Beijing Autumn Limited Fall Foliage Guide: Red Walls Reflecting Yellow Leaves, the Ancient Capital Drunk on Golden Autumn

Autumn in Beijing is the most enchanting chapter of the four seasons, where red walls and yellow leaves complement each other, ancient buildings blend with autumn light, and from October to November, "Beiping" hides countless poetic scenes. This guide selects key spots for autumn viewing, paired with itinerary planning and practical tips to help you deeply unlock the autumn charm of the capital. Best Travel Time and Core Highlights - Best period: Mid-October to mid-November, when the red leaves of Fragrant Hills gradually turn red, the ginkgo avenue is covered in gold, and ancient buildings like the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City appear even more majestic under the warm autumn sun[__LINK_ICON]. - Autumn features: The royal gardens' colorful forests, the Great Wall's mountains covered in red leaves, and the local autumn atmosphere in the hutongs create a unique picture of "red walls, golden tiles, and colorful leaves." Three-Day Essential Itinerary Day 1: Autumn Atmosphere Beneath the Imperial City Walls 1. Early morning · Temple of Heaven Park: Arrive before 7 AM, buy a 34 yuan combined ticket and head straight to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The blue tiles and golden roof shine in the morning light, and you might encounter locals exercising, feeling the authentic life of old Beijing[__LINK_ICON]. 2. Morning · Palace Museum (Forbidden City): Purchase a 60 yuan peak season ticket online in advance, enter through Zhongshan Park to avoid crowds, and focus on the golden tiles of the Hall of Supreme Harmony glowing in the autumn sun. The Clock and Watch Gallery and Treasure Gallery’s artifacts form a dialogue between past and present with the yellow leaves outside[__LINK_ICON]. 3. Evening · Beihai Park: Spend 10 yuan to enter and climb Qionghua Island, see the White Pagoda reflected in the clear lake, and enjoy the chrysanthemums blooming in October alongside withered lotus forming an ink painting. You can take a boat ride to immerse yourself in the lake’s autumn scenery[__LINK_ICON]. 4. Dinner · Nearby Hutong Cuisine: Recommended are the zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles) in Nanluoguxiang or try the old Beijing copper hotpot in Houhai, paired with seasonal autumn vegetables to warm your heart and stomach. Day 2: Majestic Autumn Scenery Between Mountains and Water 1. Morning · Badaling Great Wall: Take the S2 line from Beijing North Station for half an hour direct ride, buy a 45 yuan ticket to climb to the North Eighth Tower. The red leaves on both sides of the Great Wall look like fire, and the sound of autumn wind sweeping through the forest is especially magnificent. Wear comfortable hiking shoes for the slopes[__LINK_ICON]. 2. Afternoon · Summer Palace: Enter through the North Ruyi Gate with a 30 yuan ticket, first climb Longevity Hill to overlook the autumn colors of Kunming Lake, then stroll along the West Causeway to see the swaying reeds. At dusk, wait for the stunning moment of "golden light passing through the holes" at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge[__LINK_ICON]. 3. Night · Olympic Park: Stop by the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube for night views, where the lights blend with the autumn night sky, feeling the collision of ancient and modern Beijing. Day 3: Reflecting on Autumn Charm in Gardens and Ruins 1. Morning · Fragrant Hills Park: Enter with a 10 yuan ticket, take the cable car up to Xianglu Peak, and gaze at the colorful scenery of red leaves mixed with pines and cypresses. Late October to early November is the best viewing period[__LINK_ICON]. 2. Afternoon · Old Summer Palace Ruins Park: Buy a 25 yuan combined ticket to explore the Western Mansions ruins, where reeds sway among the broken walls, and the ginkgo avenue’s fallen leaves form a golden carpet. The autumn tranquility adds a sense of historical depth[__LINK_ICON]. 3. Evening · Olympic Forest Park: Free entry to stroll along the ginkgo avenue in the South Garden. The light from 3 PM to 5 PM is perfect for photos. The reeds by Aohai Lake and the sunset create a healing scene, ideal for a relaxing end to your trip[__LINK_ICON]. Practical Tips - Transportation: Prioritize the subway for city attractions. Line 1 reaches the Forbidden City and Tiananmen, Line 4 connects the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace; for Badaling, the S2 line is the best choice, faster and more comfortable than buses[__LINK_ICON]. - Tickets: For popular spots like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, buy tickets online 1-3 days in advance. For the Temple of Heaven and Old Summer Palace, combined tickets are recommended to avoid missing key sights[__LINK_ICON]. - Clothing: Large temperature differences between morning and evening require a light down jacket or knit cardigan. Wear non-slip shoes to handle slippery fallen leaves; bring a camera to capture light and shadow moments, and a power bank is essential. Autumn in Beijing is never a single scenery but a symbiosis of ancient architecture and nature, a fusion of history and the present. Follow this guide to make every red leaf and every ray of sunlight an unforgettable travel memory.