Recently, Beijing has donned its colorful autumn attire, welcoming travelers from all directions to join in a grand autumn feast. Have you visited these stunning fairy-tale autumn spots yet?
「01」XIJIAO Line Platform
Autumn is here! Head to the western suburbs of Beijing for a stunning autumn experience. Don't miss the beautiful little train journey on the XIJIAO Line, running from Bagou Station in the east to Xiangshan Station in the west. As the train gently travels through the picturesque western suburbs, it feels like it's come straight out of a Miyazaki comic world. Visitors can hop on the train to capture the beautiful scenery along the way!
Summer Palace West Gate Station
The curved blank tracks and the trains entering the frame both possess a unique beauty. On sunny days, you can capture refreshing photos, while at sunset, the sky and lighting become rich in color, allowing for vibrant, comic-like imagery.
Chapeng Station
Chapeng Station offers a tranquil countryside ambiance. The little train looks particularly beautiful as it navigates the S-curves, enhancing the charm of the journey.
Wan'an Station
Wan'an Station is located next to Yuxiang Garden and Yulin Scenic Area, where visitors can enjoy fruit picking and other recreational activities. It's a lovely spot to spend a day in nature!
China National Botanical Garden Station
China National Botanical Garden Station is like a natural color palette in autumn. The ancient ginkgo trees at Wofosi Temple, along with the water firs, reeds, and ginkgo groves in Cherry Valley, are must-visit scenic spots that shouldn't be missed!
Xiangshan Station
Xiangshan Station is the perfect destination for viewing autumn leaves, a cherished ritual that many look forward to each year as the vibrant foliage transforms the landscape.
Please prioritize safety while taking photos:
- Do not enter the tracks while the train is in motion.
- Keep your head and hands inside the train at all times.
- Follow the instructions of on-site staff.
「02」Houxi River of the Summer Palace
The Houxi River of the Summer Palace features lush greenery and a winding river. As deep autumn arrives, the area bursts with vibrant colors and rich autumn hues. A few red-leafed trees at the northeast corner of Xiequ Garden are especially captivating for photographers, making it one of the most iconic autumn scenes in the Summer Palace.
Walking along the riverbank, the interplay of red, yellow, blue, and green creates a richly layered autumn scene. Every step offers a delightful surprise, with each moment revealing breathtaking views.
「03」 Ginkgo Avenue of the Old Summer Palace
The Old Summer Palace is home to many colorful deciduous trees, creating several vibrant viewing areas in autumn. However, it is the ginkgo trees that truly capture the essence of the season, using just one color to perfectly embody the spirit of fall.
From late October to early November each year, the Ginkgo Avenue, nearly a kilometer long, stretches from the junction of the three gardens to the west entrance of the Western Building ruins. With just a phone or camera, you can capture stunning "oil painting" shots. Walking on the crunching fallen leaves, with a gentle autumn breeze, the leaves shine brightly under the sunlight. Sunlight filters through the golden and warm green foliage, casting warm, dappled patterns that create a cozy atmosphere.
「04」Wusi Street
Recently, some of the white ash trees along Wusi Street have donned their golden "autumn attire," beautifully enhancing the fall atmosphere of the entire street. This has become a popular route for city walks in Beijing. The striking contrast between the Republic-era buildings and the shimmering golden leaves vividly showcases the richness of autumn in this area.
Among the 88 white ash trees from the intersection of Wusi Street to Shatan Road, the one opposite Peking University's Red Building stands out as the tallest and most robust. The nearby beverage shop, Changchun Tang, has also become a popular spot for visitors. Many locals and tourists flock to the second-floor window seats to capture the autumn scenery, resembling an exquisite oil painting.
Recently, due to the weather changes, the popular white ash tree at the entrance of Changchun Tang has turned completely yellow, with some leaves already falling from the top. The viewing period for these trees is quite short, so friends who want to see them should hurry!
「05」Zizhuyuan Park
The red maples in Zizhuyuan Park rival the beauty of flowers in February. There are about twenty to thirty red maple trees, with the most striking ones located at the center of the park, particularly on the "Drunken Red Slope." Nestled against the mountains and framed by the waterside pavilion, this spot is the best place to enjoy the vibrant red foliage.
At the southern lake of the park, there is a lush and beautifully-shaped dry willow. In late autumn, it creates a stunning natural tableau with the surrounding withered lotus leaves, forming a golden landscape. Along the southern bank of the small lake, the money maple trees grow, interspersed with vibrant green bamboo. The interplay of greens, golds, and oranges harmonizes beautifully against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, creating a scene that is truly enchanting.
「06」Central Green Forest Park
If you haven't had your fill of the red maples in Zizhuyuan Park, you can head over to Central Green Forest Park. Here, vast areas of red maples create a stunning "Maple Avenue," currently ablaze with color. The maple leaves resemble burning flames, creating vibrant clusters that cover the entire path in bright red. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Strolling through this scene feels like stepping into a vivid painting.
After enjoying the beauty of nature, you can step into the knowledge space supported by 144 ginkgo trees—the Beijing Library. With its setting among the mountains and beneath the trees, it invites you to indulge in the poetic life of autumn through reading and exploration.
Beijing's autumn is not only a captivating landscape but also a warm and inviting poem, celebrating the beauty and tranquility of the season.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: NIU Lihua