Today, I'd like to recommend ten great places for autumn scenery that you can reach by a two-hour drive from Beijing, perfect for a family outing!

Baili Landscape Gallery (Bai Li Shan Shui Hua Lang): This place is like a stunning landscape painting, making it perfect for a road trip. The Baili Gallery is a main road lined with countless beautiful sights, allowing you to stop and enjoy the scenery at any time. The autumn colors here are incredibly breathtaking, rivaling even those of Kanas.

"Ecological Road" Beautifies Rural Landscapes

Driving east along Luanchi Road, you'll be treated to the breathtaking scenery of the Baili Landscape Gallery (Bai Li Shan Shui Hua Lang). In spring, flowers bloom in abundance; in summer, the peaks are lush and green; in autumn, the forests are painted in vibrant colors; and in winter, everything is draped in a blanket of snow. Each season shines with its unique charm.

The Baili Landscape Gallery (Bai Li Shan Shui Hua Lang) is Beijing's first national 4A-level tourist attraction that covers the entire town and achieves the integration of town and scenery. It has been recognized as one of the "Top Ten Self-Driving Routes in Beijing" and one of the "Top Ten Cycling Routes in Beijing." The gallery connects over ten scenic spots, making it a truly ecological travel route. Moreover, Qianjiedian Town has made full use of its advantages in red tourism resources by establishing a "Three Simultaneities" red education base in flower pots. This transforms the journey into a historical and educational experience, promoting the integration of red culture and comprehensive tourism development.

Qianjiedian Town has consistently implemented refined management of its roads by planting flowers and greenery along the roadside, creating scenic roads in the mountainous areas. This has established a transportation network that is interconnected internally and externally. Various measures, such as improving protective nets, repairing road surfaces, and adding guardrails, have been taken to enhance the rural road environment, effectively promoting rural development.

Yanqi Lake: There are two classic ways to enjoy Yanqi Lake—cycling and hiking on the Xishan Trail. It's recommended to cycle in the morning, feeling the gentle breeze and appreciating the beauty of nature. In the afternoon, you can hike the Xishan Trail, as the lighting is more suitable for photography at that time, making for stunning pictures.

Attraction Introduction

Yanqi Tower: Standing by the lake, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery, making it the best observation deck for enjoying autumn.

Central Island: Take a small boat and gently paddle across the water to explore the island's autumn colors, as if stepping into a paradise.

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel Beijing: Not only does it offer luxurious accommodations, but it is also a popular spot for photography, where architecture and nature blend perfectly, especially enchanting in the autumn morning light.

Mountain Loop Trail: Strolling through the forest, with fiery red maple leaves on both sides, every step reveals beautiful scenery.

Windmill Corridor: With windmills gently turning and the autumn breeze refreshing, walking along the corridor brings a unique sense of romance and tranquility.

Admission Fee: 37 RMB

Travel Guide

1. Clothing Tips: There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening in autumn, so it's advisable to bring a light jacket or windbreaker for comfort and warmth.

2. Sunscreen Essentials: Although the autumn sun is mild, UV rays can still be strong, so don't forget to bring sunscreen and a sun hat.

3. Travel Plan: It's recommended to enter the park early in the morning to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the serene lake and mountain scenery.

Travel Route

1. Start your morning from the Sunrise Eastern Hotel and take a leisurely stroll along the Mountain Loop Trail to Yanqi Tower, welcoming the first rays of sunlight.

2. After that, take a boat to Central Island to explore the autumn colors on the island.

3. Enjoy a special lunch at a restaurant within the scenic area, savoring Beijing's local cuisine.

4. In the afternoon, visit the Windmill Corridor to experience the romance of autumn.

5. As evening approaches, you can choose to sit quietly by the lake and admire the sunset, ending your perfect day.

Come to Yanqi Lake and experience this unique autumn tranquility! Don't forget to bring your camera to capture every unforgettable moment!

Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge Scenic Area: The stunning scenery of canyons and waterfalls is breathtaking, along with the beautiful colorful pool (though it's actually made of mosaic tiles, it's still quite lovely). The glass walkway and high-altitude cable car offer opportunities for both hiking along the creek and experiencing thrilling activities.

Driving Navigation Address: No. 73, Diaowo Village, Huangsongyu Township, Pinggu District, Beijing  

Parking: Free parking available.  

Operating Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with ticket sales stopping at 3:00 PM.

Admission Fee: Half price for students and seniors; free for children under 1.2 meters tall.  

Recommended Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Recommended Tour Route

Route 1:

- Start at the Mountain Gate and hike approximately 1,000 meters along the canyon to the Colorful Pool.  

- Take the Longwang Mountain cable car uphill to the Observation Deck.  

- Ride the Ruyi Garden cable car downhill to the Mountain Gate.

Route 2:

- From the Mountain Gate, take the Ruyi Garden cable car uphill to the Observation Deck.  

- Ride the Longwang Mountain cable car downhill to the Colorful Pool.  

- Hike approximately 1,000 meters along the canyon back to the Mountain Gate.

Photography Tips:

- Capture the Colorful Pool from various angles, including the surrounding waterfall; every shot is a classic.  

- The UFO Observation Deck offers 360-degree views from all angles.  

- Take photos of the rock carvings along the hiking path.  

- The small squirrels and colorful paintings on the rocks also make for great shots.  

- Don't miss the various photo spots set up by the scenic area.

Pofengling: Located in Fangshan, Pofengling is home to 200,000 wild yellow-leafed trees. The autumn foliage here is redder and more spectacular than that at Xiangshan, and you can also take a cable car to enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Cuandixia Village (or Chuandixia Village): This is the filming location for "Where are we going? Dad" and "The Warlords." The village currently has 35 households, featuring many guesthouses, restaurants, and cultural shops, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of the ancient village.

Jizhou: This area features one of the scenes from "Black Myth: Wukong"—the Dule Temple, which is one of the three remaining Liao Dynasty temples in China. There are also artistic villages, "Mars" coffee shops, and canyon waterfalls, making it a highly recommended destination.

Chengde: "So close, yet so beautiful—spend your weekend in Hebei." Explore the Chengde Mountain Resort and the Chengde Museum for a two-day, one-night cultural journey.

Langfang: A city just half an hour away. Visit Longfu Temple and Shuiyunjian, where you can feel as if you've immersed yourself in the story of "Dream of the Red Chamber."

Dalinggou Kiwi Valley: In autumn, this place resembles a "cloud walk," with layers of colorful foliage. The entire route features wooden walkways and shaded paths through the forest, making it a quiet retreat even on holidays, perfect for those seeking a less crowded destination.

Labagou National Forest Park: A beautiful spot for autumn leaf-peeping and hiking, where you can enjoy the vibrant maple leaves and white birch forests starting in early October. The scenery is truly enchanting.

Translator: BAI Jing

Reviewer: NIU Lihua