With the arrival of autumn, the charm of Beijing's golden autumn is about to unfold, offering a chance to embark on a nighttime tour of the Juyongguan (Juyong Pass) section of the Great Wall and immerse oneself in the breathtaking red leaves at Beijing WTown.
Sightseeing Tours Admiring Red Leaves and Flowers
A parent takes photos of her child at Beijing WTown.
- Beijing WTown
From September 15 to October 30, Beijing WTown will launch the "Red Leaf Festival of Chinese Style". The event this year consists of four thematic sections, namely "Glamour of the Ming Dynasty", "Prosperous Life of the Tang Dynasty", a section dedicated to China-chic elements, and a Chinese-style carnival.
Beijing WTown is one of the most ideal destinations for viewing autumn foliage in Beijing. Typically, the best time to admire the red leaves here usually falls in mid-October.
- Beijing Expo Park
The 3rd Red Leaf Ecological Culture Festival of Beijing Expo Park was launched on September 10 and will run until October 15. A variety of sub-events will be available during this period, along with several newly designated tour routes, making the park an ideal destination for citizens' autumn outings.
- Badaling National Forest Park
The park reopened on September 11. As for the best time to view the red leaves, it's usually in mid-October. The most renowned area for capturing the charm of red leaves is the Hongyeling Scenic Area, from where tourists can enjoy the magnificent view of the ancient Great Wall amidst the colors of autumn.
- Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills) Park
Fragrant Hills is renowned for its red leaves and is a destination known both at home and abroad. However, for those eagerly looking forward to enjoying the views of the red leaves, you may need to wait a bit longer as the viewing period mostly fell in middle to late October in previous years.
- Baili Landscape Gallery
Stretching through multiple flower meadows in Yanqing District, this scenic area welcomes the blooming of lavenders, sunflowers, and other vibrant flowers. The early autumn landscape is perfect for flower enthusiasts.
Treks on the Great Wall
Tourists take photos at the Badaling section of the Great Wall
- 72 scenic spots of the Guangou ancient path, the Badaling section of the Great Wall, including the Shuiguan (Water Pass) section, and the Chadao Ancient City
This trekking route on the Great Wall stretches for seven kilometers, with the Badaling section of the Great Wall (including the Shuiguan section) and Chadao Ancient City as the main components, covering the 72 scenic spots of the Guangou ancient path and other cultural heritage sites related to the Great Wall. In autumn, the leaves of the trees along the Great Wall gradually change their colors. If you gaze upon the Great Wall from a higher altitude, you will find the majestic Great Wall stands even more impressively against the backdrop of vibrant hues.
Night Tours in Beijing
- Juyongguan Great Wall night tours
The Juyongguan Great Wall Scenic Area has undergone a lighting upgrade, extending pedestrian lighting to the Dongshan Section, so about two-kilometer long Great Wall (in one way) is accessible to visitors at night.
- Liangma River International Style Waterfront
Liangma River International Style Waterfront
The meandering Liangma River passes through the Second and Third Embassy Zone, linking three major business and commercial blocks of Sanlitun, Youyi Shopping City of Beijing Lufthansa Center, and SOLANA. Cruise trips on the Liangma River have become one of the most popular nighttime tours in Beijing.
Science Popularization Tours in Autumn Days
- Yuyuantan Park
On the north shore of Yuyuantan Park's East Lake, an exhibition themed "Seasonal Changes with All Creatures in Harmony" displays the origins of 12 traditional solar terms during autumn and winter times, from the Beginning of Autumn to the Major Cold, as well as behaviors of animals and plants, bringing visitors a delightful educational experience.
In September, the park will also carry out science popularization activities featuring wetland ecology guided tours every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 in the East Lake Wetland Conservation Area of Yuyuantan Park. Visitors can learn about wetland-related culture, wetland ecology, interesting stories of wetland plants and animals, and other knowledge during these tours.
- Guyaju (The grotto), Botanical Hall of Beijing Expo Park, and Beijing Wild Duck Lake National Wetland Park
This route covers typical natural landscapes of Yanqing District. Visitors may either explore them on field trips or go for a light show "Billions of Years of Evolution – The Adventure of Plants". Additionally, visitors can also experience bird watching and the fun of making reed paintings.
Gourmet Tour on Autumn Days
- Fairs in Yongning Ancient Town, Tofu feast in a brazier pot in Liugou Folk Village, sightseeing in a traditional Chinese medicine garden featuring Asiatic wormwood, and fishing in Duijiushi Scenic Area
This route integrates ancient architectural culture with modern urban development. Visitors can experience the bustle of a fair in an ancient town, as well as traditional Chinese medicine planting, canoeing, and fishing.
(Source: The Beijing News)