In early November, the ginkgo trees in the ancient temples of Beijing gradually enter the best viewing period. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful colors with family and friends.

01 Wuta Temple

Wuta Temple, also known as the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum, was built in the Ming Dynasty and was originally named Zhenjue Temple. The Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum is an early representative of Ming Dynasty architecture and stone carving art, and the museum is located within the former royal temple of Zhenjue Temple in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple is also known as "Wuta Temple" because there are five Buddhist pagodas on the platform of the Vajrasana in the temple.

Whenever the ancient ginkgo trees of Wuta Temple turn completely yellow, the light breeze blows and the golden leaves fall to the ground, shining with the ancient pagodas, attracting countless tourists.

Currently, the color change rate of the ginkgo trees in Wuta Temple has not reached its highest value. It is recommended to consult the real-time color change of the ginkgo trees in the scenic area before traveling to avoid disappointment.

Address: No. 24 Wuta Temple Village, Haidian District, Beijing

02 Tanzhe Temple

In early November, two thousand-year-old ginkgo trees in Tanzhe Temple, Mentougou District, will enter the best viewing period. The emperor tree in Tanzhe Temple was planted in the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,300 years. The crown of the tree is more than 40 meters high, and the thick and straight trunk requires six or seven people to hug. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty conferred the title of "Emperor Tree" on this tree, which is the highest title conferred by the emperor on trees to date. In 2016, the ginkgo "Emperor Tree" in Tanzhe Temple was selected as one of the "Ten Most Beautiful Ancient Ginkgo Trees" by the Chinese Forestry Society, and in 2018, it was voted as one of the "Top Ten Tree Kings in Beijing" by the citizens of Beijing.

Opposite to it, a slightly smaller ginkgo tree was planted later as the "matching king tree", which also has a history of thousands of years. This tree is about 30 meters high and has a diameter of about 3 meters.

When the ginkgo leaves turn completely yellow, the two ancient ginkgo trees are covered in golden armor, shining in the sunlight, showing the charm of the ancient temple. The golden ginkgo leaves hang on the branches, and the thick fallen leaves are like golden carpets, making the entire courtyard shine.

The 2023 Golden Autumn Ginkgo Festival at Tanze Temple - "Tide Zhe, 'Apricot' Garden Tour" is currently being held. Jiafu x Wuhuang Wan Shui jointly created a flash event for the Ginkgo Festival. The 4-meter-high Wuhuang Cat parachuted into Tanze Temple, and there are also many exquisite peripheral cultural and creative products on display (Time: November 12th and 13th, Location: Tanze Temple Yuanbao Mountain Square). During the Ginkgo Festival, visitors can experience handmade ginkgo leaf and flower making activities in the temple, and use handicrafts to preserve the ginkgo of this season.

Address: Tanze Mountain, Tanze Temple Town, Mentougou District, Beijing

03 Hongluo Temple

The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in front of the Daxiong Hall in Hongluo Temple has begun to turn yellow, and the scenic area will usher in the best time to appreciate the ginkgo.

With lowered eyebrows, colorful leaves are everywhere, and beautiful scenery is fully displayed. Looking up, the sky is high and the air is fresh, and the clouds are rolling. Walking in the Hongluo Temple scenic area is like being in a painting.

Sitting quietly in the pavilion in the mountains, looking up at the spacious and blue sky, looking down at the temples and corridors hidden in the beautiful scenery, looking at the mountains, water, and leaves, emptying the mind and body, and fully experiencing the beauty of Hongluo Temple.

Address: No. 2 Hongluo East Road, Huairou District, Beijing

04 Dajue Temple

Dajue Temple was built in the Liao Dynasty. It is located in the midst of mountains, with lush forests and clear springs, and beautiful scenery. It was already a famous scenic area during the Liao and Jin Dynasties.

The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in Dajue Temple has reached its most beautiful time, with mottled light and shadow, golden-like ginkgo leaves and tree crowns reflecting each other.

In front of the Wuliangshou Hall of Dajue Temple, there are two ginkgo trees on the left and right. The male ginkgo tree on the north side is said to have been planted in the Liao Dynasty and has a history of more than 900 years. This ginkgo tree is about 25 meters high and 7.5 meters in diameter. When the bright yellow ginkgo leaves cover the entire courtyard, the tall branches stretch out naturally in all directions, reflecting the red walls, gray tiles, and Zen halls, creating a unique beauty after years of precipitation.

Dajue Temple not only has a thousand-year-old ginkgo king, but also the wonder of "nine sons embracing mother" ginkgo trees. The leaves of the tree turn from green to yellow like colorful butterflies before falling, making visitors feel the beauty and grandeur of the scene.

Address: No. 9 Dajue Temple Road, Sujiatuo Town, Haidian District, Beijing

05 Jietai Temple

Jietai Temple is located on the Ma'anshan Mountain in Mentougou District, Beijing. The temple halls are built according to the height of the mountain, with a combination of the grandeur of northern temples and the elegance of southern gardens.

The sky is high and the clouds are light, and the ginkgo trees gradually turn yellow. In the back garden of Jietai Temple, a nearly thousand-year-old ginkgo tree with both male and female parts presents "two scenes in one tree", attracting tourists to take photos and check in.

When the golden ginkgo branches and the quiet temple reflect each other, they present a unique ancient charm and Zen.

Various dazzling colors shine in the mountains of Jietai Temple, making people linger. Come and take a leisurely walk in this ancient and secluded temple, and savor the Zen.

Address: Mount Jietai Temple Scenic Area, Ma'anshan, Yongding Town, Mentougou District, Beijing

Friendly reminder: The best time to appreciate the ginkgo leaves in the ancient temple has arrived. However, if the weather cools down or there is strong wind, the ginkgo leaves may fall off and the viewing period may end earlier. It is recommended that you consult the scenic area about the color change of the ginkgo leaves before your trip.