From early to mid-November each year is the best time to admire ginkgo trees. The golden ginkgo leaves on the trees create a fairy-tale-like scene as autumn transitions into winter.

In several parks and scenic spots in Shijiazhuang, there are plenty of great places to enjoy ginkgo trees. Choose a sunny day and come to experience this poetic splash of color!

Zhengding Ancient City: Ginkgoes and Ancient Architecture in Perfect Harmony

In Shijiazhuang’s Zhengding Ancient City, there are many places to admire ginkgo trees, but the most distinctive ones are Longxing Temple, Rongguo Mansion, and Yanzhao Street. The ginkgo trees shimmer in golden glory, complementing the ancient architecture with an added charm. The contrast of ginkgo yellow against the red of the historic buildings adds endless elegance to this ancient city.

At Longxing Temple, the ginkgo trees surrounded by red walls exude a sense of timelessness, standing alongside the mythical beasts perched on the eaves, quietly witnessing the passage of time. As the wind rises, the leaves gently tremble and fall, carrying the weight of history with them. Here, the ancient temple, golden leaves, morning light, and sunset come together to create a scene that seems to transcend time and space—dreamlike and surreal.

The ginkgo trees at Rongguo Mansion have a unique charm. The yellow leaves against the dark tiles and pale walls add to the elegance of the place. In the courtyard of the Red Mansions, the golden trees sway gracefully in the breeze. Through the sunlight, the ginkgo leaves shimmer with a clear, radiant glow, and the shifting light and shadow create a dance of dappled patterns on the ground.

Yuanbo Garden: A Harmonious Blend of Red and Yellow

At the end of October, the Hebei Yuanbo Garden quietly dresses in warm autumn colors, with the plants beginning to change and showcase their autumnal beauty.

In the garden’s North Square, rows of elegant ginkgo trees are transitioning from deep green to pale yellow or bright yellow. Looking up, the golden leaves stand out vividly against the blue sky. When the breeze blows, the ginkgo leaves flutter like butterfly wings, dancing gracefully in the air—both beautiful and romantic.

In addition to the ginkgo trees, the five-pointed maples in the garden also reach their peak viewing period. The maple trees are graceful, with beautiful leaves that turn fiery red in the frost, captivating all who see them. This is an essential splash of color in the autumn landscape. Along the green belt of the south side of the Yuanbo Garden, several five-pointed maples catch the eye, with some leaves gradually changing color and others already fully red. The combination of ginkgo yellow and maple red makes the autumn scenery of Yuanbo Garden like a painting.

Pilu Temple: A Thousand-Year-Old Temple Surrounded by Ginkgo Trees

Located in Shangjing Village, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, the Pilu Temple Museum is surrounded by nearly a hundred ginkgo trees that embrace this ancient temple. As the autumn wind encourages the leaves to shift from green to yellow, the ginkgo forest at Pilu Temple has become a romantic destination for Shijiazhuang residents seeking a fairytale-like autumn experience.

The Pilu Temple Museum is approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. Founded during the Tang Dynasty in the Tianbao period, it is the only ancient Buddhist temple with a long history in the Shijiazhuang city area. Covering an area of 28 acres, the temple is renowned both at home and abroad for its exquisite Ming Dynasty murals and its collection of valuable historical relics, including Western Han stone carvings and statues.

When the ginkgo leaves at Pilu Temple turn from green to yellow, the ancient buildings, with their weathered grandeur, and the golden ginkgo leaves together create a breathtaking landscape. With the clear blue sky, golden trees, and warm sunlight, the ground, steps, and grass are covered with a thick layer of golden ginkgo leaves, forming a romantic and peaceful scene.

Botanical Garden: A Picture of Golden Yellow Leaves

Shijiazhuang Botanical Garden is home to over 6,000 ginkgo trees. The golden leaves shimmer and dance in the sunlight, resembling yellow butterflies fluttering, golden fans swaying, or yellow sprites leaping—rendering the landscape to perfection.

The ginkgo trees are primarily distributed along the Garden’s Yingbin Road, Huazhong Road, Ginkgo Dyke, and near the giant banyan tree in the central area, as well as in the ginkgo forest on the north side of the park. In addition to ginkgo trees, the garden also features autumn foliage trees such as red maples, yellow hornbeams, torch trees, white ashes, and red sumacs.

Starting from the eastern entrance of the park, along Yingbin Road to the giant banyan tree, you can enjoy the ginkgo trees on Huazhong Road. Continuing north to the Ginkgo Dyke, you can see the ginkgo trees reflected in the lake. Along the path, the North American red maples can be spotted along Yaoyuan Road. Further north, at the Haoshi Time Happy City, you can see the ginkgo forest. Heading west to Xishan, you can admire the yellow hornbeams. Walking over the Xiehong Bridge and Lan Cui Bridge, you can enjoy the autumn foliage trees along the lake, which turn yellow and red.

Pujisi Temple: Ancient Ginkgo Trees from the Tang Dynasty

In the Pujisi Temple located in the northern part of Niujiazhuang Village, Qianxian Township, Yuan Shi County, there is a ginkgo tree that has stood for over 1,000 years. Legend has it that it was planted during the Tang Dynasty. The tree stands about 27 meters tall, with a circumference of 5.5 meters. Its trunk is thick and strong, with branches and leaves flourishing. It is often referred to as the "Living Fossil of a Thousand Years." Locals also call it "Bai Guo Tree" (White Fruit Tree), and thus the temple is also known as Bai Guo Temple.

Every November, the ginkgo tree turns a brilliant golden yellow. The thick branches and large canopy highlight the ancient tree's enduring vitality and history. In the afternoon, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a golden glow. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, creating a soft, soothing sound, as if time stands still. The courtyard of the temple is covered in golden fallen leaves, thanks to this magnificent ginkgo tree.

Special Notice

At present, most of the ginkgo trees in Shijiazhuang city and its surrounding areas have not yet turned yellow. To fully enjoy the ginkgo scenery, a little more time is needed.

Photography Tips

It is recommended to wear bright clothing to create a contrast with the golden ginkgo leaves. Try different shooting angles and lighting conditions. For example, backlighting can enhance the transparency and three-dimensionality of the ginkgo leaves. Combine the surrounding environment and seasonal features, such as ancient architecture or natural landscapes, to add more depth to your photos. For posing, consider standing under the ginkgo tree, facing the sunlight with a radiant smile. The shot can be taken from below to elongate the legs and make the figure appear taller. Alternatively, you can pose sideways, keeping a natural stance, gently turning your head with a smile, and capturing the moment of looking back.

Respectful Tourism

While admiring the ginkgo trees, please be mindful of the environment. Avoid stepping on the grass or picking leaves from the trees.