Chasing Autumn Hues: Your Guide to Beijing's Best Golden Leaf Photo Spots
Autumn is undoubtedly Beijing's most enchanting season, and capturing the golden foliage, especially the vibrant ginkgo leaves, is a must-do! I've compiled this guide based on my personal experiences and information gathered to help you discover the most picturesque locations during your fall visit.
⏰ Timing: The peak foliage season varies slightly each year depending on the weather, but generally falls between late October and early November.
1️⃣ Olympic Forest Park (奥林匹克森林公园)
Why it's great: This park boasts an extensive ginkgo forest, beautifully complemented by lakes and streams.
Getting there: Subway 🚇
Directions: Take the subway 🚇 to Olympic Park South Gate Station (奥林公园南门). Exit from Gate A or B ➡️. After entering the South Gate, turn left to find the ginkgo forest.
2️⃣ The Forbidden City (故宫)
Why it's great: Need I say more? The Forbidden City is magnificent any time of year, but it's truly breathtaking when adorned with autumn colors. It's an iconic spot in the capital.
Prime ginkgo viewing spots within the Forbidden City: Shenwu Gate (神武门), Cining Palace (慈宁宫), Yanxi Palace (延禧宫), etc.
3️⃣ Temple of Heaven Park (天坛公园)
Why it's great: Capture both the beauty of the ginkgo trees and the grandeur of the Temple of Heaven in one visit!
Getting there: Subway 🚇
Directions: Take Line 5 🚇 to Tiantandongmen Station (天坛东门站). Exit from A2 (A2西北门出口) ➡️ Turn right or head towards the North Gate. Enter the gate and walk straight ahead to find rows of ginkgo trees.
4️⃣ Yuanmingyuan Park (圆明园)
Why it's great: Beyond ginkgo, Yuanmingyuan showcases various trees transforming into golden hues. The lake reflections create a truly romantic and picturesque scene.
Getting there: Subway 🚇
Directions: Take Line 4 🚇 to Yuanmingyuan Station. Exit from B (圆明园B口). Walk approximately 5 minutes from the South Gate to reach the photo spot.
5️⃣ Summer Palace (颐和园)
Why it's great: Similar to Yuanmingyuan, the Summer Palace offers stunning landscapes with hills and water, making for incredibly beautiful photos.
Getting there: Subway 🚇 or taxi
Directions: Take the subway 🚇 to Beigongmen Station (北宫门站) or Summer Palace West Gate Station (颐和园西门站).
6️⃣ The Ginkgo Road (北京银杏秘境)
Why it's great: This location features a long stretch of ginkgo trees alongside a stone bridge, creating a stunning backdrop for photos.
Getting there: Car/Taxi
Directions: Take a taxi to Beijing Liquefied Gas Baijiatuan Gas Station (北京液化气白家疃气站).
7️⃣ Sanlitun Ginkgo Avenue (三里屯银杏大道)
Why it's great: A beautiful street lined with large ginkgo trees on both sides.
Getting there: Subway 🚇 or taxi
Directions: Take Line 10 🚇 to Nongzhanguan Station (农展馆地铁站) or take a taxi directly to Sanlitun.
8️⃣ Chaoyang Park (朝阳公园)
Getting there: Subway 🚇
Directions: Take Line 14 🚇 to Chaoyang Park Station (朝阳公园站) or take a taxi to the South Gate of Chaoyang Park. The South Gate is known for its beautiful ginkgo trees.
9️⃣ Beijing's Hutongs (北京胡同里，南锣鼓巷，北锣鼓巷)
Why it's great: Stroll through these historic alleyways, soaking in the traditional atmosphere and experiencing autumn's subtle beauty woven into the fabric of old Beijing.
Getting there: Subway 🚇 or taxi
Directions: Take Line 8 🚇 to Nanluoguxiang Station (南锣鼓巷站). Exit from E (E出口).
🔟 Zhongshan Park (中山公园)
Getting there: Subway 🚇 or taxi
Directions: Take Line 1 🚇 to Tiananmen West Station (天安门西站). Exit from B (B出口).
This guide is based on my personal adventures and references from Xiaohongshu. Happy leaf-peeping!
