The best autumn leaves in Beijing usually peak from late October to mid-November. If you want easy photos, head to Fragrant Hills, the Summer Palace or the ginkgo avenues at Ditan and Diaoyutai. If you want the colour without the crowds, however, join an off-route hike in the mountains around the wild Great Wall.

Autumn is, in our opinion, the best season in Beijing. The skies are clear, the air is crisp and the whole city turns gold and red. Yet everyone knows it, so the famous spots fill up fast.

So which type of leaf-peeper are you? A crowd follower, happy to queue for the classic shot? Or an adventurer who wants a hillside to yourself? This guide covers both.

Seasonal Guide | Our Beijing

When is the best time to see autumn leaves in Beijing?

Late October to mid-November is the sweet spot. The exact timing shifts each year with the weather, so check recent photos on social media before you go.

• Red leaves (smoke trees and maples) on the hills usually turn first, from mid to late October.
• Golden ginkgo trees in the city tend to peak in early to mid-November.
• Mountain forests outside the city change earlier than downtown, because it is cooler higher up.

Also, a single windy day can strip the ginkgo trees bare. Therefore, if you see them glowing, go that week rather than waiting.

Where do the crowds see autumn leaves in Beijing?

These are the autumn leaves in Beijing that everyone visits, and for good reason. They are beautiful, easy to reach and free or cheap. Just expect company, especially at weekends.

Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan): is it worth the crowds?

Fragrant Hills is Beijing’s most famous place for red leaves. The hillsides of smoke trees turn a deep crimson, and the views from the top stretch across the city. Read more about its history on Wikipedia’s Fragrant Hills page.

Crowd tip: arrive before 8am on a weekday. At peak weekends, the paths can be shoulder to shoulder by mid-morning.

Summer Palace: where are the best autumn views?

The Summer Palace combines autumn colour with lakes, bridges and imperial halls. Walk the quieter western causeway for golden willows and reflections on Kunming Lake.

Crowd tip: skip the busy east gate. Instead, enter by the north or west gate and work your way back.

Ditan Park Ginkgo Avenue: when does it turn gold?

Ditan Park, the Temple of Earth, has a short avenue of ginkgo trees that turns a brilliant yellow in early November. It is close to the Lama Temple and the hutongs, so it fits nicely into a city day.

Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue: is it free to visit?

Yes. This ginkgo-lined street runs along the wall of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. It is free, photogenic and very popular, so you will share it with plenty of photographers.

Use Amap to reach any of these by metro. New to China? Our simple guide to the apps you need for China will get you set up.

Where do adventurers find Beijing autumn colours?

Out in the mountains, on trails most visitors never find. Here, the hillsides turn red and gold around crumbling sections of the wild, unrestored Great Wall. As a result, you get the colour, the views and the quiet, all in one day.

That is exactly why we organise our autumn hikes. We handle transport, routes and local know-how, so you simply walk and enjoy.

Beijing in Gold: Autumn Forest Hike & Hot Springs

Our signature way to enjoy autumn leaves in Beijing. You hike through golden forest, then soak tired legs in hot springs afterwards. See the Autumn Forest Hike & Hot Springs.

Wild Great Wall hikes in autumn colour

• Huanghua Wild Great Wall Hike: wall, reservoir views and autumn hillsides.
• Longquan — The Hidden Wild Wall: a quieter, less-known section.
• Wild Great Wall & Mountain River Hike: wall and river valley in one route.
• Half Price Hikes: for the bold and curious on a budget.

Which way to see autumn leaves in Beijing suits you?

	Crowd follower	Adventurer
Where	Fragrant Hills, Summer Palace, ginkgo avenues	Wild Great Wall and mountain trails
Crowds	Busy, very busy at weekends	Few or none
Effort	Easy walking	Moderate hiking
Getting there	Metro or taxi	We arrange transport
Best for	Quick photos, half a day	A full day out in nature

Of course, you don’t have to choose. Many guests catch Ditan’s ginkgos one morning and hike the wild wall the next day.

What should I pack for an autumn hike near Beijing?

• Layers: mornings can be near freezing, while afternoons feel warm in the sun.
• Walking shoes or boots with good grip.
• Water, snacks and sun cream.
• A charged phone with Alipay set up for snacks on the way.
• A small towel and swimwear if your hike ends at hot springs.

Ready to see Beijing autumn colours your way?

Whether you want the classic spots or the wild trails, the autumn leaves in Beijing are short-lived and spectacular. So don’t leave it too late: the best weeks book up quickly.

FAQs: autumn leaves in Beijing

When do the autumn leaves peak in Beijing?

Usually from late October to mid-November. Red leaves on the hills turn first, while the city’s ginkgo trees peak in early to mid-November.

What is the best free place to see autumn leaves in Beijing?

Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue is free and stunning in early November. Ditan Park is also very cheap to enter.

How can I avoid the crowds at Fragrant Hills?

Go early on a weekday, ideally before 8am. Alternatively, swap it for an off-route mountain hike, where the leaves are just as good and the trails are quiet.

Are your autumn hikes suitable for beginners?

Most of our autumn hikes suit anyone with reasonable fitness and good shoes. Tell us your experience when booking and we’ll suggest the right route.

How do I get from central Beijing to the autumn hikes?

We arrange transport on our group hikes, so you don’t need to work out rural buses or drivers.

✨You’re reading a blog from Our Beijing ✨
We curate experiences for adventurous travellers who want something different.
—imagine riding through old Beijing hutongs, tasting our favourite street food snacks, or if you’re a top adventure seeker, hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.

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