Leaf Valley
For friends who enjoy boating on a lake to admire the red leaves, you might as well have the experience at Xuanqiu Lake (絢秋湖) in Red Leaf Valley.
Whenever autumn arrives, the mirror-like surface of Xuanqiu Lake reflects the beautiful scenery of the red leaves covering the mountains.
Under the sunlight, the lake's surface glitters, and the reflection of the red leaves and green mountains appears even more splendid and colourful, like a kaleidoscope, full of poetic and picturesque charm.
You can row a small boat with your friends, have a cup of tea, and comfortably feel the atmosphere of late autumn. The scenery before you are like a dynamic scroll painting; it seems that with every blink, the overwhelmingly beautiful view changes quietly.
Wanye Pagoda: Take in the full charm of Red Leaf Valley
If you want to see the vast Red Leaf Valley at a glance, you must ascend the Wanye Pagoda (萬葉塔).
The Wanye Pagoda in Red Leaf Valley is 7 storeys high and features a traditional hexagonal shape with flying eaves and a pointed roof. With just a little effort to climb the Wanye Pagoda, you will be able to take in the full view of this stunningly beautiful red leaf scenery.
With such beautiful scenery before you, why not pose for a few photos to turn into the most meaningful postcards for your friends or post them on your circle of friends to share this charming scenery with friends and family who are far away.
Xingjiao Temple: Savour the charm of classical architecture
When you come to Red Leaves Valley, another must-see is the Xingjiao Temple (興教寺) near the Wanye Pagoda.
Xingjiao Temple is one of the oldest temples in Shandong, first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Visitors can experience the temple's tranquillity and historical charm.
Take a close look at the stone carvings on the walls of Xingjiao Temple and the stone statues at the entrance; each one seems to tell a story from hundreds or even thousands of years ago.
In Xingjiao Temple, there is also a spring called "Shengshui Spring". Its water source comes from the natural cliffs on the mountain.
The spring water flows out from the crevices in the rock face, gathering to form a pool. It never dries up all year round. It is so magical, no wonder it has become one of the "New 72 Famous Springs of Jinan".
The autumn leaves wait for no one; have you got your backpack and camera ready?
The next time you travel to Jinan, Shandong, remember to 'mark down' Red Leaves Valley in your itinerary and capture the most magnificent red leaf scenery in your photos and memories.
Read more: Discover 3 stunning poplar forests in China
