This autumn, the Office of Beijing Greening Commission, together with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, has launched the "Golden Autumn: Admire Splendid Ancient Trees – Countryside Discovery Routes" (金秋品赏缤纷古树-乡村寻访路线). Follow the routes and explore Beijing's suburbs amid the ancient trees!

Route 1: Hike Through the Mountains – Autumn Colors of Fangshan

Where the Ancient Trees Stand

Fangshan District

Why Visit

Experience the perfect blend of ancient trees and historic villages in Beijing's beautiful countryside. Then, visit the ancient ginkgo tree at the ruins of Shizi Temple, which has witnessed three eras of religious heritage. Finally, head to Shangfang Mountain to seek out the "Ginkgo King". With mountain scenery and a slower pace of life, this route offers a chance to unwind in nature.

Must-Visit Spots

The ancient sawtooth oak trees in Nanjiao Village (南窖村); the ancient ginkgo trees in Shuiyu Village (水峪村) and Nanhanji Village (南韩继村); the ancient ginkgo tree at the ruins of Shizi Temple (十字寺); the "Ginkgo King" of Shangfang Mountain (上方山)

Tree Species

Ginkgo, sawtooth oak

Recommended Itinerary

Shangfang Mountain and Nanjiao Village sit respectively in the south and north of the district, so it is more advised to visit them over two days. Chechang Village and Nanhanji Village in Zhoukoudian can be combined into a half-day trip.

Route 2: Ancient Temples of Western Beijing – A Journey Through a Millennium

Where the Ancient Trees Stand

Mentougou District

Why Visit

This route features the richest collection of millennium-old trees, with four ancient ginkgo trees that are more than one thousand years old. Ancient trees, temples and villages dot the mountain slopes. The "Emperor Tree" and the "Consort Tree" carry centuries-old tales. The ancient ginkgo tree at Guanghui Temple, a favorite with visitors and photographers, also awaits.

Must-Visit Spots

The "Emperor Tree", the "Consort Tree", and the ancient ginkgo tree at Qingshanju in Tanzhe Temple (潭柘寺); the ancient ginkgo tree and the ancient Shandong maple tree in the Peony Garden of Jietai Temple (戒台寺); the ancient ginkgo trees in Sangyu Village (桑峪村); the ancient ginkgo trees at Guanghui Temple (广慧寺)

Tree Species

Ginkgo, Shandong maple

Recommended Itinerary

For a more relaxing experience, choose just one site each day. The Tanzhe Temple area hosts the densest cluster of ancient trees and is worth a full day. Perched on the hillside, Jietai Temple is ideal for a separate half-day trip.

Route 3: Ancient Temples of the Western Hills – Hike High for Autumn Views

Where the Ancient Trees Stand

Haidian District and Shijingshan District

Why Visit

A top choice for a getaway close to the city! There is no need to trek deep into the mountains: a series of interconnected parks bring together ancient buildings, pagodas and trees. Hike to higher ground for panoramic views of Beijing and capture stunning, share-worthy shots.

Must-Visit Spots

The "Ginkgo King" at Dajue Temple (大觉寺); the lakeside ginkgo trees at the Fragrant Hill Hotel; the "Three-Generation Tree" at Biyun Temple (碧云寺); the ancient Chinese pistache tree at the Second Site square, the ancient ginkgo trees by the Buddha's Tooth Relic Pagoda (佛牙舍利塔), and the ancient ginkgo trees near the Consecration Chamber (开光室) and at the Fourth Site of Badachu Park (八大处公园)

Tree Species

Ginkgo, Chinese pistache

Recommended Itinerary

Dajue Temple (early morning) → Fragrant Hill Hotel and Biyun Temple (noon to afternoon) → Badachu (dusk)

The route involves walking within each location, with sightseeing and dining taking roughly a full day.

Route 4: Golden Autumn Across the Plains — Ancient Trees Along the Grand Canal

Where the Ancient Trees Stand

Tongzhou District and Daxing District

Why Visit 

There is no need for strenuous mountain hikes. The ancient trees on the plains along the banks of the Grand Canal and the charm of nearby villages make this route ideal for a relaxed outing with older visitors and families with children.

Must-Visit Spots

The ancient ginkgo trees in Dongsizhuang Village (东寺庄村) and Anding Village (安定村)

Tree Species

Ginkgo

Recommended Itinerary

Dongsizhuang Village → Anding Village

Route 5: Seeking Love and Companionship — A Journey for Couples

Where the Ancient Trees Stand

Huairou District and Shunyi District

Why Visit

The thousand-year-old Male and Female Ginkgo Trees at Hongluo Temple and the Liao-Dynasty Husband and Wife Trees in Shunyi make this route a wonderful choice for couples and families. The contrasting colors of red maple and golden ginkgo leaves create a particularly vivid autumn scene.

Must-Visit Spots

The Male and Female Ginkgo Trees at Hongluo Temple (红螺寺); the Chinese cork oak trees at Hongluo Temple; the celebrated ancient ginkgo tree in Erdaoguan Village (二道关村); Shandong maple trees; the Husband and Wife Trees in Beisungezhuang Village (北孙各庄村)

Tree Species

Ginkgo, Chinese cork oak, Shandong maple

Recommended Itinerary

Hongluo Temple, Luzhuang Village, and Erdaoguan Village are close to one another and can be covered in a single day. Beisungezhuang Village in Shunyi can be visited separately in half a day.

Route 6: A Journey into the Northern Wilderness — Return to the Nature

Where the Ancient Trees Stand

Miyun District and Huairou District

Why Visit

A rare Tang-Dynasty ginkgo tree known as "Ginkgo King" (银杏王) and a native daimyo oak tree known locally as "Grandma Caishu" (菜树奶奶) invite you on a journey into the mountains to enjoy the peace and quiet of the northern wilderness.

Must-Visit Spots

The "Ginkgo King" in Miyun; the Mongolian oak trees in Pengheyan Village (捧河岩村); the "Grandma Caishu" (daimyo oak)

Tree Species

Ginkgo, Mongolian oak, daimyo oak

Recommended Itinerary

The three sites are far from each other. It is recommended to allow half a day for each.

Route 7: Millennia of Wind at the Grand Pass — Autumn Views from the Ancient Frontier

Where the Ancient Trees Stand

Changping District and Yanqing District

Why Visit

The Great Wall and ancient trees are in one frame. The divine tree over 1,000 years old stands on the ancient road of Guangou, right beside Juyong Pass, where the autumn wind of the frontier sweeps past the old trees — a reminder of the passage of time at the foot of the Great Wall.

Must-Visit Spots

Guangou's (关沟) Divine Tree; the ancient ginkgo trees at Foyan Temple (佛岩寺); the ancient ginkgo trees at Heping Temple (和平寺); Shandong maple trees in Dazhuangke Township (大庄科乡)

Tree Species

Ginkgo, Shandong maple

Recommended Itinerary

The four locations in Changping are all in Nankou Town and can be visited in one day. Jing'ergou (景而沟) in Yanqing requires a separate half-day visit. Heping Temple may be temporarily closed, so check its opening status before setting off.

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