Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. —Albert Camus

Golden ornaments for a beautiful autumn

Autumn wind is gradually rising, and the golden rain trees are blooming. Unconsciously, many roads in Changning have been covered with a layer of “gold” by the flowers of the Golden Rain tree, becoming unique scenery.

With the autumn breeze blowing, the golden rain tree flowers fell to the ground. The golden scenery around Zhongshan Park, Zhaohua Road E., Yan’an Green Space, and Haisu Green Space signals the arrival of this autumn.

The golden rain tree flowers are small, with golden petals and a faint fragrance. When the autumn wind rises, the falling petals are colorful, and the flowers seem like pieces of gold falling from the sky. 

This scene is called “golden rain,” and the trees are named “golden rain” because of it. A golden rain tree flower usually has four petals that fold outward during flowering, forming a linear and elongated shape. 

The scales at the base of the petals are initially yellow, but turn orange red during flowering. Step forward and take a closer look, there are still a few bright red spots among the “golden everywhere,” which is quite interesting.

Looking at the golden rain tree from afar, it’s like golden clouds falling into the treetops. 

When you see the golden “carpet” on the ground, don’t forget to look up and admire the golden rain tree.

‘Hidden champions’ warmly welcomed

A Sino-German Enterprise Cooperation and Exchange Conference with the theme of “Connecting the World and Meet in Changning, Dialogue on Hidden Champions” was held in Changning on September 19.

This event is the second “International Hidden Champion Enterprises Enter Changning” event hosted by Changning Overseas Friendship Association. 

The aim is to strengthen Changning’s investment attraction for high-quality overseas enterprises, promote the deep integration of new quality productivity and new industrialization industries such as intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and green low-carbon with Changning’s key industries.

It may also deepen the exchange and cooperation between Hidden Champion enterprises and local innovative enterprises, and promote the internationalization process of regional economy.

Hills in local parks echo with ‘Twins’

The highly anticipated Twin Hills officially opened to the public on September 20. In Changning’s parks, there are another two beautiful hills hidden, one is the “Back Hill” in Zhongshan Park, and the other is the “East Hill” in the New Hongqiao Central Garden.

The Back Hill is adjacent to the children’s play area of Zhongshan Park. On the right side of the pirate ship, there is a step path that leads into the hill. 

Climbing up the steps, there are more than 10 ginkgo trees planted along the way. In late autumn, this is an important attraction for appreciating ginkgo trees in Zhongshan Park.

The Back Hill is not high, just a few steps up the stairs, you can see a flat ground at the highest point of the hill. The park has turned it into a badminton court, which has also become a popular sports destination for the people.

Strolling around the Back Hill, there are many kinds of trees here, such as pine and cypress, metasequoia, wutong, willow, green bamboo, elm and chinaberry. It is a small botanical garden.

On the Back Hill, the overall environment is exceptionally quiet, with birds tweeting. The paths in the shades are full of wildness, and there are many paths down the hill, each with its own unique charm leading to secluded places.

Changning also has a hill in a large bamboo forest in the New Hongqiao Central Garden. The East Hill in this secret realm is not big, but surrounded by bamboo forests. Following the bamboo forest path all the way up, you will soon reach the summit.

The top of East Hill is a pool of water, known as the “Heavenly Pool.” On sunny days, turtles of all sizes can often be seen climbing onto rocks to bask in the sun in the pool. 

There are also benches installed around the pool, and there are also stone stools on the shore. Have a seat and take a short rest. The wind in the bamboo forest and the tweeting of various birds on the trees can make people return to simplicity and linger on.

Variable lanes smooth traffic jam around Livat Shanghai

The upgrading and variable lane transformation on Jinzhong Road (between Xiehe Road and Fuquan Road) and Fuquan Road (between Beidi Road and Jinzhong Road) have been completed to ensure smooth and orderly traffic around Livat Shanghai after its opening.

Fuquan Road (between Beidi Road Jinzhong Road) has a total length of 344 meters. Originally, it was a variable two-way three lane road, but now an additional lane has been added, becoming a variable four lane road. 

In addition, the non-motorized vehicle lane on the west side of the road has been upgraded to a motorized vehicle lane, and the greenway on the west side is now shared by both pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. 

Jinzhong Road (between Xiehe Road and Fuquan Road) has a total length of 289 meters and was originally a two-way four lane road. Considering the large traffic flow from east to west during peak hours, this section has been transformed into a two-way variable lane road.

Urban industrial legend alive in Mirror

The Mirror Garden in Changning is among the top 30 pocket gardens throughout the city, according to the greenery and public sanitation authority.

The Mirror Garden is located at the intersection of Changning Road and Furongjiang Road, covering an area of approximately 4,045 square meters. 

The garden continues the industrial legend of Suzhou Creek in terms of design concept, with its highlight being a mirrored corridor made of mirrored stainless steel material - the “Boundless Corridor.” 

Combined with the black and white granite walkway in the park, it echoes the steel sculpture “Imprint” and constructs an artistic space with urban memory.

The Mirror Garden has set up a 300 square meter children’s activity square with the design theme of “Space,” providing an outdoor science popularization platform for children, showcasing the mysteries of the operation of the eight planets in the universe and solar system, and providing an outdoor platform and space for children’s science popularization and community interaction.

Edited by Shanghai Daily