While Fragrant Hill Park (香山公园) is a well-known destination for autumn foliage in Beijing, it’s far from the only place to enjoy the stunning colors of fall. From vibrant red maples to golden ginkgo trees, there are many lesser-known spots that offer breathtaking views of autumn leaves. This guide highlights the top 10 destinations around Beijing for leaf viewing, perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds at Fragrant Hill while still experiencing the beauty of the season.
1. Shuiyu Village Red Leaf Walkway (水峪村红叶栈道)
- Located near the city and boasting views that rival those of popular spots like Pofeng Ridge (坡峰岭), Shuiyu Village offers a shorter, more manageable trail. It’s ideal for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed hiking experience. The walkway, lined with vibrant red and golden leaves, is perfect for a peaceful autumn outing.
- Best Time to Visit: October 15th to the end of October.
- How to Get There: Take the Fangshan Line (房山线) and transfer to bus F50 to Shuiyu Station (水峪站) near Qinglonghu Town (青龙湖镇).
2. Badaling Red Leaf Ridge (八达岭红叶岭)
- This scenic area is a hidden gem with stunning views of the Great Wall. The colorful foliage, set against the backdrop of the ancient Wall, creates a natural masterpiece. This spot is perfect for anyone looking to combine autumn leaf viewing with some of China’s most iconic history.
- Best Time to Visit: October 12th to October 25th.
- How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Qinghe Station (清河站) to Badaling Great Wall Station.
3. Pofeng Ridge (坡峰岭)
- Pofeng Ridge is the largest wild yellow linden forest in North China. Every autumn, the landscape transforms into a sea of vibrant colors, with hues of red, yellow, and orange stretching as far as the eye can see. National Geographic has called it one of the most spectacular mountain leaf displays in North China.
- Best Time to Visit: October 15th to October 31st.
- How to Get There: Take bus 917 to Zhoukoudian Intersection Station (周口店路口站), then transfer to bus Fang 32 to Huangshandian Village (黄山店村口站).
4. Wucai Qianshan (舞彩浅山)
- Known for its vast expanse of colorful forests, Wucai Qianshan offers over 10,000 acres of multicolored foliage. Visitors can wander through forests of red, yellow, and orange leaves, immersing themselves in the rich, warm colors of autumn.
- Best Time to Visit: October 15th to October 31st.
- How to Get There: Take Line 15 to Fengbo Station (俸伯站), then transfer to bus 8 or Shun 31 to Longwantun Station (龙湾屯站).
5. Beijing Expo Park (北京世园公园)
- This park, known for its botanical gardens and pavilions, provides a serene environment for leaf viewing. Visitors can enjoy the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern landscaping as they stroll through areas with stunning autumn colors.
- Best Time to Visit: October 15th to October 31st.
- How to Get There: From Deshengmen (德胜门), take bus 919 to the South Caiyuan North District Station (南菜园北二区站).
6. Jinhai Lake (金海湖)
- Located in Pinggu, Jinhai Lake offers beautiful autumn colors reflected on the surface of the lake. The nearby forest trails offer a peaceful escape and plenty of opportunities for leaf-peeping.
- Best Time to Visit: October 15th to October 31st.
- How to Get There: Take bus Jiao 99 to Pinggu Bus Station (平谷汽车站), then transfer to bus Ping 29 to Jinhaihu Station (金海湖站).
7. Beigong National Forest Park (北宫国家森林公园)
- This lesser-known forest park provides beautiful autumn foliage and a great hiking experience. Visitors can enjoy the colorful landscape as well as the tranquility of nature.
- Best Time to Visit: October 17th to October 31st.
- How to Get There: Take Line 14 to Zhangguozhuang Station (张郭庄站), then transfer to bus 574 to Dahuichang Village (大灰厂村站).
8. Laba Goumen (喇叭沟门)
- Located further from the city, Laba Goumen offers early autumn colors. The foliage here peaks earlier, making it a great option for those who want to see autumn leaves before they reach their peak in other locations.
- Best Time to Visit: October 1st to October 13th.
- How to Get There: From Dongzhimenwai (东直门外), take the Holiday Special Line 7 for direct access.
9. Mangshan National Forest Park (蟒山国家森林公园)
- Known for its rugged terrain and vibrant forests, Mangshan is an excellent destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park’s extensive forest trails make it an ideal place to explore during the autumn season.
- Best Time to Visit: October 15th to October 28th.
- How to Get There: Take the Changping Line to Changping Dongguan Station (昌平东关站), then take a taxi to the park.
10. Baiwangshan Forest Park (百望山森林公园)
- Baiwangshan Forest Park is a great place for autumn hiking and leaf viewing. The park’s easy-to-navigate trails lead you through forests filled with vibrant red and orange leaves.
- Best Time to Visit: October 18th to October 30th.
- How to Get There: Take Line 16 to Malianwa Station (马连洼站).