As November arrives, Beijing is bathed in a warm golden hue from the ginkgo trees, their leaves turning vibrant yellow under the soft sunlight.In the ancient temples and buildings of the city, the millennium-old ginkgo trees are now at their most striking, bursting with autumnal charm. It's the perfect time to catch the golden leaf season while it's at its peak.

Dajue Temple

Founded in the Liao Dynasty, Dajue Temple is located in the western part of Beijing, facing east. The temple follows the mountainside, with a sequence of buildings from east to west: the Shanmen Gate, Bell and Drum Tower, Heavenly King Hall, Daxiong Hall, Wuliang Hall, and the Dabei Altar. The temple is grand and ancient, with a carefully planned and expansive layout.Surrounded by towering ancient cypress trees, lush forests, and clear springs, the temple is renowned for its 300-year-old magnolia and millennium-old ginkgo, making it a standout in Beijing.

The temple is home to four legendary first-class ancient ginkgo trees:

-A thousand-year-old male ginkgo, the king of ginkgo trees

-A symmetrical female ginkgo.

-A distinctive ginkgo tree with nine vibrant saplings encircling it, creating a natural forest within a single tree

- A ginkgo tree with male and female trunks wrapped together in an embrace

Each of these trees is a true natural wonder, with its own distinct charm.

The temple's serene atmosphere, combined with the brilliant golden leaves of the ginkgo, creates a beautiful contrast between stillness and movement.

The red walls, green tiles, and curved eaves complement the golden fan-shaped leaves, casting soft shadows and enhancing the autumn atmosphere.

Walking through the temple, the ground is covered in a thick layer of golden ginkgo leaves, like a golden carpet.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, open year-round except for special circumstances (last ticket sold at 4:30 PM).

Address: No. 9 Dajue Temple Lu(Rd), Sujiatuo Town, Haidian District, Beijing

Jietai Temple

Founded in 622 AD, Jietai Temple has a 1400-year history. The temple is located in the western part of Beijing, facing east, nestled in the mountains. It is known for its grand structures, historical stele, and lush pine and cypress trees, creating a peaceful and quiet environment.

The temple houses the largest Buddhist ordination platform in the country, earning it the title of "The First Altar in the World." With its red walls, gray tiles, and sweeping eaves, the ancient architecture exudes a profound sense of history and elegance.

Inside the temple stands a centuries-old ginkgo tree, over 20 meters tall, with both male and female trunks. The female trunks turn golden first, and as the leaves fall, the male branches also shine in a brilliant golden hue.From late October to mid-November, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking sight of the ginkgo trees in full golden glory.

"Follow the films" check-in at Jietai Temple

"Huanqiu Film City" on-location film check-in activity

Dates: November 2, 3, 9, 10

Check-in locations: Fixed points at Jietai Temple

Visitors can dress in traditional Hanfu and step into the world of iconic films and TV dramas like Empresses in the Palace, Journey to the West (1986 version),The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, and The Legend of Qianlong. While enjoying the autumn scenery, visitors can experience the fun of becoming an "ancient person."

Opening Hours:

Spring/Summer: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Autumn/Winter: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Address: Jietai Temple Scenic Area, Ma'anshan, Yongding Town, Mentougou District, Beijing

Tanzhe Temple

Tanzhe Temple, with a history of over 1,700 years, is the oldest royal temple in Beijing. The temple is situated facing south, surrounded by mountains, offering a picturesque and tranquil setting. Ancient trees and famous plants are scattered throughout the temple, with peaceful courtyards. The halls, pavilions, altars, and rooms each have their own distinct characteristics. The towers, pavilions, and study halls offer extraordinary views.

The main structures of Tanzhe Temple are arranged in three routes: central, eastern, and western. At the end of the central axis stands the Bilu Pavilion, flanked by two ancient ginkgo trees — the Emperor Tree and the Royal Companion Tree. These trees are believed to be over 1,400 years old.

Passing through the Emperor Tree and the Royal Companion Tree, and walking around the sides of the Pilu Pavilion to the back of the hall, visitors can enjoy the colorful foliage formed by smoke trees and maples.

In August of this year, the Lower Pagoda Forest at Tanzhe Temple was reopened. The upper and lower pagoda courtyards now house a total of 75 pagodas, making it the largest and best-preserved pagoda site in the Beijing area today. While enjoying the autumn leaves, visitors can also explore the pagodas and experience the charm of ancient architectural art.

"Tanzhe Temple Ginkgo Festival"

"Hundred Markets of Good Fortune" intangible cultural heritage market

Dates: October 26 - November 15

Check-in Location: Yuanbao Mountain, Tanzhe Temple

The market integrates intangible cultural heritage crafts with auspicious symbolism, such as carving, hairy monkey sculpture making craft, and paper cutting. Visitors can also take photos and check-in with the internet celebrity, "Wuhuang Cat."

"Dual Increase of Prosperity and Wisdom" NPC interaction

Date: November 2, 3, 9, 10, 15

Check-in Locations: Lishu Courtyard, Emperor Tree, Stele Pavilion, Stone Fish

Visitors can interact with NPCs dressed in traditional Hanfu, complete quiz tasks to earn "Pass Documents," and collect stamps. This will allow access to other levels within the event.

"Heartfelt Joy" art therapy, tea ceremony, and incense ceremony activities

Date: Six sessions between October 26 and November 15

Event Locations: Jiafu Binshe, Lishu Courtyard, near Liubei Pavilion

Visitors can sign up in advance to participate in cultural art experiences, including singing bowl therapy, tea ceremony, and incense ceremony. These activities offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate during the festival, welcoming a more beautiful life.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Last entry at 4:00 PM)

Address: Tanze Mountain, Tanze Temple Town, Mentougou District, Beijing

Badachu Park

Badachu Park is located at the southern foot of the Xishan Scenic Area. The ancient saying praises it as "Three mountains like a grand house, eight temples like antiques within the house, and twelve scenic spots like a garden outside the house." It is not only a park but also a mountain Buddhist temple garden.

The ginkgo trees in Badachu Park are mainly located within the temples, particularly in the Dabei Temple at the fourth site, where two ancient ginkgo trees, over 800 years old, are said to have been planted during the Yuan Dynasty. Additionally, there is an ancient ginkgo tree from the Ming Dynasty to the east of the Futu Tower at Lingguang Temple (second site) and another one to the west of the mountain gate at Xiangjie Temple (sixth site).

Tour route:

After entering the park, walk to the left slope behind the Wishing Tree.

Left of the Wishing Tree—Lingguang Temple—Sanshan Temple—Dabei Temple—Longquan Temple—Xiangjie Temple—Baozhu Cave—Slide—Zhengguo Temple.

In late autumn, the Badachu Park is filled with the lingering charm of autumn. The smoke trees, staghorn sumac trees, and Shantung maple trees among the hills are dyed red by the autumn colors. One of the famous Twelve Views of Xishan, "Deep Autumn Red Leaves," arrives as expected.

Opening hours: 06:00-17:30 Address: No. 3, Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing

Yonghe Temple

Entering Yonghe Temple through the South Gate archway, you step onto the ceremonial path leading to Zhaotai Gate.On both sides, the ginkgo trees are in their prime—tall, dense, and further enhancing the royal splendor of this imperial construction.

This is one of the three famous ginkgo avenues in Beijing, known as the "most tranquil ginkgo avenue." It is currently in the transitional phase, soon to offer a golden visual feast as the leaves change.

Nearby, the Confucius Temple and the Imperial College Museum also showcase the dazzling ginkgo, with vibrant hues of red and yellow gradually spreading across other plants and trees.

Opening hours: November 1 to March 31, 09:00-16:30 (last entry at 16:00)

Address: No. 28, Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Beijing's autumn is in full swing.

The golden ginkgo trees in the Hutong, parks, and ancient temples add a vivid splash of color to the fall scenery.

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