As autumn deepens, the foliage in the mountains and fields on the outskirts of Beijing is gradually reaching its seasonal best. Now, get ready for the capital's vibrant, soothing autumn colors!
Beijing Laba Ditch Virgin Forest Park
The park has now entered its peak season for autumn foliage. Labagoumen Village is located in the deep mountains in the far north of Beijing at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,700 meters. With a large temperature difference between day and night, it is one of the first places in Beijing where the leaves change color in autumn. The White Birch Scenic Area has Beijing's largest expanse of white birch woodland and is also home to tree species such as oak, Dahurian larch and painted maple. The brilliant golden yellows paired with intense reds, together with the silvery-white trunks of the birch trees, create rich layers of colors and a striking visual experience.
Best viewing time: The leaves are now at their seasonal peak, and the best viewing period is expected to last until late October. The park will close in early November.
What to wear: Bring a light jacket as temperatures can vary greatly in the mountains.
Opening hours: 7:30–17:30; on weekends, the park stays open until 18:00 (ticket sales end at 16:30, and shuttle bus ticket sales end at 16:50).
15th Pofengling Red Leaf Festival
The festival is now underway and will run until November 15. Pofengling has a red-leaf viewing area of about 2,000 mu (roughly 133 hectares). The leaves there are currently just beginning to turn red, and are expected to reach their peak between mid-October and early November. Must-visit spots include the Red Leaf Avenue (红叶大道), the Stone Houses Above the Clouds (云上石屋), Yunhu Lake (云湖), the century-old "King of Smoke Trees" (百年黄栌王) and Yingzui Rock (鹰嘴岩). This year's event also features a social media challenge themed "Date with Red Leaves" (红叶之约) — check in at these spots and post photos, text or short videos for a chance to win surprise prizes.
The scenic area offers three routes that suit different preferences and fitness levels:
Leisurely route: First, visit attractions such as the Stone Houses Above the Clouds, then take the cable car straight up to enjoy the view at Yunhu Lake.
Classic sightseeing route: Scenic area's entrance→Stone Houses Above the Clouds→Suspension bridge→Qiufeng Pavilion (秋风亭)→Century-old "King of Smoke Trees"→Layered Forest Viewing Platform (层林观景台)→Yunhu Lake
This route encompasses the park's main scenic highlights, and you can take the cable car down the mountain.
Challenging hiking route: Hike all the way to the summit (Yingzui Rock) to reach the 360-degree panoramic viewing platform.
To get to Pofengling, drivers can park at Parking Lot No. 1 and then take a free shuttle bus to reach the scenic area. Visitors using public transport can take the subway or bus to Zhoukoudian Bus Terminal (周口店客运站) and transfer to Bus Fang 32 (房32).
Badaling National Forest Park
The 20th Red Leaf Eco-Culture Season is underway there. About 30 percent of the leaves have changed color so far, and smoke trees and Shantung maple trees across a vast expanse set off the ancient Great Wall beautifully.
The park has planned two routes for viewing the autumn foliage.
Short route: Wanglong Terrace (望龙台)→Lanyue Terrace (揽月台)→Yongyan Terrace (拥艳台)
This route is easy and pleasant, offering sweeping views of both the Great Wall and red leaves.
Panoramic route: Xiangyun Terrace (祥云台)→Tenglong Terrace (腾龙台)→Echoing Wall (回音壁)→Foshou Valley (佛手谷)
This takes visitors deep into the autumn woodland, where you can see more than a century of history reflected in the reverse Y-shaped railway, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Expressway and the ancient Great Wall.
During this year's event, a series of themed activities such as those for forest therapy, nature education and forest hikes will be held every weekend. Follow the WeChat account "Experience Center of Badaling National Forest Park of Beijing" (北京八达岭森林公园体验馆) for more details.
Opening hours: 8:00–17:00
Best viewing period: Early to late October
(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)
