When you think of winter, what colors come to mind? The pristine white of snow, or the muted gray of barren trees? In Haiwan Town, winter reveals three unexpected pockets of color, each one challenging your usual winter palette.

Red: Embrace the Warmth in Winter's Chill

In December, Haiwan is not about withering - it is a celebration of vibrant red. Over 16,000 mu of metasequoia‌ in Shanghai Haiwan National Forest Park don their red winter coats. Their trunks stand tall like swords and their leaves range from fiery orange to deep crimson, creating a mesmerizing "flame on water" effect in the lake's reflection.

Strolling along the boardwalk into the woods, each step feels like walking on a plush red carpet. As sunlight streams through, the whole area seems to ignite, and the misty surroundings create an otherworldly atmosphere. This red is not the ephemeral beauty of spring blooms; it is a bold declaration of life after the frost, the most intense romance of winter.

Best Viewing Time: Mid-to-Late December

Dressing Tip: A white or beige coat for a quick chic look

Green: The greenhouse holds all the secrets of the greenhouse

Step away from the fiery red, and in just 30 minutes, you are in an "off-season" green world - the smart greenhouse of Xinghui Vegetables. As you open the door, warm, moist air filled with the fragrance of grass envelops you. Neat rows of greenery greet your eyes: butter lettuces unfurl like roses; kale swirls into elegant ruffles; cabbages sparkle with glistening "ice beads".

"Winter vegetables thrive on the northwest wind and turn out sweet," said Gu Daguo, a Shanghai Model Worker and head of Xinghui Vegetables' organic farm. He smiled while introducing their "plant black tech": smart temperature control, vertical farming, and water recycling. This winter green is a blend of tech and nature. Try a fruit tomato - it is sweet and juicy, a burst of life against the winter chill.

In-season vegetables: purple cauliflower, rainbow kale, red-skinned white-hearted radishes, sweet broccoli stem, broccoli, and more.

Gold: A Graceful Finale

Walking through the golden time tunnel, you will find yourself back in the town's heart, where ginkgo trees put on their most dazzling annual show. On the path to the neighborhood, there is no crowd noise. Pure gold leaves weave overhead, and sunlight spills through, painting the ground with speckled light.

Beyond the forest park, plane tree leaves shimmer in deep gold. Treading on the thick leafy carpet, the gentle rustle is winter's soothing white noise. Leaves drift down slowly, like dancers in their final waltz. This gold is not a sad goodbye - it is winter's poetry. It exits gracefully, clearing the stage for new life.

Ginkgo Viewing: Xinghuo Haiguang Road Fitness Trail

Plane Tree Viewing: Gate 1, Shanghai Haiwan National Forest Park