Beijing's mountains and "seas" are trending again! With October skies clear and the air crisp, it's the perfect time to explore the mountains and flower fields in Beijing's suburbs.

Baihua Mountain, Mentougou District

Baihua Mountain is one of western Beijing's top destinations for admiring the striking autumn foliage and colorful forests. Layers of red and gold cover the slopes, while alpine meadows meet a vast sea of trees. When the autumn breeze blows, the landscape transforms into a living, dynamic oil painting.

Visiting Hours: Daytime recommended (autumn is the best season)

Admission: Please check the scenic area's official channels for ticket information.

Location: Baihua Mountain, Mentougou District, Beijing

Getting there:

By car: Driving is recommended. Search for "Baihua Mountain Scenic Area" (百花山风景区) in your navigation app and enjoy beautiful mountain views of western Beijing along the way.

By public transport: Take the subway to Pingguoyuan Station and then transfer to Bus M11 (limited service), or take a taxi directly to the location.

Mao'er Mountain Trail, Fangshan District

The Mao'er Mountain section of the Xishan Peak-Overlooking Forest Trail in Nanjiao Township, Fangshan District, is at its most beautiful in autumn. Its twin peaks resemble a playful big cat sitting upright, while red leaves tint the slopes and clouds roll across the sky. The Cat-Viewing Platform is a great spot for a striking photo.

Visiting Hours: The trail is open all day. The rest stop is open approximately 8:00–18:00 (call ahead to confirm).

Admission: Free and no reservation required. Just go!

Location: Nanjiao Township, Fangshan District, Beijing

Getting there:

By car: Navigate to "Dafang Songcui Rest Stop" (大房耸翠驿站) or "Mao'er Mountain Parking Lot" (猫耳山停车场).

What to bring:

Hiking shoes, trekking poles, plenty of drinking water, and a jacket. Temperatures can vary widely between morning and evening in the mountains.

Huantian Yequ (Blooming Flower Fields花田野趣) in the Olympic Forest Park North Zone

The pink muhly grass is in bloom! Its pink plumes sway in the breeze, spreading across the ground like a blanket of soft, rosy clouds. A wooden boardwalk winds through the flower fields, making it easy to capture a memorable autumn photo.

Cosmos and sulfur cosmos nearby add even more color. Be sure to catch the 15th Olympic Forest Park Flower Viewing Season and the Autumn Flower Exhibition, which runs through mid-November.

Opening Hours: 5:00–22:00

Admission: Free and no reservation required. Just go!

Location: 33 Kehui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Getting there:

By subway: To reach the flower fields in the North Zone, take Subway Line 8 to Lincuiqiao Station, enter through the West Gate of the Olympic Forest Park, and then walk or cycle through the park.

By bus: Take Bus No. 79, 478, 510, or 81, or Special Bus No. 44 to Lincuiqiao Subway Station (地铁林萃桥站), and then walk about 10 minutes to West Gate No. 2 of the Olympic Forest Park North Zone. Alternatively, take BRT 3 to Yangshanqiaobei Station (仰山桥北站) and enter the North Zone.

Jingcheng Zi'an Park, Chaoyang District

A 14,000-square-meter sea of pink muhly grass is in full bloom at Jingcheng Zi'an Park!

An expanse of pink plumes rolls across the land. When the autumn breeze catches them, they look like rosy clouds flowing over the hills. A boardwalk winds through the flowers, offering countless perfect photo opportunities. Nearby seasonal blooms add layers of color. The park offers sports facilities for all ages, a skateboarding area, ball courts, and a children's playground, so you can enjoy a perfect day out with family or friends.

Visiting Hours: Please check before your visit; the park generally opens early and closes late.

Admission: Free and no reservation required. Just go!

Location: Southwest corner of Pingfang Bridge, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Getting there:

By subway: Take Subway Line 3 to Yaojiayuan Station, exit via Exit C, and then cycle to the north entrance of Jingcheng Zi'an Park.

By bus: Take Bus No. 496, 650, 989, 406, 640, 126, 468, or 672 to Pingfang Station (平房站).

With forested hills painted with vibrant hues and seas of flowers veiled in pink, Beijing's autumn brings a beautiful interplay of colors. Don't miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind seasonal romance!

(Source: Beijing Fabu)