As the weather turns cooler, many people head into parks and mountains, bending down to "pick autumn" among the woods, grass, or by the stream. "Picking autumn" originally referred to the practice of farmers gathering leftover sesame grains after the autumn harvest to avoid waste. Nowadays, it has become a way to record and share the romance of autumn. Some "pickers" even turn fallen leaves and fruits into works of art.
Let's step into nature together and witness the vibrant colors of autumn. We can collect various colorful fallen leaves and capture the beauty of this kaleidoscopic autumn day.
01 China National Botanical Garden
In the golden autumn of Beijing, with a gentle breeze blowing, the China National Botanical Garden (North Garden) is witnessing a gradual transformation as various deciduous trees change color.
The lake area has always been an ideal spot for enjoying the beauty of autumn, where vibrant colors reflect upon the clear blue sky and green mountains, mirrored in the tranquil waters. A variety of colorful foliage plants outline a richly colored landscape, with mountains as a backdrop and water as a mirror, showcasing the splendid scenery of autumn.
Strolling through the South Garden, you might be lucky enough to encounter adorable little squirrels. The leaves have begun to display a beautiful gradient of yellow and green, especially stunning under the sunlight's filter. Come to the China National Botanical Garden and experience the vibrant colors of autumn!
Friendly Reminder
It is not recommended to collect acorns or pine nuts. If you want to take photos as keepsakes, please remember to return them to nature. The winter supplies for little squirrels should not be taken away!
Address: Intersection of Xiangshan Road and Wofosi Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
02 Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park
Autumn in Yuanmingyuan never disappoints. The white ashes in Pingxiang Pavilion are a "legendary" sight in Beijing. When the white ash trees turn yellow, the scenery here becomes truly remarkable. Currently, the "sacred trees" in Pingxiang Pavilion have changed color by 60% to 70%.
At the square lake next to Pingxiang Pavilion, the ground is covered in fallen leaves. Walking along the waterway to the north leads to Chunzezai, where you'll pass through a tall and majestic forest that looks like a fairy tale forest in backlight. Continuing along the lakeside, the remnants of lotus flowers and golden leaves are beautifully reflected in the water.
For those wanting to take photos and enjoy the autumn scenery, now is the time to go—the enchanting oil painting world is ready for you!
The 2024 Yuanmingyuan Golden Autumn Tour officially began on September 26 and will continue until November 6. The autumn-themed colorful foliage exhibition awaits your visit!
Address: 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
03 Xishan National Forest Park
Xishan National Forest Park is one of the best places in the capital to enjoy the autumn scenery. As we reach mid-October, the park is alive with a vibrant array of colorful foliage, showcasing a variety of hues in red, yellow, orange, and purple. The mountains are bustling with activity, and the layers of autumn colors progress gradually.
As temperatures drop and the autumn atmosphere deepens, when the forests are fully transformed, the park will present a stunning display of autumn beauty.
Recommended routes for viewing red leaves:
One route is from Banshanting to Guixiaoshi along the Hongye Ridge, where the hillside is covered with colorful trees dominated by yellow locusts, creating a spectacular sight that is especially suitable for close-up appreciation of the red leaves.
The other route takes you through Shuanghuai and Guixiaoshi along the Hongye Grand Canyon, which is approximately 1,800 meters long and features mainly Chinese sweetgum trees, making it ideal for enjoying distant views of the foliage.
Strolling through the serene forest park is truly enchanting.
Address: 100 meters west of the intersection of Minzhuang Road and Xiangshan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
04 Badachu Park
At Badachu Park, you can enjoy the autumn scenery by climbing the steps of the temples to admire the red leaves from above.
From mid-October to mid-November, the leaves of the trees change from green to orange and then to red, spreading from the base of the mountain to the peak, creating a beautiful scene. This is further enhanced by the vibrant green of pine and cypress trees, the occasional bright yellow ginkgo leaves, and the hanging red persimmons. Together, they form a naturally stunning canvas of colors.
Address: No. 3 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing.
05 Hongye Ridge, Badaling National Forest Park
Hongye Ridge in Badaling National Forest Park is located next to the ancient Great Wall. Every autumn, thousands of acres of trees create a stunning tapestry of vibrant autumn colors that change with the temperature.
Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking sight of red leaves up close, surrounded by the colorful landscape that blankets the mountains.
At the best viewing area—Tenglongtai—you can gaze into the distance and see the ancient Great Wall winding its way across the landscape. Nearby, the first railway of modern China spans the centuries, while modern highways cross the mountains and rivers. The ancient Great Wall surrounds the colorful mountain forests on three sides, creating a stunning compositional landscape that is truly breathtaking.
The 18th Red Leaf Ecological Culture Festival at Badaling National Forest Park has officially begun. During the festival, the Hongye Ridge Scenic Area will host three forest concerts on October 13, October 19, and October 26, 2024. You can fully enjoy the poetry of autumn while immersed in wonderful music.
Address: Badaling National Forest Park, Yanqing District, Beijing.
06 Beijing Labagou Virgin Forest Park
By mid-October, Beijing Labagou Virgin Forest Park, known as Beijing's "Arctic Village," officially enters its oil painting mode. With countless mountains and vast forests, large areas of red leaves begin to change color, marking the best time for viewing.
In the mixed forests, vibrant shades of red, gold, and deep green intertwine, resembling a colorful painting. Numerous small waterfalls cascade through the colorful woods, and the diverse plant life transforms Beijing Labagou Virgin Forest Park into a fairy-tale world during autumn.
From October 19 to October 20, the Beijing Labaigou Maple Leaf Festival Outdoor Sports Carnival and the 3rd Purpleblow Maple Fun Cross-Country Challenge will officially kick off. This event allows visitors to enjoy the autumn scenery of Labaigou's red leaves while engaging in physical activities and experiencing the charm of nature.
Address: 300 meters west of Sunzhazi Village, Mandaogoumen Manchu Township, Huairou District, Beijing.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: NIU Lihua
