September in Chengdu is that perfect in-between season — the sky is clear, the air is light, and while it can still feel a bit warm, it’s nowhere near the sticky summer heat. Fluffy clouds drift by and occasionally shield you from the sun, which makes it a lovely time to simply get outdoors. And if you’re looking for a place to soak it all in, Longquan Yushi Wetland Park (玉石湿地公园) is a fantastic pick this month.
Why Yushi Wetland Park Is Worth Your September Day
Tucked in the eastern part of the city, just inside the ring expressway, Yushi Wetland Park is easy to reach by metro and covers a generous 1,155 mu (about 190 acres) in a long, ribbon-like shape. But here’s the thing — before 2017, this land was basically a wild, overgrown patch beside the expressway. Locals remember it as a place so thick with weeds you couldn’t even walk through. There were just grassy fields, the winding Dongfeng Canal, and a few fish ponds. Then the city transformed it, and now it’s a stunning park that’s become one of the favorite green escapes for city dwellers.
The park takes its name from the nearby Yushi community, and the name carries an ancient legend. The design is inspired by the famous Northern Song painter Li Gonglin’s masterpiece Shuchuan Shengai Tu (《蜀川胜概图》), which records that the Pangu Temple once stood in the Daimian area east of Chengdu. According to legend, after Pangu died, his breath became the wind and clouds, his flesh turned into soil, and his marrow transformed into jade. That’s why you’ll find spots with elegant, poetic names like Ge’an Wenshi, Qequ Xunshi, Mianyun Woshi, Yinyu Lake, and Wangyue Islet scattered throughout the park.
September’s Showstopper: Pink and Red, Side by Side
The Pink: Muhly Grass in Full Glory
Enter from the southwest gate and follow the greenway — before long, you’ll hit a sea of pink muhly grass (粉黛乱子草). While its peak bloom is in October, by early September the delicate flower spikes are already peeking out from the green leaves, starting to blush from green to pink. It’s a soft, dreamy haze that sways with the breeze — easily the best spot in the eastern part of town to catch this pink wave.
Local insight: The muhly grass starts turning pink in early September, hits full bloom by mid-September, and keeps going strong until November. The color is deepest in late October — so if you come a bit later, it’ll be even more stunning.
The Red: Sorghum Fields at Their Peak
Just a short walk away, the scene flips completely. Tall sorghum stalks, heavy with ripe grain, glow a deep wine-red in the sunlight. When the wind blows, the heads ripple like waves, carrying a rich, earthy scent of harvest. Right now, the fields are a mix of red, yellow, orange, and green — layered like nature’s own palette.
This is Yushi’s most unique September sight: the soft pink of the muhly grass next to the vivid red of the sorghum. In the distance, you might catch a metro train whizzing by on the elevated tracks, beyond that the city’s skyline, and further still the Longquan Mountains. It’s a beautiful reminder that modern life can have both urban buzz and countryside charm.
Pro tip: September to October is the best time to see the sorghum. But heads up — it’s usually harvested in late September, so don’t sleep on this one. Come soon or you’ll miss it.
More Than Just the Pink and Red
The park itself is a beauty all year round. Every day, people come here to exercise — jogging or walking are both great — but the best way to explore is by shared bike. Pedal along the paths, feel the autumn breeze on your face, and just enjoy the ride.
The Wetlands and Dongfeng Canal
After a summer of abundant rain, the Dongfeng Canal water is now especially clear and calm. Standing by the bank, you’ll see the water sparkle, reflecting the early autumn trees and the high September sky. The wetland pond area is dotted with lakes of various sizes, each showing a different shade of green. Near the shallow edges, reeds and cattails are starting to turn light brown and golden. Clumps of reeds sway in the wind, their plumes just beginning to open — white and misty, like fog or fluff. Simple, yet moving. The best time for reeds is September to October, right in sync with the muhly grass. Water lilies are still blooming in the ponds, though not as crowded as in midsummer, and their leaves are just beginning to curl at the edges with a faint rust color.
Autumn Colors That Last Until December
The beauty of Yushi Wetland Park in autumn stretches all the way to December. Starting in October, the dawn redwood forest deep in the park turns a mix of deep green, orange-red, and golden yellow. Then the ginkgo leaves follow, turning yellow and carpeting the ground. And after that, rows of red maple trees take over. Each month brings a different palette.
As the Tang dynasty poet Liu Yuxi once wrote, “Since ancient times, autumn has been a season of sorrow, but I say autumn surpasses spring.” That sentiment fits Yushi perfectly. Right on the edge of the city, you have this quiet, beautiful escape where you can cycle, watch birds, listen to the wind, and gaze at the clouds — finding your own little piece of peace.
So, do you like the sound of this park?
Practical Info for Your Visit
- Address: Yushi Community, Daimian Street, Longquanyi District (龙泉驿区大面街道玉石社区). For navigation, choose the southwest gate — it’s closest to the sorghum and muhly grass.
- Ticket: Free!
- Getting there:
- Metro Line 2 to Chengdu Administrative College Station (成都行政学院站), Exit B, then bike about 2.5 km.
- Metro Line 30 to Yuhong Road Station (玉虹路站), Exit A, then bike about 5 minutes.
- Driving? Head to the southwest gate of Yushi Wetland Park. Don’t navigate to “Yushi Wetland Phase II” — it’ll take you down narrow roads.
- What to expect in September: The sorghum fields are turning from green to red with heavy heads; the muhly grass is just starting to bloom, reaching its full glory in mid-to-late September; the reeds are gradually yellowing; and the weather is crisp and pleasant — perfect for a comfortable bike ride along the greenway.
- Please be kind: Don’t step into the flower beds or farmland. Enjoy the views without leaving a trace.
Whether you’re a local looking for a quick nature fix or a visitor wanting to see a different side of Chengdu, Yushi Wetland Park in September is a memory waiting to happen.
