Taicang in Jiangsu province is subject to a reign of golden colors during autumn. During the golden season, the city offers many places for visitors to enjoy both charming scenery and tasty food.

2014 Chrysanthemum exhibition

Besides the yellow leaves, chrysanthemums also appear in the botanical gardens and public parks during this season.

The chrysanthemum exhibition is an annual activity in the South Garden. About 20,000 pots of chrysanthemum flowers in over 100 varieties will be exhibited during the 2014 chrysanthemum exhibition.

The South Garden was where Wang Xijue, the royal consultant in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), used to appreciate plum blossoms and chrysanthemum flowers. The garden will be decorated with various chrysanthemums during the exhibition and offer a delicate fragrance and tranquil atmosphere to visitors.

Tickets cost 25 yuan ($4.07) per person. Admission is free for the elderly above 70 and children under 1.3 meters.

In addition to the South Garden, Yuanhuayuan Garden holds a chrysanthemum exhibition in November each year. More than 20,000 chrysanthemum flowers will beautify the garden, along with flocks of red-crowned cranes and peafowls. Each ticket will cost 20 yuan per person, and free admission will be available for the elderly above 70 and children under 1.3 meters.

Shuangfeng Mutton Food Festival

Shuangfeng town has hosted the Mutton Food Festival seven times since 2007, helping establish mutton as a delicacy of Taicang. From October to the following Spring Festival, the town will be filled with the pleasant smell of mutton. A mutton food street covering an area of 58,000 square meters has been built with 30 mutton restaurants.

Mutton is one of the best foods to eat in winter to help people fend off cold. Enjoying mutton in Shuangfeng town will be the best choice for visitors in the upcoming winter.

Price: 16 – 20 yuan per bowl for mutton noodle and 50 – 100 yuan per person for a complete mutton banquet