"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness/Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun/Conspiring with him how to load and bless/With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run."—To Autumn, John Keats. 

Autumn, the season of harvest, is the most colorful season of the year, with the golden paddy fields, the mellow fruits, and the leaves turning from fresh green to warm yellow or red, creating sceneries of a unique charm which is different from other seasons.

It is also the season when the summer heat fades away and the chilly winter is yet to come, so what would be better than go and find somewhere you can feast your eyes on the beautiful autumn scenery? 

Here are five places in Ningbo which are recommended to visit to make the most of the wonderful colors that autumn brings.

1. Golden paddy field in Xifan village

[Photo/ WeChat account: gotoningbo]

Xifan village in Dayan town, Fenghua district, is a typical agricultural village where nearly each household relies on farming. With a high altitude and mild temperatures, the village enjoys high yields of good-quality rice every year.

The vast land of paddy fields turns gold in autumn, as if dressing the village in a golden suit, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the glow of the sun and the gentle breeze will add to the charm of the rippling field. 

Address: Xifan village, Dayan town, Fenghua district, Ningbo

How to get there: Metro Line 2 to Lishe Station—Bus 181 to Fenghua West Bus Stop—Bus Fenghua 501 to Dayan Bus Stop—Walk about 3.6 kilometers to the village (or take a taxi).

2. Redwoods in the Siming Lake

[Photo/ WeChat account: gotoningbo] 

Siming Lake in the ancient cultural town of Liangnong in Yuyao, Ningbo, is famous for its vast area of redwoods, which are known as "the most beautiful redwoods in Zhejiang" and attract numerous photography enthusiasts and visitors every year.

Tall and multi-colored redwood trees stand erect against the clear blue sky, with shadows reflected in the water and several fallen leaves glowing in the sun, making the place look like a picturesque fairyland.

Sometimes when a small boat moves through the woods, you will see numerous startled egrets flying up to the sky.

Address: Siming Lake, Liangnong town, Yuyao, Ningbo

How to get there: Bus Yuyao 403 to Xifengqiao Stop—Bus Yuyao 503 to Liangnong Stop—Bus Yuyao 620 to Xiaodong Stop—walk 1.6 kilometers to Siming Lake.