Last Call: Don't Miss These Places To See Autumn Leaves Around Beijing!

Four Spots to Enjoy Autumn Scenery Close to the City Center

Irene Li, Associate Editor | Nov 5, 2021 5:57 pm | Add a comment | 368 reads

It's that time of the year again when Beijing turns into a beautiful palette of reds, golds and oranges. But, if you wanna see it, you'd better take it in while it lasts, because its expected the leaves are in their peak this week 'til next, from Nov 1 to 8. If you can't make it out of the city center to take in the autumn colors, don't fret, because we've compiled a list of some other sites (some closer to the city center) you can head out and enjoy.

Wuta Temple

Nothing says "perfect autumn photos" quite like Wuta Temple. If you ever head there for the fall, you’re guaranteed to get hooked with the perfection combination of yellow leaves from gingko trees and the historical relics of temples. The yellow of the trees in contrast with the stone of the temple is such a popular sight to behold it's even been added to their tickets. To get there, take Line 4 to National Library Station and get off at Exit C, then, walk east along Wuta Si Road until you reach the northwest gate of the Beijing Zoo. Turn north, and you'll be greeted by scenes of endless gold.

24 Wutasicun, Haidian district
北京市海淀区五塔寺村24号

Olympic Forest Park

For something with a bit more outside-the-city vibes, head up north to Olympic Forest Park. The changing colors of the leaves have become a new hit, with Weibo plastered with shots of the park as of late. The sheer vastness of the place also makes it a popular place to take up running, biking, and even boating. Its free to enter, so get there to run among some of the best scenes Beijing autumn has to offer.

33 Kehui Road, Chaoyang district
北京市朝阳区科荟路33号

Jingshan Park & the Forbidden City

Looking for something a bit closer? Visit Jingshan Park and/or the Forbidden City. The proximity to the city center makes these two locations ideal for a quick visit, even if there might still be some tourist crowds to contend with. Plus, even if you can't score yourself a ticket to get inside the Palace Museum, you can still enjoy the views of trees outside the moats and walls encircling the imperial residence.

To visit Jingshan Park:

44 Jingshan West Street, Xicheng district
北京市西城区景山西街44号

To visit the Forbidden City:

4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng district
北京市东城区景山前街4号

Zhongshan Park

Just 2km south of Jingshan Park, Zhongshan Park offers acres of trees, trails, and golden leaves. Getting a good shot might prove a bit difficult due to all the other visitors here trying to take similar shots in the same spot, but be patient and you'll come away with some Instagram-worthy pics. Pro tip: be sure to get some shots contrasting the gold and red of the leaves with the yellow and red of the park gates.