Golden October paints Beijing with rich, vibrant colors. This autumn, skip the crowds by following this guide and exploring the city's best spots for fall colors!
Summer Palace
What to See: Large-fruited elm (Ulmus macrocarpa), Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) and smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria)
Best Time: Late October to early and mid November
Best Spots: Beneath the trees and inside the covered corridor
Temple of Heaven Park
What to See: Ginkgo
Best Time: Late October to early November
Best Spots: 5-10 meters south of the North Second Gate
Beihai Park
What to See: Shandong maple (Acer truncatum) and smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria)
Best Time: Late October to early November
Best Spots: Jianchun Pavilion, Yuegu Tower, and the west side of Qionghua Island
Zhongshan Park
What to See: Ginkgo
Best Time: Late October to early and mid-November
Best Spot: Southern Long Corridor
Fragrant Hills Park
What to See: Shandong maple (Acer truncatum)
Best Time: Late October
Best Spot: Qinzheng Hall
Jingshan Park
What to See: Ginkgo
Best Time: Late October to mid-November
Best Spot: In front of Huguo Zhongyi Temple
China National Botanical Garden (North Garden)
What to See: Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Best Time: Late October to early November
Best Spot: Between Wenshan Pavilion and the ancient dawn redwood stump
Beijing Zoo
What to See: Ginkgo
Best Time: Mid to late October
Best Spots: Around the aforementioned houses
Taoranting Park
What to See: Shandong maple (Acer truncatum)
Best Time: Early to mid-November
Best Spots: Along the South Lake and the southern edge of the Central Island
Zizhuyuan Park
What to See: Ginkgo
Best Time: Mid-November
Best Spot: In front of Zixiao Hall
Yuyuantan Park
What to See: Ginkgo, Shandong maple (Acer truncatum), cherry
Best Time: Early to mid-November
Best Spots: China Young Heroes Monument Square and Health Avenue
Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture
What to See: Shandong maple (Acer truncatum)
Best Time: Mid to late October
Best Spot: Entrance of Banmu Garden
Luxian Ancient City Archaeological Site Park
What to See: Chinese fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Japanese blood grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra') and Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus') – all blending natural, wild charm with architectural grandeur
Best Time: Mid to late October
Best Spot: Outside the museum
Baiwang Mountain Forest Park
Locations: Northern Main Path (Route 3) of the front hills; near Stele Pavilion Square at the East Gate (small wetlands); below Yinshi Pavilion on the summit of the northern front hills
What to See: Autumn Blaze maple (Acer rubrum 'Autumn Blaze')
Best Time: Mid to late October
Best Spot: Entrance of the East Gate of the Route 3
Notice: Some of the photos above are from previous years. The actual viewing experience may vary.
So, have you made your pick for a perfect autumn moment?
(Source: Official Ticketing Website of Beijing Municipal Administration Center of Parks)
