In late autumn, the mountains are adorned with vibrant red leaves, and the trees don their colorful outfits, intertwining shades of fiery red, golden yellow, and orange. A stunning tapestry of autumn unfolds across the rolling hills. During this time, hiking along the mountain trails is also a great choice. Embracing the cool autumn breeze, you can stroll leisurely, stopping to admire the richly colored foliage, enjoying a peaceful and pleasant experience.
Wucai Qianshan National Waterfront Hiking Fitness Trail
Wucai Qianshan National Waterfront Hiking Fitness Trail (Longwantun Section) begins in the east at the east side of Shanlixinzhuang Village and stretches west to Dazigou. There are several entry points for hikers, including Baimaoyu, Xinghuagou, Suanzaoyugou, and Shanlixinzhuang. As you stroll along the trail, the sound of rustling fallen leaves accompanies you. Thousands of acres of uniquely colorful forests intertwine to create a vibrant scenic ribbon, appearing picturesque and radiant like a sea of clouds in the distance.
Baimaoyu is one of the most popular spots in Wucai Qianshan to experience the peak of autumn. The mountain is not very high and has a gentle slope, making it a top choice for many visitors, offering excellent views for enjoying the fall foliage.
The Yuemingjian Scenic Area Trail connects with Baimaoyu and is also an excellent area for viewing red leaves. The mountains are covered with vibrant red foliage, creating a stunning landscape that captivates visitors and makes them reluctant to leave.
In the low-lying area of Suanzaoyugou Valley, a picturesque water surface is formed. The boardwalks and pavilions provide visitors with spots to relax and take in the scenery. Gazing at the tranquil autumn waters and the distant mountains adorned with red leaves, one can quietly enjoy the beauty that autumn brings.
At the foot of the mountain, you can pick vibrant, crisp, and sweet apples. You can also visit the Longwantun Collective Forest Farm to experience mushroom picking and taste forest-raised eggs. If you feel tired from exploring, head to the Xiangzhu · Banshan Yaji Homestay in Liuzhuanghu Village to take a break and enjoy the slow-paced life of the Qianshan.
Jietai Temple Loop Trail
The Jietai Temple hiking trail circles around Jietai Temple, starting from the first parking lot. The stone path is well-maintained and comfortable to walk on, with a total distance of approximately 3 to 4 kilometers. The difficulty level is moderate, making it beginner-friendly, allowing visitors to easily enjoy the pleasures of hiking.
Along the trail, you can enjoy rich natural scenery as well as historical relics worth stopping to explore. Towering ancient trees line both sides of the path. Along the way, you can overlook the entire mountain landscape and admire the magnificent view of the golden Buddha on Qianling Mountain in the distance. You'll also encounter historical sites such as the pagoda forest and cliff carvings at Jietai Temple.
Jietai Temple is currently the northern temple that preserves the most and best-preserved Liao Dynasty relics. It is renowned for housing the largest Buddhist ordination platform in the country, where the highest Buddhist precepts—Bodhisattva Precepts—can be conferred, earning it the title of "First Altar in the World." Jietai Temple is particularly famous for its pine trees, with the saying "Tanzhe Temple is famous for its springs, while Jietai Temple is famous for its pines." Whenever a gentle breeze blows, the sound of the pines creates a unique phenomenon known as "Jietai Pine Waves."
Jinhai Lake Trail
Jinhai Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides, featuring lush peaks and beautiful scenery. It offers a picturesque landscape reminiscent of Qiandao Lake, along with the rugged rocks of Rabbit's Ear Ridge. There are dozens of natural and cultural attractions, including Huaguang Tower, the Golden Flower Princess Tomb, Wanghai Pavilion, and Sawtooth Cliff.
Inside the scenic area, there is a viewing trail that offers picturesque views of the lake and the sea. The mountains are not high, making it a leisure trail suitable for all ages. As you hike up, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant autumn scenery of "Little Qiandao Lake," with the autumn breeze enveloping you. One of the highlights of the Jinhai Lake Trail is the yellow hornbeam, which showcases different colors throughout the seasons—soft yellow in spring, pink in summer, and vibrant red in autumn—creating a stunning contrast against the emerald waters of Jinhai Lake.
Yudu Mountain Leisure Trail
Beijing's Yudu Mountain Scenic Area is located at the foot of "Haiduo Mountain," the highest peak of the Yanshan Mountains, and is upstream from the Longqing Gorge Scenic Area. The continuously flowing spring waters nurture the pristine beauty of Yudu Mountain, a natural protected area.
As the seasons change, vibrant colors gradually spread throughout the landscape. The autumn breeze rustles the reeds, and under the clear sky, Wuyou Lake appears even more beautiful and serene.
In the high mountain meadows of the scenic area, you can breathe in the fresh air and feel the free winds of the mountains. Here, you can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lakes and mountains, experiencing the unique color feast that Yudu Mountain has to offer—yellow, green, red, and more.
Heading north from the high mountain meadows, you can reach the hiking trail in about a thousand meters. Here, you'll find a pristine natural beauty, where the leaves transition from green to yellow and then to red, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.
