The leaves of dawn redwood trees that have turned bright red and orange in early winter are adding a dash of beauty to the landscapes in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province.

Also known as metasequoia, dawn redwood trees are native to China and widely regarded as a living fossil since its existence dates back to the Cretaceous period.

Here are some places where you can view these magnificent trees.

1. Quancheng Park

The dawn redwood forest at Quancheng Park [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Located in the heart of the city, the Quancheng Park is home to majestic dawn redwoods and more than 600 varieties of plants. The park has been dubbed a "natural oxygen bar" by the locals.

Location: No 18762 Jingshi Road, Lixia district, Jinan, Shandong province

2. Jinan Forest Park

Jinan Forest Park is a popular destination with shutterbugs. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Featuring ginkgo leaves on the ground flanked by tall dawn redwood trees, the park is now filled with brilliant hues of red, gold and yellow that have attracted crowds of visitors.

Location: West Second Ring Road, Huaiyin district, Jinan, Shandong province

3. Daming Lake Park

Colorful trees decorate the landscape of Daming Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Dawn redwood trees in Daming Lake Park are mainly located near the Chaoran Pavilion on the eastern bank of the lake.

When seen from the Chaoran Pavilion, Daming Lake offers views of dawn redwoods, green pines and cypresses, yellow weeping willow and white reeds.

Location: South of the East Gate of Daming Lake Park, Lixia district, Jinan, Shandong province

4. Huancheng Park

A boat on a stream beside dawn redwood trees at Huancheng Park [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Dawn redwood trees at Huancheng Park are mostly found around the bank of the East Moat. Visitors can go on peaceful boat rides to admire these stunning trees.

Location: Southern side of North Heihuquan Road, Lixia district, Jinan, Shandong province

5. Five Dragon Pool Park

A bird's eye view of the Five Dragon Pool Park [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

The dawn redwood forest that sits on the northern edge of the Five Dragon Pool Park is worth visiting in early winter.

Location: No 1 North Heihuquan Road, Tianqiao district, Jinan, Shandong province

6. Baotu Spring Park

Baotu Spring Park [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

Several dawn redwood trees near Baixue Pavilion at Baotu Spring Park have turned red at the turn of the season, creating a marvelous visual spectacle.

Location: No 1 South Baotu Spring Road, Lixia district, Jinan, Shandong province

7. Jinan Modern Forestry Demonstration Park

The Jinan Modern Forestry Demonstration Park [Photo/WeChat account: jnslyj]

The Jinan Modern Forestry Demonstration Park is home to the largest dawn redwood forest in the city and is an ideal place for stroll.

Location: Licheng district, Jinan, Shandong province