Qixia Mountain Autumn Maples

Qixia Mountain lies in Qixia District on the northeastern edge of Nanjing, Jiangsu province, and is famous for its autumn foliage. The scenic area is centred on Qixia Temple, one of the region's historic Buddhist sites, and includes the Thousand Buddha Cliff with carved niches and an old stone pagoda. In autumn the slopes are covered in red maples and other trees whose colours contrast with the temple's yellow walls and the grey stone pagoda. The main frames are the temple courtyard and gate with red foliage in the foreground, the stone pagoda framed by leaves, and the wooded paths climbing the hillside where sun filters through the canopy. The site faces broadly south and east, so morning light at opening, about 08:00, strikes the slopes from the side and backlights the leaves, producing the glowing effect photographers seek; by midday the light is flatter, and late afternoon shadows fall early behind the hills. The colour season is usually late October to mid November, though timing varies with temperature and a warm autumn can delay the peak. Overcast days give saturated colour, while bright sun benefits from a polarising filter to cut glare on the leaves. The mountain is very crowded during peak foliage weekends and holidays, when paths and the temple courtyard fill with visitors, so arriving at opening and shooting on weekdays is far easier. Tripods are usually tolerated on open paths but not in crowded temple areas, and temple interiors have photography restrictions. An entry fee applies to the scenic area, with extra charges for some sites, which visitors can confirm at the ticket office. Drones are restricted in Nanjing and around temples. Restrooms and refreshment stalls are located near the entrance and temple.