As the vibrant autumn season returns, clusters of richly colored, lushly shaped trees across major parks are becoming the latest "must-see" attractions, drawing countless visitors and photography enthusiasts to capture the beautiful sights.

Back Lake Area in the Summer Palace

Summer Palace

◆ Back Lake Area

Along both banks of Back Lake Area in the Summer Palace, foliage from ash trees, ginkgoes, and hackberries, along with various maples and oaks, gradually transform into a tapestry of brilliant colors. The vivid leaves reflecting in the still river create an exquisite autumnal scene. The best time for photography here is between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., when the gentle sunlight casts a golden hue over the leaves and water, resembling a magnificent oil painting.

◆Garden of Harmonious Pleasures (Xiequ Yuan)

On the rock garden located east and west of the Hall of Embracing Distance (Hanyuan Tang) in the Garden of Harmonious Pleasures, dozens of native Beijing trees—large-fruited elms (UlmusmacrocarpaHance)—grow naturally, with leaves transitioning from orange to red and then brown. The ancient architecture adds a stunning contrast, making for exceptional photographs.

Old Summer Palace

◆ Pavilion of Fragrant Herbs (PingxiangXie)

The Pavilion of Fragrant Herbs in the Old Summer Palace is among Beijing's earliest "yellow leaf zones" and is a popular starting point for Hanfu enthusiasts' autumn photo shoots. The dense crowns of a few ash trees here, glowing golden under the sun, cast complete reflections on large stretches of water below. Together, the yellow leaves, lake surface, and reflections create a palette as if from an overturned artist's palette. However, the leaves here turn yellow quickly and fall fast, so it's best to capture them early.

Purple Lingzhou Isle in the Grand View Garden

Grand View Garden

◆Purple Caltrop Isle

The ginkgo trees on Purple Caltrop Isle in the Grand View Garden pair perfectly with the wooden walkway across the water and the surrounding traditional structures, exuding a classic charm.

◆Convex Emerald Hall

The red leaves of the climbing ivy at Convex Emerald Hall are strikingly vibrant. Reaching the top of the pavilion, the golden ginkgo trees behind fill the entire frame.

Cherry Ditch in China National Botanical Garden (North Garden)

China National Botanical Garden (North Garden)

◆ Cherry Ditch

In late autumn, the dawn redwood forest in Cherry Ditch at the China National Botanical Garden (North Garden) dons its autumn attire, radiating an aura of ancient majesty. Walking along the wooden path below, the tall, graceful trees form a canopy, as if telling the story of passing time, revealing resilience shaped by ages.

Moon-Inquiring Tower in Purple Bamboo Park

Purple Bamboo Park

◆Wenyue Tower (Moon-Inquiring Tower)

The red maple in front of the Moon-Inquiring Tower at Purple Bamboo Park is distinct from other "must-see" trees; it stands out purely through the brilliance of its deep red color. It has been voted by netizens as "Beijing's Reddest Tree" and quickly gained popularity, framed by blue skies, white walls, and rocky backgrounds.

◆ South Lake

In Purple Bamboo Park's South Lake, a beautifully shaped, densely growing dryland willow tree stands, its crown reaching over ten meters high, a lone tree forming a forest-like presence. In late autumn, it creates a golden natural painting, framed by the remaining lotus stalks around it.