Each year, ginkgo trees unfailingly signal the arrival of fall in Beijing, their leaves turning a breathtaking yellow from late October to early November, especially after the first frost. Now is the perfect time to experience the ginkgo landscapes at some of the city's best scenic spots. Plan your weekend and immerse yourself in autumn's golden splendor!
1. Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum
From late October to mid-November, the two ancient 600-year-old ginkgo trees at the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum reach their peak autumn beauty. To celebrate, the museum is hosting a Ginkgo Festival with a range of cultural events, inviting locals and tourists to enjoy the golden scenery and experience unique activities.
On October 29, the "2024 With You Among the Ginkgo" creative market will open, featuring cultural products from over 10 institutions, including the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum and the Bell and Drum Towers Museum.
For a week, visitors can enjoy the museum's newly introduced creative drinks, like the "Sugar Blessing Latte," "Grape Jasmine Tea," and "Ginkgo Wellness Tea." Sip your coffee as you stroll beneath the golden trees, taking in the beauty and tranquility of autumn.
Address: No. 24 Wuta Temple Village, Haidian District, Beijing (near the northwest gate of the zoo)
2. Olympic Forest Park
At the Olympic Forest Park (South Garden), the ginkgo trees near the south gate have turned a glorious yellow, creating a breathtaking autumnal scene.
After enjoying the ginkgo avenue in the South Garden, head to the North Garden's Floral Wilderness for even more seasonal beauty. A magical landscape of pink muhly grass, vibrant zinnias, and the crimson autumn foliage of kochia bushes awaits you, offering a fairytale-like backdrop.
Address: No. 33 Ke Hui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
3. Sanlitun Ginkgo Avenue
Follow Sanlitun Road north to Dongzhimenwai Avenue, where tall, full ginkgo trees on one side of the road have turned a bright yellow, while green sycamore trees on the other side retain their summer hues. The striking contrast feels like a seamless dance of seasons under the golden sunlight.
This well-loved ginkgo avenue, particularly along Sanlitun East Fifth Street, will reach its prime viewing period from early to mid-November. Visitors can explore the vibrant area, sampling delicious food, visiting stylish cafes, or even attending immersive concerts and theatrical performances at the APM Art Space.
Address: Dongzhimenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing
4. Dongba Country Park
Located outside the East Fifth Ring Road in Dongba Township, Dongba Country Park boasts an expansive ginkgo grove of over 6,000 trees. Currently, the southern part of the grove is a golden wonderland, radiating the warm hues of deep autumn.
Address: Kanggezhuang Road, Dongba Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing
5. Hongluo Temple
A drive along the scenic Huaihuang Road, with its rich autumn foliage, will lead you to the Hongluo Temple scenic area. Now at peak leaf-viewing season, the temple grounds are resplendent with colorful leaves at the foot of the mountain and vibrant red forests interwoven with green pines above.
Follow the bamboo-lined path to the majestic Hall of the Great Buddha, where two thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, one male and one female, spread their golden wings and showed their romance.
For those who prefer a gentler route, a leisurely path allows visitors to marvel at the temple's famous "twin ginkgo trees" without hiking uphill.Suggested Route: Bamboo Grove – Hongluo Temple – Hall of the Great Buddha – Ten-Mile Green Corridor (Zodiac Garden – Pine Forest Bath) – Qinglong Mountain – Main Gate
Address: No. 2 Hongluo East Road, Huairou District, Beijing
6. Yinshan Pagoda Forest
In late autumn, the Yinshan Pagoda Forest Scenic Area in Changping District becomes a ginkgo lover's paradise. Known as one of the "Eight Great Sights of Yanping," Yinshan Pagoda Forest is set against steep, iron-colored cliffs.
In autumn, the golden hues of the ginkgo trees provide a stunning contrast against the ancient Liao Dynasty pagoda structures. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a dazzling "ginkgo carpet" across the ground, adding a brilliant warmth to the area's historic allure. This weekend, come to Yinshan Tallinn to enjoy ginkgo biloba and beautiful unexpected encounter.
Address: Xihu Village, Yanshou Town, Changping District, Beijing
Autumn foliage, especially ginkgo and maple, is fleeting, often falling after the first autumn rain. Be sure to catch this beauty at the perfect time! Which Beijing ginkgo spot would you love to visit?
