Beijing Autumn Foliage Guide|Unlock the Pinnacle of Chinese Aesthetics, with Precise Timing & Crowd Avoidance Tips
Beijing's autumn is a romance etched into its very bones. Red walls reflect fallen leaves, blue tiles frame the rosy clouds; from the Republican-era streets in the city to ancient temples in the suburbs, every spot is as beautiful as a flowing poem and painting. This "nanny-level autumn chasing guide" helps you hit the best viewing periods precisely and avoid crowds to capture stunning shots!
1. Core Idea for Autumn Viewing: Plan by "Tree Species + Time" to Catch Every Phase of Autumn Scenery
Beijing’s autumn viewing is divided into two main stages: mid-October to late October for ash trees, experiencing the fresh arrival of autumn; late October to late November for ginkgo trees, encountering the golden feast of late autumn. Following this rhythm, you can easily cover the entire beauty of autumn.
2. Mid-October to Late October: Ash Tree Season, Unlocking the "Beiping Flavor" of Early Autumn
1. Wusi Street (10.10-10.17): The Sign of Autumn’s Beginning in the Capital
- Highlights: Republican-era buildings on both sides (Changchuntang, Peking University Red Building) paired with golden ash trees create a classic opening of "Beiping Autumn Charm." Every casual shot looks like a vintage masterpiece.
- Practical Tips: Best shooting day is 10.13; crowd level ★★★★ (arrive before 9 AM to avoid peak tourist times).
2. Dongsi Hutong / Nanluo & Beiluoguxiang (10.14-10.25): The "Old Capital Autumn" in Yu Dafu’s Writings
- Highlights: Dongsi Hutong has more old Beijing life atmosphere, with gray walls and courtyard houses paired with ash leaves, perfect for slow strolls and cultural shots; Nanluo and Beiluoguxiang are more commercialized but still have a strong autumn vibe.
- Practical Tips: Best shooting day is 10.20; crowd level ★★ (fewer people deep in the hutongs, explore the smaller alleys).
3. Yuanmingyuan Pingxiang Pavilion (10.13-10.22): Water-side Autumn Viewing with Stunning Reflections
- Highlights: Ash trees stand by the water, autumn leaves reflect on the lake surface, and the autumn breeze ripples the water, creating a full atmospheric experience.
- Practical Tips: Best shooting day is 10.20; crowd level ★★★★★ (afternoon visitors surge, recommend entering right at 8 AM opening).
3. Late October to Late November: Ginkgo Season, Embracing the "Golden Sea" of Late Autumn
1. Suburban Ancient Temple Route (10.25-11.5): Ancient Temples + Ginkgo, Full Zen Atmosphere
- Guanghua Temple / Dajue Temple / Hongluo Temple: After the city’s ash trees fade, suburban ginkgo trees take the stage first. Ancient temple red walls paired with yellow leaves on the ground are a must-visit for lovers of traditional style. Best shooting day 11.3; crowd level ★★★★★ (recommend driving yourself, start early to avoid mountain road traffic jams).
- Badachu Great Compassion Temple (10.25-11.3): Beijing’s autumn "Top Heartthrob," ancient temple with ginkgo leaves covering the ground, photos naturally carry a "time sediment" feel. Best shooting day 11.3 (leaves easily blown off by wind, go early that day); crowd level ★★★★★.
2. Around Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills) (10.25-11.5): Enjoy Autumn Without Climbing, Easily Capture Beautiful Photos
- Must-visit spots: Biyun Temple (ginkgo + ancient buildings), Xiangshan Hotel (courtyard ginkgo), no need to climb to enjoy autumn; Qinzhen Hall’s red leaves are stunning but require entering right at opening to avoid "crowd shots."
- Practical Tips: Best shooting day 11.2; crowd level: Qinzhen Hall ★★★★★, Biyun Temple / Xiangshan Hotel ★★★ (recommend entering from the north gate for fewer people).
3. Forbidden City Route (10.25-11.12): Red Walls and Ginkgo, the Pinnacle of Classical Aesthetics
- Check-in spots:
- Donghuamen / Xihuamen: Ginkgo starts turning yellow around 10.25, paired with palace walls for excellent shots;
- Shenwumen / Yanxi Palace: 11.1-11.2 golden leaves, fewer people, easy to shoot empty scenes;
- Eighteen Sophora Trees: Best from 11.7-11.12, red walls reflecting ginkgo, a "hidden ace" of Forbidden City autumn scenery.
- Practical Tips: Crowd level ★★★ (Forbidden City tickets must be booked in advance, morning sessions recommended).
4. Municipal Park Route (11.1-11.10): Peak Autumn Scenery in the City, Ideal for Family Outings
- Recommended parks:
- Temple of Heaven / Temple of Earth: Large ginkgo groves paired with ancient buildings (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Fangze Altar), great for panoramic shots;
- Summer Palace Wutasi Temple: Water-side ginkgo + ancient pagoda, strong autumn layering;
- Zhongshan Park: Ginkgo near Shejitan, fewer people and quiet scenery.
- Practical Tips: Best shooting days 11.3 (Summer Palace), 11.6 (Zhongshan Park), 11.10 (Temple of Heaven / Temple of Earth); crowd level ★★★★★ (bring a picnic mat and visit off-peak).
5. End of Autumn Route (11.15-11.20): Capture the Last Touch of Autumn Yellow
- Capital Hotel: Popular check-in spot, ginkgo paired with European-style architecture, niche yet photogenic, late arrivals may queue; best shooting day 11.17; crowd level ★★★★★.
- Wanshou Temple: Quiet and peaceful, ginkgo paired with temple red walls, perfect for "atmospheric autumn photos"; crowd level ★★★.
4. Essential Tips Before You Go
1. Dressing Advice: Wear solid colors (white, beige, light coffee) to contrast with red walls and yellow leaves for better photos.
2. Photography Tools: Phone cameras work, but bring a camera if possible; soft light in early morning and evening is good for portraits; strong noon light suits panoramas.
3. Transportation Tips: Popular spots (Forbidden City, Xiangshan, Temple of Heaven) are accessible by subway; suburban temples (Hongluo Temple, Dajue Temple) are best reached by car or a "subway + taxi" combo.
4. Reservation Reminder: Forbidden City, Yuanmingyuan, Xiangshan, etc., require booking 1-3 days in advance on official platforms to avoid no tickets on site.
Beijing’s autumn comes once a year, brief but stunning. Follow this guide to capture red walls, fallen leaves, ancient temples, and autumn sunshine in your lens, and truly honor the "autumn of the ancient capital"!