6 of the Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Beijing
Autumn is the most beautiful season in Beijing, warm sunshine and brilliant blue sky, without the disturbance of summer heat and winter coldness, you can enjoy a most comfortable autumn to look out the blue sky and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. Lets go for 6 of the Best Places to see autumn leaves in Beijing!
1, Fragrant Hills (香山 xiāngshān)
The most popular destination for admiring the autumn leaves in Beijing. Fragrant Hills （香山 xiāngshān) transforms into a blanket of vivid red. If you can, go in the weekdays to avoid the crowds. Explore the dozens of ancient sights that dot the park, such as Biyun Temple （碧云寺bì yún sì）and make sure to take the cable car to the top of Xianglu for stunning views.
If you are interested in Mao Zedong (the main founder and leader of the Communist Party of China) , a good route is to follow the signs to Mao’s residence (双清别墅 shuāng qīng bié shù) for an hour-long stroll through the gardens.
Ticket Price: RMB 5 (Nov 1 to Mar 31), RMB 10 (Apr 1st to Oct 31).
Open Time: Daily 6.00AM-6.30PM.
Address: NO.40 Maimaijie, Haidian District, Beijing （ 北京市海淀区买卖街40号）Fragrant Hills Google Map Guide
Website: www.xiangshanpark.com
Telephone: (010)62591222
Best time to go: -October to mid-November
Tourist Routes
- First Route: Scenic Route
After entering through the East Gate, turn left at Qinzhen Hall.
The route covers Jingcui Lake, Cuiwei Pavilion, Shuangqing Villa, Laiqing Pavilion, Shuangqing Villa East Side Rooms, Xiaobai Building, Siqin Pavilion, Duoyun Pavilion, Liang Pavilion, Zhennan Pavilion.
This route is packed with attractions and is one of the park’s popular routes, but it does not lead to Xianglu Peak. Along the way, you’ll pass the former residences of revolutionary leaders, full of historical significance.
Second Route: Hiking Fitness Route
After entering through the East Gate, turn right at Qinzhen Hall.
This route passes through destinations such as Zhiyuan Pavilion, Zhisong Garden, Yuhua Cliff, Duojing Pavilion, Xiangwu Pavilion, and Xianglu Peak.
This path is shaded with greenery 🌳, cool and pleasant, with a gentle slope that makes it ideal for hiking enthusiasts. As you ascend gradually toward Xianglu Peak, you’ll also be able to overlook the majestic views of the entire Xiangshan. Every sight is breathtaking.
Third Route: Take the Cable Car Up the Mountain (North Gate Entry)
Take the cable car for a single journey. The cable car ticket prices are divided into peak season (red leaf viewing period) and non-peak season.
- Red Leaf Viewing Period: 100 RMB per ticket for those taller than 1.2 meters, 20 RMB per ticket for children under 1.2 meters.
- Non-Red Leaf Viewing Period: 80 RMB per ticket for those taller than 1.2 meters, 20 RMB per ticket for children under 1.2 meters.
Please remember to decide in advance whether you want to take the cable car or walk up the mountain. If you choose to take the cable car, entering through the North Gate is much more convenient. 😎
Taking the cable car, you can enjoy the sight of a sea of delicate red leaves from above in mid-air. 🍁
Fourth Route: Hidden Route
Start from the East Gate of Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills), go to Jingcui Lake, Cuiwei Pavilion, and then ascend via the ecological route toward Xianglu Peak.
This route leads to Xianglu Peak 😊. One of the great advantages of this route is that it’s not crowded, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and unique experience. However, the downside is that it’s a more remote route, and it takes about 3-4 hours to reach Xianglu Peak.
But once the red leaves turn red, the scenery here is absolutely breathtaking! 🍂
Self-Drive Route
If you’re driving, head directly to the Xiangshan Park (East Gate). However, if you want to take the cable car, you need to go to the North Gate. Both gates have parking lots, but the parking fees differ. The standard rate is 2.5 RMB per 15 minutes during the day and 10 RMB per hour at night. Keep in mind that it can be difficult to find parking later in the day, so we recommend taking the subway. 🚗
Subway Route
Regardless of which subway line you take, transfer to Line 6 and get off at Xiyuan Station. We strongly recommend taking the subway because:
- You won’t get stuck in traffic.
- The scenic views along Line 6 are incredible! You’ll pass the Summer Palace, the National Botanical Garden, and other landmarks, with beautiful scenery the entire way. 😍
2, Badachu Park (Eight Great Temples –八大处公园)
Nestled in the Western Hills, south of the Xishan scenic spot, Badachu is well known for its eight ancient temples. This area was renovated in 1980 and has since been a tourist favorite for seasonal changes, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall.
A cable car available for RMB 60, If you don’t want to miss the the temples and shrines,don’t take the cable car to the top.
Ticket Price: RMB 10
Open Time: Daily 6:00 AM-7:00 PM (summer), 6:00 AM-6:00 PM (winter).
Address:Badachu Lu, Shijingshan District （石景山区八大处路）( shí jǐnɡ shān qū bā dà chù lù) Badachu Google Map Guide
Website: www.badachu.com.cn
Telephone:(010)62591222
Telephone: (010)88961812, (010)88964661
Best time to go: Mid-October to mid-November
Practical Hiking Route Guide for Badachu Park (Don’t Miss the Slide)
Recommended Route:
After entering the main gate, follow the slope on the left side and explore the following attractions in order:
➡️ Lingguang Temple: Home to the relic of Shakyamuni Buddha, making it a must-visit for blessings.
➡️ Sanshan Nunnery: A peaceful spot where you can enjoy Biluochun tea in the tea room ☕, perfect for a short break.
➡️ Dabeisi Temple: Worship the Four Heavenly Kings and Eighteen Arhats here. A vegetarian meal is available around 11 a.m., but expect longer queues, so plan accordingly.
➡️ Longquan Nunnery: Dedicated to the Dragon King, a great spot for making wishes.
➡️ Xiangjie Temple: Once used as a summer retreat by Emperor Qianlong. The temple is full of historical charm and great for photos.
➡️ Baozhu Cave: Located at the mountain’s peak, offering stunning views of Beijing. A slide and cable car are nearby for a more thrilling descent.
➡️ Slide: A must-try! This 1,700-meter slide takes about 8 minutes to complete and offers a thrilling ride down. Adult tickets are ¥100, children’s tickets are ¥50. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available on-site or through Meituan (online platform), so it’s best to book in advance to avoid long lines.
➡️ Zhengguo Temple: Over 1,200 years old, it’s located at the foot of the mountain and famous for the saying “Seven up, eight down.” After taking the slide, you can head directly to the temple’s entrance.
Highlights:
✅ Slide Experience: The slide is located in the opposite direction from Baozhu Cave and is one of the park’s top attractions. The 1,700-meter ride takes about 8 minutes and is suitable for all ages. It’s recommended to enjoy the slide after visiting Baozhu Cave to conserve energy for the descent.
✨ Blessings and Incense: Several temples, especially Lingguang Temple and Dabeisi Temple, offer incense for prayer and blessings. It’s a good idea to purchase incense at the park entrance to avoid missing out on the experience.
Useful Information:
🚇 Transportation:
- Take Metro Line 1 to Bajiao Amusement Park Station, then transfer to bus 215 or 6 to Huangzhuang Village Station, and finally take bus 389.
- For those driving, parking is available near the South Gate of the park, which is also the main entrance.
3， Badaling National Forest Park 八达岭森林公园
八达岭森林公园(bādálǐng sēnlín gōngyuán)–this highly popular destination near the Great Wall Section has more than 50,000 maple trees over 56 hectares. Droves of people attend the Red Festival each fall.
Ticket Price: RMB 45.
Time: TiMon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-5.30pm (summer), daily 9am-4pm (winter).
Address:South across the highway from Badaling Great Wall Center, Yanqing District 延庆区八达岭长城南 Badaling Google Map Guide
Telephone: (010)69135314
Best time to go: Late September to late October
Best Spots for Viewing Autumn Leaves at Badaling
1️⃣ Largest Gingko Tree in Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area: Located in the courtyard next to the south side of the first-floor building, also known as the “King of Red Leaves.”
2️⃣ Best Window View for Red Leaves: Found on the west side of the second floor of the south building.
3️⃣ Most Beautiful Section for Red Leaves Viewing: Located between the 10th and 11th floors of the north building.
4️⃣ Best Red Leaf Forest Area: Found near the north building’s fourth floor, in a convenient red leaf forest zone.
Special Recommended Route for Red Leaf Viewing:
Take the Badaling Great Wall North Cable Car to reach the highest point of the Badaling Great Wall — the 8th Tower. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the red leaves across the mountains from the “Haohanpo” (Hero’s Slope) observation point. Alternatively, you can also enjoy a scenic walk through the red leaf forest trails, fully embracing the breathtaking scenery and feeling the refreshing mountain breeze.
Transportation Tips:
✅ High-Speed Train (Recommended):
Take the high-speed train from Qinghe Station or Beijing North Station to Badaling Great Wall Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥20. Upon arrival, follow the exit signs — turning left leads to the entrance and south section of the Great Wall, while turning right leads to the shuttle bus to the north section. Clear signs are posted on-site.
- Important Note: When returning, allow at least 12 minutes at the Badaling Great Wall station for ticket inspection, as it may take some time to pass through.
✅ Public Bus:
- Take Bus 877 from Deshengmen Station, which takes about 90 minutes (¥6 fare). From the stop, it’s a 10-minute walk to the entrance.
- Alternatively, take Bus 919 to the Badaling Forest Park Station, a 20-minute walk to the entrance. This bus passes several stops along the way.
✅ Direct Shuttle:
There are also direct shuttle buses from the Beijing Tourist Distribution Center to Badaling.
✅ Tourist Bus:
During peak season or holidays, a tourist bus departs from Tiananmen between 7:00 – 11:00 for the Badaling Great Wall (fare: ¥80). The return buses operate from 12:00 – 16:00, passing by major stops like Deshengmen, Olympic Park, and Bird’s Nest Stadium, where you can also disembark.
4， Tanzhe Temple (潭柘寺 tán zhè sì)
Tanzhe Temple (潭柘寺tán zhè sì) is situated at the foot of Tanzhe Mountain in Mentougou District, about 30 kilometers away from downtown Beijing. This temple is over 1,700 years old, the oldest temple in Beijing and even older than Beijing. The ancient ginkgo of Tanzhe Temple has a leafy green crown and is over 30 meters tall. The large and straight trunk has a circumference of about nine meters. It was planted in the Tang Dynasty, over 1,300 years ago. Stepping into the temple or around it, tourists will enjoy the beautiful scenery full of ancient trees and flowers.
Practical Information:
- Opening Hours: Summer 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., winter 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Ticket Price: ¥50, tickets can be purchased on-site without an ID requirement.
- Transportation:
- Bus: Take Bus 931 from the city center to Tanzhe Temple, get off at the terminal station and walk to the entrance.
- High-Speed Train: From Beijing Station or Xizhimen, take a high-speed train to Mentougou Station (about 20 minutes) and then transfer to a bus heading to Tanzhe Temple.
Address:Tanzhe Mountain, Mentougou District 门头沟区潭柘山下 Tanzhe Temple Google Map Guide
Telephone: (010)660851999
Must-Visit Attractions:
1️⃣ Mahavira Hall: The main hall of Tanzhe Temple, where the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined. This solemn and grand hall is a key place for visitors to offer prayers.
2️⃣ Jietai Hall: A sacred space where monks receive their ordination. The hall is decorated with exquisite Buddha statues and murals.
3️⃣ Emperor’s Pavilion: Once used as a summer retreat for Qing Dynasty emperors, the pavilion has a long and rich history.
4️⃣ Zhongtai Nunnery: Located on the southern hillside of Tanzhe Temple, this small yet beautiful nunnery is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and architectural elegance.
5️⃣ Wishing Tree: One of the famous landmarks at Tanzhe Temple. It is believed that tying a red ribbon to the tree brings blessings of peace and success.
Highlights and Suggestions:
- Recommended Visit Order: Start with Mahavira Hall, then visit Jietai Hall, Emperor’s Pavilion, and other main areas before heading to Zhongtai Nunnery for a serene end to your visit.
- Prayer Experience: At the Wishing Tree, tie a red ribbon or offer incense in front of the Mahavira Hall for peace, health, and happiness for you and your loved ones.
- Vegetarian Meals: The temple offers delicious vegetarian food, especially near Jietai Hall. The light and flavorful dishes are a great way to experience Buddhist culture.
- Tea Room: Near Zhongtai Nunnery, there’s a tea room where you can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the scenic view of Tanzhe Mountain and the temple surroundings.
Important Notes:
- Respect the Temple Rules: Smoking is prohibited, and visitors are asked to maintain silence to respect the religious and cultural environment.
- Ticket Purchase: It is convenient to book tickets online through platforms like Meituan to avoid queues.
- Weather Preparation: Since the temple is located in the mountains, temperatures can vary, so it’s advisable to bring warm clothing.
- Suggested Walking Route: The entire visit takes about 2-3 hours, with ample time to stop and take photos or admire the main attractions. Be mindful of the closing time.
5, Diaoyutai Ginkgo Road
Diaoyutai Road (钓鱼台路 diàoyú tái lù), there is a wall in the Guesthouse tall ginkgo tree planting over the path, the arrival of autumn, the leaves become a golden garden trees. Winds, leaves the fireflies as a small fan, scratched into the whereabouts. At this point with the perspective of the vision looked long path, as if into the autumn paradise.Beijing beauties are often at this time is in here taking pictures, Beijing’s university students have also circulated this is paradise dating argument.Autumn, there are many photography enthusiasts, art lovers in here looking for inspiration, creation.
Ticket Price: Free
Address: Sanlihe Road, Xicheng district 北京市西城区三里河路 Diaoyutai Ginkgo Road Google Map Guide
Best time to go: Mid-October to early-November
🚇 Transportation:
- Subway: Line 16, Ganjia Kou Station (Exit C) or Yuyuantan East Gate Station (Exit B)
- Bus:
- Xicheng Sanlihe Stop: Bus routes 13, 21, 32, 65, 68
- Yuyuantan East Gate Stop: Bus routes 32, 114, 320
- Muxidi North Stop: Bus routes 21, 32, 65, 68, 94, 114, 320
- Diaoyutai Stop: Bus routes 94, 114, 320, Night 12
🕒 Visiting Time: You can explore the entire Ginkgo Avenue within an hour. Afterward, consider visiting nearby Yuyuantan Park, which also offers beautiful autumn scenery.
✨ Best Time for Photography: Mornings are ideal when the light is soft and perfect for capturing the golden ginkgo leaves. Wearing red clothing will make you stand out against the golden background and create stunning photos.
📷 Photography Tips:
✔️ Portraits with Depth: Use the long avenue to capture portraits with an impressive depth effect.
✔️ Upward Shots: Aim the camera upwards to fill the frame with vibrant ginkgo leaves.
✔️ Action Shots: Grab a handful of ginkgo leaves and capture the moment they are thrown into the air.
✔️ Falling Leaves: Try snapping the exact moment when the leaves gently float down from the trees.
Recommended Props: For a more creative touch, bring accessories like a straw hat, bamboo basket, bubble maker, windmill, or mirror to enhance your photos.
🌟 Highlights:
- The ginkgo trees along Ginkgo Avenue form a golden canopy that feels like a natural tunnel of leaves. As the leaves gently fall, the ground becomes covered in a golden carpet, making this location one of the most beautiful places to experience autumn in Beijing.
- The sun shining through the ginkgo leaves creates a mesmerizing glow, making the area perfect for a leisurely walk or a photoshoot.
How to Get There:
- By Subway: Take Line 1 to Muxidi Station, exit from A1 (northwest exit), and walk approximately 1 kilometer to reach Ginkgo Avenue.
- By Bus: Multiple bus routes serve the area:
- Xicheng Sanlihe Stop: Bus 13, 21, 32, 65, 68
- Yuyuantan East Gate Stop: Bus 32, 114, 320
- Muxidi North Stop: Bus 21, 32, 65, 68, 94, 114, 320
- Diaoyutai Stop: Bus 94, 114, 320, Night 12
🌳 Historical Background:
Ginkgo Avenue is said to be one of the oldest spots in Beijing where ginkgo trees were planted. The trees, which line both sides of the pedestrian pathway, create a stunning natural golden carpet during autumn. Despite the crowds, this location is a photographer’s paradise, especially for weekend visits.
6，Ginkgo Avenue at Sanlitun East Fifth Street: Autumn Photography Hotspot in Beijing
Sanlitun East Fifth Street is a must-visit spot during autumn in Beijing, located in the Chaoyang District. The avenue is lined with golden ginkgo trees, creating a romantic and picturesque scene that turns into a popular photography destination every autumn.
1⃣️ Key Highlights:
- The Ginkgo Avenue on East Fifth Street is one of the best places in Beijing to enjoy the fall foliage. With its rows of ginkgo trees on either side, the street transforms into a golden corridor, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike for snapping that perfect shot.
2⃣️ Preparation for Your Visit:
- Plan Ahead: Since this area attracts many visitors, it’s best to head out early to avoid the crowds and secure your perfect photo spot. Parking is limited, so public transportation is highly recommended.
- Essentials to Bring: Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone for photos. A cute umbrella can also serve as a fun prop, especially if the weather turns.
3⃣️ Walking Route:
- Start by taking a leisurely stroll along the beautiful ginkgo-lined avenue. Enjoy the breathtaking views and autumn colors on both sides.
- After your walk, head over to Taikoo Li Sanlitun, a nearby shopping and lifestyle area filled with fashion boutiques and gourmet restaurants. You can explore some trendy shops or take a break at a local café.
- For those looking for a relaxing spot, the street also has cozy cafés where you can unwind with a cup of coffee.
4⃣️ Important Notes:
- Safety First: Given the large number of visitors, be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you are traveling with children. Keep an eye on them and avoid crowded areas when possible.
- No Entry Fees: There are no ticket fees to access the ginkgo avenue, but be aware that some stores or restaurants might require a purchase to enter. Make sure to budget accordingly if you plan to shop or dine.
5⃣️ Pro Tips for Your Visit:
- Artistic Atmosphere: The area is steeped in a vibrant, creative atmosphere, making you feel like you’re walking through an outdoor gallery.
- Local Delights: There are several small food stalls and unique shops along the street offering local snacks and specialty goods, which are definitely worth trying.
6⃣️ Best Time for Autumn Scenery:
- The best time to visit Sanlitun East Fifth Street for autumn foliage is from late October to mid-November. During this period, the ginkgo trees are at their peak, showcasing a stunning sea of gold.
7⃣️ Embassy District Charm:
- International Architecture: Sanlitun East Fifth Street is located in Beijing’s embassy district, surrounded by embassies from various countries. The unique architecture of these buildings adds an exotic flair to the neighborhood, making it even more interesting to explore.
8⃣️ Transportation:
- Subway: Take Line 10 to the Agricultural Exhibition Center Station. The best spot for photography is near the Mexican Embassy, located just west of the station exit.
📷 Photography Tips:
1️⃣ Best Shooting Spot: The top photography spot is near the Mexican Embassy on the west side of the exit.
- Use Foregrounds: Incorporate natural elements in the foreground to enhance the depth of your photos.
- Capture the Light: Take advantage of the changing light during the day to create unique shadow effects.
- Lens Choice: Use different lenses for varying perspectives and artistic compositions.
- Contrast: Play with contrast by using the bright golden ginkgo leaves against the clear autumn sky or darker elements in the background.
- Portraits: Autumn portraits work great here; experiment with different angles to capture the charm of the season.
- Details & Creativity: Focus on smaller details like falling leaves or interesting textures on the trees. Don’t be afraid to try out creative compositions.
Ticket Price: Free
Address: Sanlitun Embassy area, Chaoyang district Sanlitun Google Map Guide
Hours: Summer 8:00 am. – 5:00 pm., winter 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Best Place to Learn Mandarin in Beijing
It takes about 10 minutes by bicycle from Sanlitun Dong Wujie to visit the best place to learn Chinese in Beijing – Mandarin Zone School. Take a rest and have a cup of coffee and the most important thing is you can study Chinese with many friends.
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Six of the best places to to appreciate golden and reds for this lovely season in Beijing, you can choose one to enjoy the time with your family or friends!
