Changchun's autumn is adorned with a unique spectacle: a cityscape carpeted in golden fallen leaves. Along the Spring City Avenue, warm sunlight gilds the poplar trees, while pavements and streets are blanketed in layers of pale yellow and light brown foliage. The occasional tram, with its vintage charm, glides through this golden tapestry, composing a scene that is both poetic and romantic.

This autumn, Changchun has introduced a ‘no-sweeping’ policy for fallen leaves on six characteristic scenic roads, to let the colorful foliage naturally adorn the urban landscape. Residents describe the golden autumn leaves as evoking a ‘dreamlike and elegant’ feeling.

The ‘no-sweeping’ does not mean a lack of maintenance, but a refined approach to urban cleanliness. Workers diligently clear litter hidden within the leaves and sweep areas crucial for hygiene and function, such as vehicle lanes, intersections, and drains. Meanwhile, the leaves on sidewalks and green belts are left undisturbed. This careful balance ensures public cleanliness while preserving a more natural and beautifully layered autumn vista.