🍁 Beijing’s Best Autumn Leaves 2024: Complete Guide for International Visitors
From hidden ginkgo avenues to ancient temples – Experience Beijing’s golden season like a local
📅 Best Time: Oct 15 – Nov 15
💳 Payment: All cards & mobile pay accepted
🎫 Booking: No advance booking needed
🌐 Language: English signs available
📑 Quick Navigation
⚡ Find Your Perfect Spot in 30 Seconds
⏰ “I only have 3 hours”
→ Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue
Central location, no tickets, stunning photos guaranteed. Perfect for a quick autumn experience.
📸 “I want Instagram photos”
→ Sanlitun East 5th Street
Golden tunnel effect, trendy cafes nearby, fewer crowds than Fragrant Hills.
🥾 “I love hiking”
→ Fragrant Hills
Cable car option available, mountain views, famous red maple forests.
👨👩👧 “I’m with family”
→ Badachu Park
Fun slide ride, temples to explore, activities for all ages.
🧘 “I want peace & culture”
→ Tanzhe Temple
1,700-year history, ancient ginkgo trees, fewer tourists.
🏔️ “I want it all”
→ Try our 2-Day Plan
Day 1: City spots (Diaoyutai + Sanlitun), Day 2: Mountain adventure (Fragrant Hills)
📊 Quick Comparison Guide
| Location | Best For | Time | Crowds | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fragrant Hills | 🍁 Red maples | 4-5 hrs | ★★★★★ | ¥10 |
| Diaoyutai Ave | 📸 Photos | 1-2 hrs | ★★★ | Free |
| Badachu Park | 👨👩👧 Families | 3-4 hrs | ★★★ | ¥10 |
| Tanzhe Temple | 🏛️ Culture | 3-4 hrs | ★★ | ¥50 |
| Sanlitun E5 | 🌆 Urban | 1-2 hrs | ★★ | Free |
| Badaling Forest | 🏯 Great Wall | 5-6 hrs | ★★★★ | ¥45 |
Tip: Weekdays are always less crowded. Avoid first week of October (National Holiday).
1. Fragrant Hills (香山 Xiāng Shān) – The Classic Choice
Why it’s special: Every autumn, Fragrant Hills transforms into a sea of red that has inspired Chinese poets for over 800 years. While it’s the most crowded spot on our list, the view from the peak during sunset is absolutely unforgettable – imagine the entire city of Beijing framed by crimson maple leaves!
📍 Practical Information
- Address: No.40 Maimai Street, Haidian District (海淀区买卖街40号)
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM daily
- Payment: Cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay, all major cards accepted
- Phone: (010) 6259-1222
- Google Maps: Click here for directions
🗺️ Choose Your Adventure
💚 Easy Route (2 hours)
Perfect for: Families, elderly visitors, or anyone short on time
Take cable car up (¥100) → Xianglu Peak → Walk down via North Route → Exit
🧡 Classic Route (3-4 hours)
Perfect for: Most visitors wanting the full experience
East Gate → Jingcui Lake → Shuangqing Villa → Xianglu Peak → Cable car down
❤️ Adventure Route (4-5 hours)
Perfect for: Fit hikers wanting to avoid crowds
East Gate → Ecological Trail (quieter!) → Xianglu Peak → Temple area → South exit
📸 Photo Spots You Can’t Miss
- Spot 1 – Jingcui Lake Reflection: Morning light, fewer people (8-9am)
- Spot 2 – Shuangqing Villa Courtyard: Frame maples with traditional architecture
- Spot 3 – Cable Car Views: Aerial shots of the red sea below
- Spot 4 – Peak Panorama: Beijing skyline with maple foreground (best at sunset)
💡 Insider Tips
- 🌅 Beat the crowds: Arrive before 8am or after 3pm on weekdays
- 🎒 Bring essentials: Water, snacks, and comfortable shoes are must-haves
- 🚻 Facilities: Clean restrooms at entrance and halfway up
- ☔ Weather backup: Misty days create mystical photo opportunities
- 🍜 Food: Try the local vegetarian restaurant near the temple (¥30-50/person)
🈵 Learn Chinese at Fragrant Hills
Essential Vocabulary
xiāng shān
Fragrant Hills
hóng yè
red leaves
lǎn chē
cable car
pāi zhào
take photos
Useful Phrases for Your Visit
Asking for directions:
🗣️ 请问缆车在哪里？
Qǐngwèn lǎnchē zài nǎlǐ? (Where is the cable car?)
Taking photos:
🗣️ 可以帮我拍照吗？
Kěyǐ bāng wǒ pāizhào ma? (Can you take a photo for me?)
Cultural Note
The tradition of viewing autumn leaves (赏红叶 shǎng hóngyè) has been part of Chinese culture for centuries. It represents appreciating life’s fleeting beauty – perfect conversation starter with locals!
2. Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue (钓鱼台路 Diàoyútái Lù) – Photography Paradise
Why it’s special: This 1km stretch becomes Beijing’s most romantic walkway each autumn. The golden ginkgo leaves create a natural tunnel that feels like walking through liquid sunshine. Local university students call it “Beijing’s confession street” – many couples have their first date here!
📍 Practical Information
- Address: Sanlihe Road, Xicheng District (西城区三里河路)
- Hours: 24/7 (best light: 7-9am & 3-5pm)
- Payment: No tickets needed
- Google Maps: Click here for directions
📸 Photography Guide
- Golden Hour Magic: 7-9am for soft morning light with fewer people
- Portrait Tips: Wear red/burgundy to pop against golden background
- Creative Shots: Throw leaves in air, use low angle for tunnel effect
- Props: Bring a vintage bicycle or transparent umbrella for unique shots
💡 Insider Tips
- 📍 Secret spot: Walk 200m north for a quieter section with equally beautiful trees
- ☕ Nearby cafe: Blue Mountain Coffee (蓝山咖啡) has a perfect view of the avenue
- 🚶 Continue to: Yuyuantan Park (5-min walk) for more autumn scenery
3. Badachu Park (八大处 Bādàchù) – Family Adventure
Why it’s special: Eight ancient temples scattered across a mountain, each with its own legend. But the real star? A 1,700-meter slide that winds down through the autumn forest – it’s the most fun way to descend a mountain in Beijing! Kids love it, adults secretly love it more.
📍 Practical Information
- Address: Badachu Road, Shijingshan District (石景山区八大处路)
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (summer), 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (winter)
- Payment: All payment methods accepted
- Phone: (010) 8896-1812
- Google Maps: Click here for directions
🗺️ Perfect Family Route
- Lingguang Temple: See Buddha’s tooth relic (30 min)
- Sanshan Nunnery: Tea break with mountain views (20 min)
- Dabeisi Temple: Vegetarian lunch option (11am service)
- Take cable car up: To save energy for kids (¥60)
- Baozhu Cave: Peak views of Beijing (20 min)
- SLIDE DOWN! The highlight – 8 minutes of pure fun (¥100)
💡 Family Tips
- 👶 Age limits: Slide is safe for kids 5+ (must ride with adult if under 8)
- 🎒 Pack light: Lockers available at slide entrance (¥20)
- 🍱 Snacks: Bring picnic – beautiful spots throughout the park
- 📸 Photo op: Kids love the giant Buddha statue at entrance
4. Tanzhe Temple (潭柘寺 Tánzhè Sì) – Ancient Serenity
Why it’s special: “First there was Tanzhe Temple, then came Beijing” – locals say this temple is older than the city itself. The 1,300-year-old ginkgo tree here has a circumference of 9 meters! Emperors came here to pray, and the peaceful atmosphere remains unchanged.
🏛️ Must-See Highlights
- Emperor Ginkgo: The ancient tree that’s seen dynasties rise and fall
- Wishing Tree: Tie a red ribbon for good fortune
- Dragon Pool: Sacred spring water – locals believe it brings luck
- Mahavira Hall: Stunning Buddha statues and intricate murals
💡 Cultural Experience Tips
- 🍜 Vegetarian feast: Temple restaurant serves amazing Buddhist cuisine (¥40)
- 🧘 Morning prayers: Join 6:30am ceremony for authentic experience
- 🎋 Incense ritual: Buy at entrance (¥20) for temple blessing
- ☕ Tea ceremony: Mountain tea room offers traditional service
5. Sanlitun East 5th Street (三里屯东五街 Sānlǐtún) – Urban Autumn
Why it’s special: Where diplomatic Beijing meets autumn magic. This hidden gem in the embassy district offers a sophisticated autumn experience – ginkgo-lined streets, international architecture, and trendy cafes. It’s Instagram gold without the tourist crowds.
🌆 Neighborhood Guide
- Best photo spot: Outside the Mexican Embassy (west of metro exit)
- Coffee break: Voyage Coffee – rooftop terrace with ginkgo views
- Shopping: Taikoo Li Sanlitun – 5 minutes walk
- Dinner: Hidden courtyard restaurants throughout the area
💡 Local Experience
- 🎨 Art galleries: Several hidden galleries in converted courtyards
- 🍷 Wine bars: Embassy area has Beijing’s best wine selection
- 🛍️ Vintage shops: Hunt for unique Beijing souvenirs
- 🌃 Night photos: Street lights create magical evening atmosphere
6. Badaling Forest Park (八达岭森林公园 Bādálǐng) – Mountain Majesty
Why it’s special: Imagine the Great Wall surrounded by 50,000 maple trees in full autumn glory! This park offers the earliest autumn colors in Beijing (due to higher elevation) and combines two bucket list experiences: the Great Wall and spectacular fall foliage.
🚄 Getting There (Important!)
- Best option – High-speed rail: Beijing North Station → Badaling (30 min, ¥20)
- Budget option – Bus 877: From Deshengmen (90 min, ¥12)
- Return tip: Book return train in advance – gets fully booked!
- Station note: Allow 15 min for security check at Badaling station
💡 Best Viewing Spots
- 🍁 Tower 8 North: Take cable car for panoramic views
- 🍁 Red Leaf Ridge: Between towers 10-11, most dense maples
- 🍁 Hero Slope: Classic Great Wall + autumn leaves photo
- 🍁 Forest trail: Peaceful walk away from Wall crowds
Sample Itineraries
🌟 One Day Plan (City Focus)
– Metro to Muxidi Station
– Walk the golden tunnel, take photos
– Coffee break at nearby cafeAfternoon (1pm-4pm): Sanlitun East 5th Street
– Lunch at Taikoo Li
– Explore embassy area ginkgos
– Shopping and cafe hoppingEvening (5pm-7pm): Sunset drinks with autumn views
– Rooftop bar in Sanlitun
– Night photography if interested
🌟 Two Day Plan (Complete Experience)
• Morning: Tanzhe Temple (peaceful start)
• Afternoon: Diaoyutai Avenue
• Evening: Sanlitun diningDay 2 – Mountain Adventure:
• Early start: Fragrant Hills
• Afternoon: Continue hiking or rest
• Evening: Return to city
🌟 Three Day Plan (Full Immersion)
Day 2: Fragrant Hills + Badachu Park
Day 3: City spots (Diaoyutai + Sanlitun) + Temple visit
🌟 Make Your Beijing Experience Even Better
Loved learning those Chinese phrases? Imagine exploring Beijing’s hidden gems while actually chatting with locals! Our Chinese language school is just 10 minutes from Sanlitun’s golden ginkgo avenue.
Special Autumn Package
🍁 “Learn & Explore” Program:
Morning Chinese classes + Afternoon cultural tours to these autumn spots
- ✓ Learn vocabulary for each destination
- ✓ Practice with native speakers on location
- ✓ Small groups (max 6 students)
- ✓ Professional photos at each spot included
📍 Located in CBD, near all major autumn viewing spots
📧 Contact us for a free trial class during your Beijing visit!
📝 Quick Reference Guide
Essential Apps for Your Trip
- Didi (滴滴): Chinese Uber – works with international cards
- Baidu Maps (百度地图): More accurate than Google in China
- Dianping (大众点评): Restaurant reviews and recommendations
- Pleco: Best Chinese-English dictionary
Weather & Clothing
- October: 10-20°C – Light jacket, comfortable walking shoes
- November: 5-15°C – Warm coat, layers recommended
- Photo tip: Bright colors (red, yellow, white) look best against autumn leaves
Avoid the Crowds
- ❌ Avoid: October 1-7 (National Holiday)
- ❌ Avoid: Weekends at Fragrant Hills
- ✅ Best: Weekday mornings before 9am
- ✅ Best: Late afternoon after 3pm
📚 Continue Your Beijing Journey
Top 10 Places in Beijing
Complete tourist guide with maps
Chinese Summer Camp
Learn Chinese while exploring Beijing
Living in Beijing Guide
Costs and practical tips for 2024
🍁 Ready for Your Autumn Adventure?
Beijing’s autumn only lasts 4-6 weeks – don’t miss it! Save this guide, grab your camera, and prepare for the most colorful experience of your Beijing journey. Whether you choose peaceful temples or bustling mountains, Beijing’s autumn will leave you breathless.
Questions? Need more tips?
Drop by our school near Sanlitun – we love sharing Beijing’s secrets with international visitors!
