Marvel at Autumn Hues in Beijing's Mountain Parks
The sweet spot between mid-October and mid-November is undoubtedly Beijing's most delightful season. It's the perfect time to immerse yourself in nature, saunter among the trees, and relish the stunning displays of autumn colors.
We've previously highlighted some suburban parks and forests for your outdoor adventures. Here's an update, with a mix of timeless favorites and this year's hotspots for autumn leaves.
Note: We've reached out to several venues and the majority have assured us that tickets are available for on-the-spot purchase. However, with Fragrant Hills being such a popular destination, we recommend securing your tickets ahead of time through their handy mini-program just in case tickets sell out. Detailed instructions on how to book tickets for Fragrant Hills can be found below.
Fragrant Hills
Let's start with the eternally popular Fragrant Hills, which no list of Beijing's autumn glory is complete without. I've had a fondness for this place since childhood, when my parents would take me hiking and we'd collect the vibrant red leaves that tumbled from the trees, later converting them into bookmarks. Sure, it can get crowded in the autumn (a mid-week, early morning visit can help avoid the rush), but that does nothing to diminish its enchanting beauty.
The area transforms into a warm palette of reds and yellows as the maple trees gear up for winter, with attractions like Jingcui Lake, Heshun Gate, Fragrant Hill Temple, and Yuhua Villa adding to the charm.
Here's how to book tickets:
Step 1: Jump onto the official account known as 香山公园服务号 Xiāngshān gōngyuán fúwù hào. Once you're there, navigate to the channel bar and choose the option labeled 我的门票 Wǒ de ménpiào.
Step 2: Now, look for the passport option. When you spot it, just hit 开始预约 Kāishǐ yùyuē. Voila! You're all booked and ready to go!
Fragrant Hills 香山
No. 40, Maimai Street, Xiangshan Street, Haidian distirct
海淀区香山街道买卖街40号
Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-6.30pm
Phone: 010-62591222
Price: RMB 10
Labagoumen
Next up is Labagoumen Forest Park, a top choice known as Beijing's "Arctic point" due to its location at the city's northernmost edge. Now is the prime time to visit, with over half the leaves on the birch trees having turned a delightful red.
The park, with altitudes ranging between 700 and 1,700 meters, boasts rocky terrain, sprawling forests, and crisp air. The highlight is the expansive maple forest, but other tree species like aspen, oak, and various forest trees also contribute to the autumn extravaganza.
A word of caution - ensure you have sturdy hiking shoes. Autumn rains can make the trails a tad slippery, and you wouldn't want a tumble to mar your leaf-viewing fun!
Labagoumen 喇叭沟门原始森林公园
No. 300 W, Sunzhazi Village, Laogoumen Manchu Township, Huairou District
怀柔区喇叭沟门满族乡孙栅子村西300号
Hours: Mon-Sun 7.30am-5.30pm
Phone: 010-60620188
Price: RMB 38
Gubei Watertown
If you're chasing the autumnal hues, Gubei Watertown should be high on your bucket list. Nestled beneath the Simatai Great Wall section, this spot offers eye-catching views of the changing leaves. Plus, there's so much more to explore! Get a taste of local heritage with folk culture relics, or treat your taste buds at a variety of top-notch Western and Chinese eateries.
Gubei Watertown 古北水镇
2 kilometers north from Simatai Great Wall exit of Jingcheng Expressway, Miyun District
密云区京承高速司马台长城出口向北2公里
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-10.30pm
Phone: 010-81009999
Price: RMB 140
Pofengling
The Pofengling Scenic Spot comes with a stamp of approval from National Geographic - they've hailed it as one of the most breathtaking locations in North China. Nestled at the northern base of Fangshan Mountain, the key vantage point lets you soak up a sea of 200,000 smoke trees. It's no wonder this spot has earned the title of the most concentrated red leaf hotspot in the north.
Pofengling 坡峰岭
Huangshandian Village, Fangshan district
房山区黄山店村
Hours: Mon-Sun 7.30am-6pm
Phone: 010-89034901
Price: RMB 50
Mutianyu Great Wall
And of course, no list would be complete without a mention of the Mutianyu Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is definitely one of the most beautiful parts especially during autumn, being home to over 280,000 tree species, painting a picturesque canvas of red, gold, and green. We suggest giving the cable car ride a miss and instead, lace up your boots for a hike up the steps. This route takes you to a quieter, more tranquil section of the wall, offering an experience that truly is priceless.
Mutianyu Greatwall 慕田峪长城
Mutianyu roundabout, Huaihuang Road, Bohai Town, Huairou District
怀柔区渤海镇怀黄路慕田峪环岛旁
Hours: Mon-Sun 7.30am-6pm
Phone: 010-61626876
Price: RMB 40
READ: Weekend Walk: Literary Strolls through Old Peking
Images: Irene Li, Unsplash
