As autumn colors gradually spread, the sections of the Great Wall in Yanqing District have donned their new seasonal attire. The Jiuyanlou section has already entered its red foliage season ahead of schedule, while the Badaling Great Wall, Shuiguan Great Wall, and the Ancient Great Wall will successively reach their peak viewing periods starting from mid-October. 

Jiuyanlou Great Wall

For those hoping to capture the quintessence of Beijing's autumn, a trip to Jiuyanlou Great Wall is essential. Perched at an altitude of 1,141 meters, it is renowned as the "First Tower of the Great Wall", distinguished by its nine arrow-slit windows on each facade and an impressive 94.6-percent forest coverage rate. By mid-September, the site quietly transforms into its signature three-color palette of red, yellow, and green.

Badaling Great Wall

At present, over 2 square kilometers of red-leaf forest with more than 200,000 colorful leaf trees along the Badaling Great Wall are quietly embracing the hues of autumn. To fully experience this seasonal splendor, visitors can choose from three themed routes, each offering a unique way to enjoy the magnificent fall scenery along this iconic section of the Great Wall.

Route 1: Walk along the path from North Tower 1 to North Tower 4 through a 1.2-kilometer corridor of red-leaf forest. Along the way, you can admire the northern watchtowers up close and enjoy distant views of the southern wall's silhouette.

Route 2: Take the northern cable car directly to the Haohanpo (Hero Slope), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Wall winding like a dragon through the early-red autumn forest. Alternatively, head south and ride the "most beautiful mountain train", which offers sweeping vistas of the valleys and autumn scenery.

Route 3: Take the northern cable car to the vicinity of North Tower 8, then head straight to the section between North Towers 10 and 11, known as the "most beautiful red wall". Here, the reddening maple trees contrast beautifully with the ancient crenellations, highlighting the Great Wall's majestic autumn charm.

Shuiguan Great Wall

The Shuiguan Great Wall, designed with water defenses, extends along the mountain in a V-shape like a dragon resting on the ridge. Its double-sided battlements, watchtowers, and beacon towers are arranged elegantly to blend with the surrounding terrain. As autumn winds pick up, the area gradually ushers in its red-leaf viewing season.

Badaling Ancient Great Wall

For those who appreciate a deeper sense of history, the Badaling Ancient Great Wall, located about five kilometers southwest of the main Badaling section, is not to be missed. Visitors are recommended to head directly to the beacon tower at the mountain pass and continue toward the second and third watchtowers. As the red leaves gradually paint the branches, the vibrant hues of autumn unfold along the way.

Call up your friends and head to the Great Wall — it's the perfect time to go hiking and enjoy the red autumn leaves!

(Source: WeChat Account of "Beijing Yanqing")