Road in Nantong is lined with goldenrain trees. [Photo by Li Bin to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Autumn has arrived, and goldenrain trees across Nantong are entering their peak season, with green leaves, yellow flowers and red fruit hanging from the same branches.

Often called "golden rain" or "little lanterns", the trees create a striking three-color display that can look like an overturned palette. The effect is especially strong along Zilang, Taoyuan, Hongxing and Haobei roads, where stretches of goldenrain trees make for easy walking or cycling.

The goldenrain tree usually blooms from June to August and bears fruit from September to October. In late summer and early autumn, flowers can still remain on the branches as the first fruit ripens, producing the unusual sight of flowers and fruit sharing the same canopy, a single tree holding two seasons at once.

For Nantong, a city near the Yangtze River and the Yellow Sea, the annual display has long been a seasonal highlight. The tree is often associated with wonder, awe and a brilliant life, making it a fitting symbol for autumn's brief but vivid beauty.

Goldenrain trees in Nantong. [Photo by Jiang Weiguo to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Goldenrain trees in Nantong. [Photo by Wang Jinjun to en.nantong.gov.cn]