Beijing is now in the prime period for autumn outings. The Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau has selected eight destinations for mountain views and eight places where forests and flower fields stretch out like "seas". It has also paired the destinations of the two categories to create themed itineraries, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the distinctive beauty of autumn in Beijing.

Fenghuangling

Eight destinations for mountain views:

• Xishan (Western Hills) National Forest Park

• Fenghuangling Scenic Area

• Beigong National Forest Park

• Wucai Qianshan, Shunyi

• Yinshan Pagoda Forest Scenic Area in Badaling-Ming Tombs Scenic Area

• Miaofengshan Town–Baihua Mountain–Xiaolongmen area

• Pofengling Scenic Area

• Mutianyu Great Wall

China National Botanical Garden (North Garden)

Eight spots for forests and flower seas:

• China National Botanical Garden (North Garden)

• Beijing Garden of World's Flowers

• Beijing International Flower Port

• Aobei Forest Park (Phase II)

• Jinhai Lake Scenic Area

• Beijing Olympic Forest Park

• Ditan Park (Temple of Earth Park)

• Jingcheng Zi'an Park

Innovative ways to explore with themed pairings

Beijing has also paired mountain scenery with forests and flower fields to create themed itineraries, allowing visitors to enjoy both scenic landscapes and the lively local atmosphere.

• Forest Bathing and Urban Leisure: Fenghuangling Scenic Area + Aobei Forest Park (Phase II)

Beijing Olympic Forest Park

Renowned as a haven filled with fresh air, Fenghuangling is an excellent place for hiking and unwinding in the woods. Mingde Tea House (明德茶苑) in the hills offers a place to pause and relax. Aobei Forest Park (Phase II) features both natural scenery and sports and leisure facilities. The two destinations complement each other, pairing mountain hikes with leisurely city walks.

• Mountain Air and Ancient Gardens: Miaofeng Mountain Scenic Area + Ditan Park

Miaofeng Mountain's expansive woodland makes it a refreshing retreat for hiking and unwinding just outside the city. Ditan Park, with its towering old trees and ginkgo leaves carpeting the ground, preserves the garden heritage of the millennia-old capital.

• Mountain-and-Water Vistas: Shunyi's Wucai Qianshan + Jinhai Lake Scenic Area

At Wucai Qianshan, Chinese smoketrees, ginkgo trees and boxelder maple trees add vivid colors to the natural scenery, making a walk through the woods feel like stepping into a painting. The autumn scenery along Jinhai Lake's shores is expansive and serene. The rural homestays nearby serve a variety of local dishes. Visitors can admire the colorful foliage on the mountain and enjoy the seasonal views beside the lake, immersing themselves in the rural charm of Beijing's outskirts marked by hills, water and autumn colors.

• Great Wall Grandeur and Floral Displays: Yinshan Pagoda Forest Scenic Area in Badaling-Ming Tombs Scenic Area + Beijing International Flower Port

From the Badaling section of the Great Wall, visitors can admire imposing passes, mountain ranges and hillsides ablaze with red leaves — a boundless expanse of autumn colors. The Beijing International Flower Port offers vibrant and refreshing autumn scenery. Specialty hotpot, themed cafés, hotels and guesthouses are all available, making the route suitable for visitors of all ages.

• Woodland Charm and Botanical Treasures: Mutianyu Great Wall + China National Botanical Garden (North Garden)

The Mutianyu Great Wall winds along the ridgelines, offering views of its majestic fortifications as well as distant vistas of Huairou Reservoir. Visitor facilities at the foot of the Great Wall provide places to rest and stay. At the North Garden of China National Botanical Garden, visitors can enjoy autumn scenery where forests meet the water, with rare trees and flowers blending into the seasonal wonders. With ample amenities, the latter is well suited to leisurely walks, educational visits and peaceful autumn outings.

• Soothing Forest Retreats for Families: Beigong National Forest Park + Beijing Garden of World's Flowers

Beigong National Forest Park

Beigong National Forest Park is a top choice for mountain scenery near the city. Its Langpoding Tea & Coffee (狼坡顶茶咖) offers visitors a place to relax over tea after taking in the autumn views from the summit. The Beijing Garden of World's Flowers is a hidden gem with a sea of autumn flowers in the city: more than 1,000 varieties of flowering plants (including trees) bloom in succession, and the park also hosts chrysanthemum exhibitions and flower-themed events. Tea, coffee and light meals are available on site.

• Discovery of Autumn from Hills to an Urban Oasis: Xishan National Forest Park + Beijing Olympic Forest Park

More than 133 hectares of red-leaf woodland at Xishan National Forest Park offer brilliant shades of autumn, and visitors can hike uphill for views of the city. As a major green oasis in urban Beijing, the Beijing Olympic Forest Park houses extensive woodland and tranquil waters framed by trees. The two parks are ideal for a range of activities, from hiking and strolling to sightseeing.

• Red-leaf Viewing and a Relaxing Break: Pofengling Scenic Area + Jingcheng Zi'an Park

Pofengling

Pofengling is known for its extensive mountain slopes covered with the red foliage of Chinese smoketrees. Winding trails run through the hills, making it a classic destination for red-leaf viewing around Beijing. Jingcheng Zi'an Park offers a quiet, comfortable setting, with convenient dining options and places to rest.

"Colorful Autumn in Beijing" (多彩京秋) Section Added to digital maps

This year, the "Colorful Autumn in Beijing" initiative has upgraded its smart services and added visitor benefits to make autumn outings easier to plan and enjoy.

A dedicated "Colorful Autumn in Beijing" section has launched on Tencent Maps, bringing together information on autumn-viewing spots, route planning and navigation, guides to popular photo spots and access to special offers—a one-stop guide to autumn outings.

Meituan has created a dedicated page where visitors can claim promotional vouchers for autumn outings and receive discounts on food purchases.

The official website of the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau, along with its official Weibo and WeChat accounts (首都园林绿化), will also provide official updates on autumn foliage and park events across the city.

This autumn, parks and scenic areas across Beijing are jointly offering more than 300 autumn-themed activities, including nature education programs, flower exhibitions, and markets selling creative souvenirs, giving visitors many ways to experience the beauty of the season.

(Source: Beijing Daily)