Beijing October-November Autumn Viewing Guide | 9 Lesser-Known Hidden Gems

Beijing After a fall rain, the autumn atmosphere in Beijing deepens, shedding the summer heat and donning golden and fiery red attire. Don’t want to be crowded at popular spots? Keep this private "Beijing Lesser-Known Autumn Viewing List" handy, from city parks to nearby mountains, covering your entire autumn romance! Olympic Forest Park is definitely the top choice for urban autumn viewing. Known as Beijing’s "city green lung," it’s free and open all day, perfect for weekend jogging or hiking. From mid to late October, the ginkgo avenue is covered in gold, the torch trees blaze with passionate red, and the yuanbao maples turn a gentle orange. The colorful forest scenes make every snapshot an autumn masterpiece. If you want to feel autumn in ancient architecture, don’t miss Ritan Park! As the sacred site where Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the sun, the red walls and yellow tiles blend beautifully with the autumn scenery. Open from 6:00 to 21:00, ginkgo leaves fall on the bluestone paths, persimmon trees hang full of orange-red fruit, quiet and elegant, as if traveling back to an autumn palace a hundred years ago. Known for its bamboo, Purple Bamboo Park has a unique autumn charm. Although the bamboo forest stays green year-round, paired with golden ginkgo and fiery red maples, it exudes the elegance of a Jiangnan garden. Strolling here in the early morning or evening, with swaying bamboo shadows and falling yellow leaves, the rustling bamboo leaves in the wind reveal the poetry of autumn. For the perfect blend of culture and autumn scenery, Wutasi (Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum) must be on the list. With a 20 yuan ticket, you can encounter the stunning frame of ancient pagodas and ginkgo trees. From late October to early November, golden ginkgo leaves surround the ancient Buddhist pagoda, sunlight filters through the branches onto the stone carvings, intertwining the weight of history with the vitality of autumn, creating an immersive atmosphere. Plant lovers must visit the National Botanical Garden (South and North Gardens), where tickets range from 5 to 15 yuan with great value. The autumn scenery here is layered, with ginkgo, maple, and acer trees changing colors in sequence. From mid-October, there’s also an autumn flower exhibition with blooming chrysanthemums, where natural wildness meets horticultural aesthetics for a unique autumn romance. Ming City Wall Relics Park hides a dialogue between history and nature. The free park features ancient city walls covered in vines, with autumn ginkgo and maple trees nestled beside the walls. The golden leaves and mottled bricks complement each other, as if telling the story of Beijing’s changing times. Every photo taken here is full of narrative. To escape the city noise, head to the nearby Shunyi Wucai Hills. The well-maintained hiking trails let you easily overlook the entire forest. From mid-October, sumac and torch trees dye the valley red, and the colorful hills look like a spilled palette. Breathing fresh air on the hike, the healing power of autumn hits you fully. Finally, we recommend the ultra-hidden gem, Fangshan Yaowang Valley. It’s less crowded and beautifully wild. Without much human sculpting, sumac and maple trees grow freely, turning the autumn forest into a brilliant red. Walking along the forest paths, listening to birdsong, and feeling the pure mountain autumn vibe, it’s truly an "autumn secret realm" for city dwellers. Each of these autumn viewing spots has its own charm. Whether you want to enjoy autumn easily in the city or go hiking in the nearby mountains, you’ll find your favorite choice. Quickly invite friends to experience the autumn romance of Beijing together!