Beijing in autumn is a visual feast that captures the essence of the season. Whether you’re admiring the fiery red leaves of Fragrant Hill Park or strolling through the serene Kunming Lake at Summer Palace, the city’s parks, palaces, and outskirts offer spectacular autumn views. To help you plan the perfect autumn outing, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best places in Beijing to experience the beauty of fall foliage. From golden ginkgo trees to vibrant red maples, these scenic spots will provide you with unforgettable memories.
In-City Autumn Scenery
1. Fragrant Hill Park (香山公园)
Highlight: Fragrant Hill Park is synonymous with autumn in Beijing, especially when the large clusters of yellow and red leaves cover the landscape. The mountain is filled with the warm colors of autumn, drawing crowds every year.
Ticket: ¥10
Address: Fragrant Hill Park, Haidian District, Beijing
2. The Forbidden City (故宫)
Highlight: For a unique autumn experience, head to the “Purple Forbidden Eighteen Locusts” grove located east of the Wuying Hall, where a forest of ginkgo trees meets the backdrop of the Forbidden City’s red walls, creating a perfect photo opportunity. The ginkgo trees near the Yanxi Palace also offer a different angle of the imperial palace.
Ticket: ¥60
Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
3. Summer Palace (颐和园)
Highlight: The reflection of the autumn sky in Kunming Lake, the ancient architecture of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and the red and golden hues of the maple and ginkgo trees on Longevity Hill create a unique and tranquil autumn atmosphere at the Summer Palace.
Ticket: ¥30
Address: 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
4. Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue (钓鱼台银杏大道)
Highlight: Famous for its row of towering ginkgo trees, this iconic spot in Beijing is a must-see for those who love the golden hues of autumn. The avenue offers a romantic and peaceful setting for leaf viewing.
Ticket: Free
Address: East Wall of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Haidian District, Beijing
5. Olympic Forest Park (奥林匹克森林公园)
Highlight: The Olympic Forest Park combines the rich colors of ginkgo and maple leaves, creating an immersive autumn experience. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the season’s colors in a peaceful environment.
Ticket: Free
Address: 33 Kehui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Autumn Foliage in Beijing’s Suburbs
6. Badaling National Forest Park (八达岭国家森林公园)
Highlight: The Red Leaf Ridge is the park’s centerpiece, offering expansive views of vibrant autumn foliage. It’s the largest natural red-leaf area in Asia, and autumn here is as spectacular as it is colorful.
Ticket: ¥35
Address: Badaling Forest Farm, Yanqing District, Beijing
7. Beigong National Forest Park (北宫国家森林公园)
Highlight: A hidden gem for autumn leaf enthusiasts, Beigong Park features an impressive variety of colorful leaves, including ginkgo, yellow linden, and maple trees. The park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility, ideal for a day trip.
Ticket: Free
Address: Huairou Town, Huairou District, Beijing
8. Pofeng Ridge (坡峰岭)
Highlight: Known as the most spectacular mountain red-leaf area in North China, Pofeng Ridge has been praised by National Geographic for its breathtaking views. The hillsides are covered with lush yellow linden trees, which sway gracefully in the autumn breeze, creating a picturesque landscape.
Ticket: ¥50
Address: Zhoukoudian Town, Fangshan District, Beijing
9. Laba Goumen Primitive Forest Park (喇叭沟原始森林公园)
Highlight: Autumn arrives early in Laba Goumen, where the white birch trees and red maples are in full color by October. The vibrant foliage creates a painterly scene, as if nature itself is using a colorful palette.
Ticket: ¥40
Address: Manchu Township, Huairou District, Beijing
10. Jinhai Lake Scenic Area (金海湖风景区)
Highlight: Known as “Beijing’s Little Switzerland,” Jinhai Lake offers beautiful reflections of the lake and tower against the backdrop of autumn foliage. The combination of the lake’s tranquil waters and the vibrant leaves makes it one of the best places for a peaceful autumn retreat.
Ticket: ¥40
Address: Jinhaihu Town, Pinggu District, Beijing