Zhinan Village

Zhinan Village's history might date to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), excavated artifacts suggest. The whole village is built upon green hills and surrounded by clear water. It is popular with professional photographers seeking to capture the splendid autumn views.

In October, fiery maple and gingko leaves inflame its streets, slopes and house roofs.

The best views are at the village's high point, where the red and golden leaves stretch far into the distance.

Gingko trees grow slowly. They are known as "grandpa and grandson trees" in China because a man may plant the tree while young, but will only see it bear fruit when he is old enough to have a grandchild.

The village boasts hundreds of gingko trees that together create a magnificent scene. In addition, its terraced fields are also an attraction for the photographers.

While many local villagers have opened restaurants aimed at tourists, some visitors may be disappointed with its hotels and lodgings. Overnight travelers may be better served by booking a hotel in the scenic Taihuyuan area. This area boasts waterfalls, creeks and lots of ancient trees, as well as camping facilities for the more adventurous. It is about a 30-minute drive from the village.

How to get there: G56 Expressway—205 Provincial Road—Lin'an exit

Guihua Village

About 100 years ago, a monk from Lingyin Temple gave a pack of seeds to an old villager, who sowed them in his backyard and carefully cultivated them. During the past century, the trees gradually spread over the village — and utterly changed the inhabitants' lives.

About 10 years ago, locals started to develop tourism. Government subsidized villagers who planted osmanthus trees and encouraged them to continue protecting the osmanthus resources.

Today, there are more than 15,000 osmanthus trees in the village, which turn the small place into a gigantic perfume bottle every autumn. This aromatic village lures tourists from Hangzhou and neighboring Shanghai due to its convenient location at the junction of Yuhang District and Tongxiang County.

Osmanthus flowers are used to produce snacks. The most popular variety is osmanthus cake, which is made of glutinous rice, sugar and dried osmanthus flowers.

How to get there: S2 Expressway—Chang'an exit