Time enters late autumn. The Great Wall's leaves have turned red. The endless Great Wall, under the reflection of the red leaves, appears even more majestic and weathered. Each brick seems to tell an ancient story.
Badaling Great Wall
On both sides of the Badaling Great Wall, over 3,000 acres of red leaf forests are distributed, featuring more than 200,000 colorful trees.
From mid-October to the end of October, the leaves at the Badaling Great Wall begin to turn red in large areas, gradually increasing to over 90%, entering the best viewing period.
Looking through the tall arrow windows of the watchtower, the majestic and weathered Great Wall contrasts beautifully with the delicate red leaves, creating a stunning scene.
The Badaling National Forest Park has launched the 18th Red Leaf Ecological Culture Festival. Two forest concerts will also be held on October 19 and October 26.
Best spots for viewing red leaves:
(1) The largest yellow hornbeam tree in the Badaling Great Wall scenic area: Located in the inner courtyard of the South First Floor, known as the "King of Red Leaf Trees."
(2) The most beautiful arrow window for viewing red leaves: Located on the west side of the South Second Floor.
(3) The most beautiful section of the wall for viewing red leaves: Located between the North Tenth and Eleventh Floors.
(4) The most beautiful area for walking through red leaf forests: Located in the red leaf thicket area of the North Fourth Floor's side path.
Special red leaf viewing route:
Take the Badaling Great Wall North Cableway directly to the highest tower of the Badaling Great Wall—North Tower Eight, known as "Hero Slope," to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the red leaves covering the mountains; or take the ground cable car to travel among the red leaves.
Transportation Information:
(1) Take a train from Beijingbei Station or Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Station. The exit is directly facing the entrance of the Badaling Great Wall tunnel. Walking 200 meters west will also lead you to the Great Wall Museum and the Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall.
(2) Take the S2 line from Beijing Huangtudian Station to Badaling Station.
(3) From the north side of Deshengmen Bridge on Beijing's Second Ring Road, take bus routes 877, 919, or 880 to reach the Badaling Great Wall, then transfer to a free shuttle bus or walk into the core scenic area.
(4) Take bus route 879 from the Emperor Wanli's Tomb scenic area to Badaling Great Wall Station.
Mutianyu Great Wall
From mid to late October until mid-November, the red leaves in the mountains around the Mutianyu Great Wall enter the best viewing period. The entire forest is covered with a colorful array of autumn leaves.
At this time, the mountains are filled with vibrant colors: the reds are fiery, the yellows are dazzling, and the greens are deep and distant. It feels as if nature's most intense emotions are bursting forth at this moment.
Best spot for photographing red leaves:
Watch Tower
One of the famous attractions of the Mutianyu Great Wall, Watch Tower is the highest point on the east side of the Zhengguan Terrance. Surrounded by lush vegetation, climbing to Watch Tower offers a panoramic view of the Mutianyu Great Wall, providing an expansive vista of the mountains covered in red leaves, creating a majestic atmosphere.
Number 5 Watchtower
The Zhengguan Terrance leading from the main pass to the Number 5 Watchtower is perfect for visitors to take photos. From here, you can gaze out at the colorful forested mountains, experiencing the grandeur of the Great Wall and the deep, enduring history of the past centuries.
Number 12 Watchtower
Walking along the trail shaded by the mountains, everywhere you look is a swirl of autumn leaves. In the distance, the undulating peaks on either side of the Great Wall are adorned with colorful foliage, transforming the landscape into a vibrant canvas. This sight allows one to momentarily escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse oneself in the beauty and awe that nature bestows.
Number 14-15 Watchtowers
Take the cable car to the platform of Number 14 Watchtower, then head toward Number 15 Watchtower. The expansive view allows you to overlook both the inner and outer sections of the Great Wall. At this moment, under the autumn sun, the vibrant red leaves appear even more dazzling, providing an ultimate visual feast.
Number 20 Watchtower
This is the highest point of the Mutianyu Great Wall. From here, you can gaze upon the towering peaks and layers of forests, all dyed in autumn colors, providing an excellent viewing experience.
Transportation Information
Self-Driving Route: Take the Jingcheng Expressway, exit at Exit 13 (Beitai Road), and follow the signs to the scenic area.
Daytime Service (7:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Recommendations (please check specific bus schedules):
Bus Route 1: Take the 916 bus from Dongzhimen to Huairou Beidajie Station, then transfer to buses H7, H23, H24, H35, or H36 to reach the scenic area.
Bus Route 2: Take the Huairou-Miyun Line from Beijing North Station to Yanqi Lake Station (during peak seasons, there are shuttle buses directly from Yanqi Lake to the Mutianyu scenic area).
Bus Route 3: Take the Mutianyu Special Line from Dongzhimen to reach the Mutianyu Great Wall.
Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall
In autumn, the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall welcomes its most vibrant moment. The Ming Great Wall winds through the colorful mountains, resembling a giant dragon weaving through a sea of autumn hues.
The surface of Haoming Lake is like a mirror, reflecting the grandeur of the Great Wall and the vibrant colors of the mountains, creating a stunning scene.
Drifting on the azure waters, the leaves have turned into a riot of colors—fiery red, golden yellow, and jade green.
As the autumn breeze rustles the leaves, it seems to accompany this breathtaking scenery. At this moment, the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall embodies both the weight of history and the romance and poetry of autumn.
Transportation Information
(1) Bus Routes
Route 1: At Dongzhimen Bus Terminal, take the 916 Jingcheng Express bus to Huairou "Nanhua Garden District 3" station. Walk 100 meters forward, cross the traffic lights, and transfer to the "Huairou - Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall" bus line at "Nanhua Garden District 4" station, which will take you to the destination.
Route 2: From Changping Long-Distance Bus Station or Changping Changling Road, take the "Changping - Jiuduhe Express Line" to Jiuduhe Gas Station, then transfer to the "Huairou - Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall" bus, which will take you to the destination.
Route 3: From Huairou Bus Station, take bus H21 to Xishuiyu Station.
(2) Self-Driving Routes
Route 1: Jingcheng Expressway - Take Exit 13 for "Beitai Road (Kuankou Qiaozi)" on the Jingcheng Expressway. Follow the scenic area signs, turn left at the fourth traffic light, and drive towards Jiuduhe according to the signs.
Route 2: Ansi Road - Drive straight north from Lishui Bridge to Xiaotangshan (or take Exit 61 on the Sixth Ring Road for "Ansi Road" and turn onto Ansi Road), passing through Xingzhou, Jingmi Water Diversion Canal, and Xiaozhuang towards Jiuduhe. Turn left at Jiuduhe Gas Station, following the signs to the scenic area.
Route 3: Beijing–Lhasa Expressway (formerly Badaling Expressway) - Take Exit 32 for "Changping Xiguan" on the Beijing–Lhasa Expressway and head towards the Ming Tombs; turn right at Changling Road towards Jiuduhe (Heishanzhai). At the "Y" intersection, turn left, reach Jiuduhe Gas Station, then turn left; follow the signs to the scenic area.
Route 4: Jingshun Road - From Jingmi Road to Huairou Miaocheng, head west to Shichang Roundabout (or from Huairou Yingshun Roundabout west to Shichang Roundabout). Travel approximately 35 kilometers west following the signs through Qiaozi, Qizhuang, Yiduhe, Huangkan, and Jiuduhe to reach the scenic area.
Simatai Great Wall
The Simatai Great Wall is the only section of the ancient wall that preserves the original appearance of the Ming Great Wall. It is renowned for its five key features: danger, density, completeness, ingenuity, and integrity. In 2012, Simatai Great Wall was named the "Top Must-See Scenic Spot in the World" by The Times of London.
As autumn deepens, the red leaves of Simatai Great Wall gradually change color. The fiery red leaves blanket the layers of trees, beautifully accentuating the evergreen pines and cypress. A small river meanders through the mountains, painting a poetic autumn scene at Simatai Great Wall.
Climbing high on the Great Wall, you can gaze upon the small town below—the Beijing WTown. Under the brush of autumn, it unfolds captivating scenes, creating an enchanting tapestry.
Transportation Information
Juyongguan Great Wall
In autumn, Juyongguan is a kaleidoscope of colors. The mountains are blanketed with vibrant hues, featuring fiery red maple leaves, clusters of yellow leaves from the Cotinus coggygria, and lush green pines. The dazzling orange trees of peach and apricot, along with poplars and willows, create a stunning visual feast.
Bathed in a sea of golden yellow and deep green, the colors of red, yellow, and green intertwine and shine, creating a breathtaking beauty that is simply overwhelming.
Strolling through the vibrant mountain forest feels like being immersed in an ocean of autumn leaves. At this moment, standing atop the world's most magnificent pass, one can appreciate the beauty of Juyongguan against the backdrop of red leaves and experience the grandeur of the Great Wall along with the colors of autumn.
Transportation Information
1. By Car
Visitors driving can take the G6 Expressway and exit at Juyongguan (Exit 46) to reach the scenic area. Follow the traffic guidance signs and the directions from staff to park your vehicle in the designated parking lot before entering the scenic area.
2. By Bus
(1) Take bus routes 870 or 883 from Deshengmen and get off at Changping Nankou, then transfer to bus routes 879 or Chang20 to reach Juyongguan Great Wall directly.
(2) Take the 345 Express bus from Deshengmen to Changping Dongguan, transfer to bus route 376 (at the opposite platform) to Nankou Dabu Station, then transfer to bus route 20 to reach Juyongguan Great Wall directly. (Get off at the scenic area parking lot No. 3, and head towards the North Gate Tower to start your visit; restrooms are available near the drop-off point and the North Gate entrance.)
(3) Take bus route 919 from Deshengmen to Juyongguan Station.
3. By Subway
You can take the subway in the city to reach the Changping Line (which requires several transfers):
a. Get off at Changping Dongguan and transfer to bus route 376 to Nankou Dabu Station, then transfer to bus route 20 to reach Juyongguan Great Wall.
b. Get off at Changping Station and transfer to bus routes 655, 870, or Chang11 or 70 to Nankou East Street Station, then transfer to bus route Chang20 to reach Juyongguan Great Wall directly.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan
