The Old Summer Palace

When it comes to appreciating ginkgo trees, the Old Summer Palace is one of the finest places in Beijing. Compared to Diaoyutai, the ginkgo trees here are less well-known but equally captivating. North of Qichun Garden, at the junction of the three gardens in the Old Summer Palace, is a nearly one-kilometer-long ginkgo avenue. Due to the deliberate slow sweep, by late autumn, the treetops and the ground are covered in a sea of golden yellow. Walking down this golden path, the crunching of leaves underfoot adds a ceremonial touch to the autumn experience. On sunny days, sunlight filtering through the fan-shaped leaves creates a natural beauty, while rainy days offer a different, enchanting charm. The streetlights along the ginkgo avenue are often partially hidden among the trees, adding a touch of ancient elegance. When autumn rain falls and the streetlights come on, it feels like stepping into a dream, with a gentle breeze causing the leaves to flutter under the lights, as if they were magical sprites falling to earth, capturing both the eye and the heart.

The Summer Palace

Nearby, the Summer Palace is also worth a visit as autumn deepens. The drooping yellow leaves juxtaposed against the ancient buildings offer a rich and vibrant color palette. The intoxicating late autumn scene is hidden within the yellow and red autumn leaves, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

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Erhekai 21 Art District is located just across the wall from Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park, or the Old Summer Palace. The district consists of five major areas: the outdoor sports area, core office area, public art area, leisure and entertainment area, and the parent-child interaction area. There are eye-catching, quaint bookshops, multifunctional standard theaters, and gentle, endearing animals like alpacas, deer, and sheep. The area features a colorful sea of flowers, lawns, hot air balloons, a large water tower, windmills, grass huts, and boardwalks scattered throughout. The beauty is so captivating that it's hard to resist pausing and immersing oneself in the scenery. This was the first "Instagram-worthy" spot in Beijing in 2020. By night, when the lights come on, it transforms into another stunning sight.