Crisp autumn air and forests ablaze with color—the hills and countryside around Beijing have turned into an oil painting. Who could resist a hike with beautiful scenery and plenty of great photo opportunities? From free waterfront boardwalks to colorful forest ridges beneath the Great Wall, these six autumn hiking trails are waiting for you.

Xishan Boardwalk at Yanqi Lake, Huairou District

After renovation, the Yanqi Lake scenic area has been upgraded into an open waterfront park. A brand-new wooden boardwalk winds along the lakeshore, forming several waterfront walking routes. One of the highlights of Yanqi Lake, the Xishan Boardwalk is built along the mountainside and stretches for about 8 kilometers, with multiple entrances and exits as well as viewing platforms. With gentle slopes and plenty of shade along the way, it is suitable for visitors of all ages.

Yudushan Leisure Trail, Yanqing District

In autumn, the mountains and waters of Yudushan complement each other, creating a picturesque scene. If you prefer a leisurely hike, the Yudushan Leisure Trail is a great choice. The entire trail is gentle and easy, with a low level of difficulty, making it manageable for seniors and children. You can take a leisurely stroll, breathe in the fresh air, and relax your mind amid the forest.

Jinhai Lake North Mountain Trail, Pinggu District

The Jinhai Lake North Mountain Trail consists of a 3-kilometer family loop and a 10-kilometer hiking loop, connecting attractions such as Sanquan Temple and Wucai Forest Valley. The paths are mainly stone-paved trails and wooden boardwalks, making them suitable for families and hiking enthusiasts. At the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Jinhai Lake. After exploring the North Mountain Trail, you can also visit the nearby Jinhai Lake Scenic Area.

Wucai Qianshan Waterfront National Hiking Trail (Longwantun Section), Shunyi District

The wooden boardwalks of the Wucai Qianshan Waterfront National Hiking Trail (Longwantun Section) are gentle and spacious, suitable for hikers of different fitness levels. The core section runs from the south side of Anlilong Villa in Longwantun Town, Shunyi District in the east to the west side of Tangzhishan Reservoir Dam in Mulin Town in the west. The total length of the route is 125 kilometers, including an 80-kilometer main section and a 45-kilometer branch section. Climb to the viewing platform and look out over the plains and mountains, where distant hills, villages, and colorful forests all come into view.

Beijing Great Wall Forest Trail, Yanqing District

The Beijing Great Wall Forest Trail winds along the mountain contours for 118 kilometers. The trail features multiple themed hiking routes and several viewing platforms along the way. Up close, you can see the full layout of Shixia Village; in the distance, you can see the Shixia Pass Great Wall, Northern Qi Great Wall, Huajiayao Great Wall, and more along the mountain ridges. The forest trail is gentle and comfortable. In autumn, leaves rustle in the breeze and blanket the ground, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Xishan Dengfeng Lansheng Forest Trail (Zhoukoudian Site Section), Fangshan District

The Xishan Dengfeng Lansheng Forest Trail (Zhoukoudian Site Section) is a loop trail that connects 700,000 years of human history with autumn colors across the mountains. It officially opened to the public free of charge in May 2025. The Zhoukoudian Site Loop is about 5.5 kilometers long, with an elevation gain of about 340 meters. Designed to be easy and suitable for visitors of all ages, the trail links six viewing platforms.

So gather your friends, choose a trail, and set off!

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