Beijing's foilage season begins in middle October and ends in early November. Mountains and hills in the suburbs of Beijing are really spectacular in the autumn season. Listed below are the best places close to Beijing to see fall foilage. Visit these places to catch a glimse of great colors.
Fragrant Hill
Best time for watching: Middle October to early November
Features: the most famous place to see autumn leaves in Beijing.
When it comes to watching the red autumnal leaves in Beijing, the first place to go is Fragrant Hill. Fragrant Hill is on the east side of the West Mountain, northwest of Beijing. The hill is 20 kilometers away from the city, is covered by smoke trees that turn dark red-purple after a frost, and its layer upon layer of peaks and knolls sit 577 meters above sea level.
When the frost descends, the tens of thousands of fields around Fragrant Hill look as red as fire. Seen from a distance, one could assume that the red were flower petals. Only when near the mountain can one tell that they are actually oval leaves.
The best season to view the red autumnal leaves is from mid October to early November, and viewing lasts for about one month. The Fragrant Hill Red Autumnal Leaves Festival is held in mid October every year and goes for about 20 days. Activities include climbing the mountain, viewing the red leaves, and participating in a cultural exhibition. There are also many scenic spots on Fragrant Hill, including Glasses Lake, the Jianxin Building, Zhao Temple, Banshan Pavilion, Fragrant Hill Temple, Hongguang Temple, and Senyu Tablet, among others.
Transportations Lines:
Tourists can take the following buses: 318 (Laogucheng – Fragrant Hill), 331 (Xinjiekou Huokou – Fragrant Hill), 360 (Beijing Zoo – Fragrant Hill), 634 (Xi Zhimen- east gate of Fragrant Hill), 714 (Fuchengmen – Fragrant Hill), 696 (Shangxinpu – Fragrant Hill), 698 (ChengnanJiayuanbei – Fragrant Hill)
Self Driving Route:
From Fifth Ring Road to Fragrant Hill: Take the Fifth Ring Road exit at Fragrant Hill Road. Then drive another five minutes northwest after you reach Xiangquanhuandao (according to the signpost).
From Fourth Ring Road to Fragrant Hill: Take the Fourth Ring Road exit at Sihai Bridge. Drive in the northwest direction (according to the signpost). After passing Minzhuang Road, move to Hanhe Road and you will see Xiangquanhuandao. Drive another five minutes heading northwest.
From Fragrant Hill South Road to Fragrant Hill: Drive north and turn west when you reach the WO Fosi gate. Drive another five minutes, and you will find Fragrant Hill.
From Summer Palace to Fragrant Hill: Drive west from Qinglong bridge. After passing Xianghongqi and Niangniangfu, you will find Xiangquanhuandao, and then go another five minutes in the northwest direction.
