8 Most Beautiful Places in Beijing in Autumn

Located in the western suburb of Beijing, Fragrant Hills Park is a royal park with 575-meter Xianglu Peak as the main peak. It is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in Beijing in autumn for the stunning red leaves and ancient buildings scattering here and there. From the middle of October every year, the leaves change from green to light reddish, to fiery red and then to deep purplish red. Finally, they are blown down by the wind in the middle of November. There are ten best places to view such beautiful scenery: Yuhuaxiu, Kanyunqi Pavilion, Senyuhu Pavilion, Shuangqing Villa, Chanchu Peak, Jingcui Lake, Xianglu Peak, Xiangwu Cave, Heshun Gate and Xunlupo. Other famous spots dotted in the mountains worth visiting include Biyun Temple, Zhao Temple, Tranquil Heart Studio and Qinzheng Palace. 

Mutianyu Great Wall is the most colorful and beautiful section of the Great Wall in autumn as its surrounding vegetation coverage is the highest. From a distance, it looks like a winding dragon lying on a huge brilliant carpet. Located in Huairou District, 80 kilometers (50 miles) away from the urban area, Mutianyu Great Wall itself is worth visiting, standing out for the well-preservation state, and dense and various watchtowers. Mid October to middle November is the best time to appreciate colorful leaves.

 Recommended Tour:  1 Day Mutianyu Great Wall + Forbidden City Tour from $139

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When it comes to the most beautiful places in Beijing in autumn, the gingko avenue outside the east wall of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse must be among them. Walking along the avenue, you will be embraced into a golden world made up of layers of yellow leaves both on the tree and the ground. This is also the place where photographers must come. The light is the best in the morning and evening. If you want to take a good picture, it is recommended to come in the morning when there are less visitors. The best viewing time of ginkgo avenue is generally from the middle October to early November every year with some fluctuations depending on the weather. 

The gingko avenue at the entrance of the Yonghe Temple is one of the three famous gingko avenues in Beijing. The gingkoes here are all over 30 years old, tall and thick. Stretching besides the quaint and exquisite Yonghe Temple, the avenue is known as the most quaint gingko avenue. After visiting the avenue, you can pay a visit to Yonghe Temple. It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing composed of three exquisite archways and five grand palaces. There are many statues of Buddha, Thangka and many precious cultural relics in the temple.  

Pofeng Ridge is located in Fangshan District and 52 kilometers (32.3 miles) away from urban area. A large area of yellow croakers grow here and they all dyed with red, yellow and pink in autumn. More importantly, you can immerse in such beautiful scenery without being drowned in the crowd. There are sitting piers and small tables for tourists to rest along the 6,200-meter (20,341 feet) footpath. You can stay overnight there. Restaurants, a small village at the foot of the ridge and accommodations with independent yards on the mountain bring great convenience to visitors. Every October to November, the scenic spot is the most beautiful, when Red Leaf Festival is held.

The Gubei Water Town at the foot of Simatai Great Wall is a beautiful place in Beijing in autumn. It is about an and a half hour’s drive from urban Beijing. Different from the great area of red leaves in the Fragrant Hills Park and Pofeng Ridge, the dazzling red leaves on the walls make the gray buildings bright and gorgeous. It is recommended to visit the town on foot or by cruise boat. The town looks most beautiful and breathtaking at night when it is illuminated by lights and stars. One of highlights of the town is the music fountain show every evening. The fountain swings with the music and lights while reflecting the beautiful Simatai Great Wall behind it. Tourists can also taste delicious food and climb the Simatai Great Wall here. 

 Recommended Tour:  One Day Simatai Hiking and Gubei Water Town from $139

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Yanqing Baili Landscape Gallery is a 112 Li (35 miles) long mountain ditch running through the northern mountain area of Beijing from west to east. This spot got its name because of the picturesque scenery. The best way to visit it is by car. As soon as you are on the road, the colorful mountains and valleys alongside with the silicified wood group are unfolded in front of you. The Gallery owns rich travel destinations including the Silicified Wood National Geopark, Wulong Canyon, Dishuihu Waterfall, Chaoyang Temple and Datan Natural Reserve.

Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall Scenic Area is 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from urban Beijing and 35 kilometers (22 miles) from northwest of the central Huairou District. As one of beautiful places in Beijing, it is famous for the unique flooded Great Wall, lush forests and breathtaking lake view. When you go on an autumn trip, you will find that the green, yellow and red trees scatter everywhere around the Great Wall. They together reflect on the clear lake, forming a colorful fairyland. You can take a cruise boat to appreciate the scenery. 

 Recommended Tour:  Huanghuahcheng Great Wall Hiking from $89

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