This Chongyang Festival, celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in China, head to one of these ten scenic spots in Beijing's suburbs to take in the autumn colors and seek good fortune.

Thousand-Year-Old Temple and Ginkgo Trees — Mentougou District

At a thousand-year-old temple called Tanzhe Temple, an equally old ginkgo tree turns golden each autumn, creating a beautiful contrast with the red walls and gray-tiled roofs. Climb to Pilu Pavilion for sweeping views of the mountains in their autumn colors.

Navigate to the foot of Tanzhe Mountain, Tanzhesi Town, Mentougou District.

Tel: +86-10-60862505; +86-10-60861699

Stone Sutra at Yunju Temple — Fangshan District

At Yunju Temple, ancient pagodas, stone inscriptions and old cypress trees dot the grounds. Explore the thousand-year-old stone sutras, take in the autumn scenery, and hike to a peaceful vantage point to offer a prayer.

Navigate to Shuitou Village, Dashiwo Town, Fangshan District.

Tel: +86-10-61389101

Pagoda by the Lake — Tongzhou District

At Xihaizi Park, the Randeng Pagoda stands beside the water. The ancient pagoda and temple are reflected in the lake, while a gentle path winds around the shore.

Navigate to Xihaizi Park, Xihaizi West Road, Xinhua Subdistrict, Tongzhou District.

Tel: +86-10-61569200

Autumn Foliage in Vast Woodland — Shunyi District

Wucai Qianshan is home to vast stretches of colorful forest, ablaze with vibrant autumn hues. Its gently graded mountain boardwalks make for an enjoyable hike for visitors of all fitness levels.

Navigate to Wucai Qianshan National Waterfront Hiking Fitness Trail, Longwantun Town, Shunyi District.

Tel: +86-10-60466185

Climb High for Views of the Reservoir — Changping District

In late autumn, Mangshan is a tapestry of red leaves, smoke trees and evergreen pines and cypresses. From the summit, take in a bird's-eye view of the Ming Tombs Reservoir. It is a popular spot in northern Beijing for climbing high and taking in panoramic views.

Navigate to Mangshan Scenic Area, Beijing Ming Tombs National Forest Park, Mangshan Road, Changping District.

Tel: +86-10-88203003

A Wetland Walk with Milu Deer — Daxing District

Nanhaizi Park was used as a royal hunting ground by several dynasties. Stroll along the wetland boardwalk and enjoy views of the lake, reeds, waterbirds and milu deer.

Navigate to Nanhaizi Park, 16 Huangyi Road, Yinghai Town, Daxing District.

Tel: +86-10-69271456; +86-10-69271375; +86-10-52386316

Hongluo Temple: A Journey for Autumn Views and Blessings — Huairou District

Hongluo Temple is a well-known place to pray for blessings in Beijing's suburbs. In front of the Mahavira Hall, two thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, one male and one female, turn golden against the temple's red walls and dark-tiled roofs. Follow the Guanyin Trail up the mountain to climb high and pray for blessings in the same trip.

Navigate to 2, Hongluo East Road, Huairou District.

Tel: +86-10-60681175; +86-10-60681639

A Blessed Hike at Yaji Mountain — Pinggu District

Yaji Mountain is a renowned Taoist sacred site in northern China. Its 365 steps to the summit are a "Blessings Stairway", symbolizing the wish for peace and safety every step of the way throughout the 365 days of the year. 

Navigate to Yaji Mountain Scenic Area, Beijishan Village, Liujiadian Town, Pinggu District.

Tel: +86-10-61972535

From mid-October, the mountain's red leaves meet a sea of clouds, creating an almost otherworldly scene. Take the cable car part of the way, then enjoy a gentle walk to the summit and admire the autumn colors.

Navigate to Yunmeng Mountain Scenic Area, Shicheng Village, Shicheng Town, Miyun District.

Tel: +86-18610724532

Autumn by the Lake at Yudu Mountain — Yanqing District

At Yudu Mountain Scenic Area, follow the gentle boardwalk around the lake. Between the alpine meadow and the waters of Wangyou Lake, take in the peaceful beauty of autumn.

Navigate to Yudu Mountain Scenic Area, Yuhuangmiao Village, Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing District.

Tel: +86-13581572597

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)