Although it's already early winter, Beijing's dazzling scenery is still in full swing. Come explore these 5 unique courtyards, enjoy the beautiful views, and discover the stories of Beijing!

NO.01 Lao She Memorial Hall

The Lao She Memorial Hall, with its vibrant red persimmon trees, has become a popular spot for visitors in Beijing. In the place where Lao She once lived, you can experience the Beijing flavor depicted in his writings.

The courtyard, located at No.10 Fengsheng Hutong (now No.19, Fuxing Hutong in Dongcheng District), was bought by Lao She after he returned to Beijing in 1949. His wife, Hu Jieqing, planted two persimmon trees in the courtyard, giving it the elegant name "Dan Shi Xiao Yuan" (Persimmon Courtyard).

Lao She was the first writer to receive the title of "People's Artist" in New China. Born in Beijing, raised in Beijing, and spending his final years there, this was the place where Lao She lived for the longest time.

Address: No.19, Fuxing Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing

NO.02 Beijing Lu Xun Museum

Upon entering the Lu Xun Museum, the sight of golden ginkgo leaves fills the eyes. A breeze blows, and the leaves fall gracefully, like tiny golden fans swaying in the air. Ripe persimmons hang from the branches, adding a playful contrast with the birds pecking at them. As you continue deeper into the museum, red, green, and yellow leaves intertwine, creating a mesmerizing view.

The museum consists of both exhibition halls and Lu Xun's former residence. Lu Xun wrote parts of his books Hua Gai Ji, Hua Gai Ji Xu Bian, Ye Cao, and works like Panghuang and Zhao Hua Xi Shi here. Don't forget to visit the Lu Xun bookstore inside, where you might find some books to your liking.

Address: No. 19, Gongmenkou Ertiao, Fuchengmennei Dajie(St), Xicheng District, Beijing

NO.03 Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling

The Former Residence of Soong Ching Ling, originally built in the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, was the west garden of the Nalan Mingzhu residence. In April 1963, Soong Ching Ling moved here, where she lived and worked for 18 years.The Exhibition of Soong Ching Ling's Life displays areas where she lived, worked, and studied, including her small living room, dining area, bedroom/office, study, and kitchen, all of which have been preserved in their original form.

Every year, as autumn turns to winter, the leaves of the ancient trees in the garden turn yellow, painting the courtyard in the most brilliant colors of the year. Secluded from the hustle and bustle of Houhai, a stroll through the garden offers a quiet way to experience the changing of the seasons.

Address: No.46 Houhaibeiyan, Xicheng District, Beijing

No. 04 Guo Moruo Memorial Museum

The former residence of Guo Moruo is located at No.18 Qianhai Xijie (West Str), near Shichahai, and is a courtyard-style two-entry siheyuan. The courtyard is filled with tall, lush ginkgo trees, their golden leaves shimmering in the autumn sunlight, casting a soft and warm glow. Guo Moruo had a deep admiration for ginkgo trees, calling them the "sages of the East" in his writings.

At one point, Guo Moruo's wife, Yu Liqiu, fell ill and needed to seek treatment outside of Beijing. After she left, Guo took their children to move a ginkgo sapling from the Dajue Temple in the western suburbs back to the large courtyard at No.5 Dayuan Hutong, where he planted it and named it "Mother Tree," wishing for his wife's swift recovery and return. Later, when they moved again, Guo transplanted the tree to their new siheyuan residence.

Address: 18 Qianhai Xijie (West Str), Xicheng District, Beijing

No. 05 Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall

The Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall is located on the southern side of the Beihu Lake in the National Botanical Garden (North Garden), also known as "Yellow Leaf Village." The area is covered with ginkgo trees, their golden leaves creating a stunning contrast against the ancient architecture of the village.

In early winter, the vibrant colors of the diverse tree species in the North Garden paint a picturesque scene, showcasing the natural beauty of the changing seasons.

Surrounding the Beihu Lake, you can find trees like Acer truncatum, Sophora japonica, dawn redwood, and reeds, creating a colorful landscape that reflects in the lake's waters, adding to the brilliance of the distant mountain peaks.

During this time, the dawn redwood in Cherry Valley change into their red autumn attire. Walking along the wooden boardwalk, the towering trees form a natural canopy, casting shade and creating an almost timeless atmosphere as if telling the story of the passing seasons.

Address: China National Botanical Garden (North Garden), Xiangshan Lu(Rd), Haidian, Beijing