Beijing's Hidden Autumn Gems

🔥 Beijing's secret spot for red leaves! Free + fewer people + lake and mountain scenery, save this map quickly 🍁🗺️

"Did you take this photo in Switzerland?"
"No, it's Pinggu, Beijing, North Hill of Jinhai Lake."

At the end of October, autumn in Beijing officially reaches its peak.
Xiangshan is congested, Pofengling is packed with people...
Stop crowding!
I found a little-known free autumn trail—
North Hill Trail of Jinhai Lake,
Red leaves blazing, shimmering lake,
Every snap looks like a National Geographic cover!

Most importantly—
✅ Few people! Almost no tour groups along the entire route
✅ Free! Parking + entrance are completely free
✅ Beautiful scenery! Red leaves + reservoir + distant mountains = Northern version of "Shipwreck Bay" vibes

📍 Navigate to [Sanquansi], get off and step right into the painting.

🍁 Why do I call it "Beijing's new red leaf benchmark"?

🔹 Large area of red leaves, high density
The trail is lined with clusters of smoke trees, Amur maples, and torch trees,
Spreading from the foot to the summit like a spilled palette.
Sunlight filters through the leaves, gold and red intertwined, dappled light and shadow,
Every step beats with the heart of autumn.

🔹 Backed by Jinhai Lake, explosive views
Climb to the viewing platform, and suddenly it opens up—
Below is the mirror-like blue Haizi Reservoir,
Distant mountains dyed in layers of autumn colors,
On sunny days, the lake reflects the clouds,
It really looks like Iceland’s Solheimajokull Shipwreck Bay!

🔹 Not a tourist spot! Pure wild charm
No fences, no loudspeakers, no crowds,
Only the sound of wind, birdsong, and rustling leaves.
Dogs run freely, kids chase leaves,
This is what autumn should feel like.

🔹 Friendly trail conditions, suitable for beginners, families, and pets
The entire route has stone steps and wooden boardwalks, flat and non-slip,
Gentle slopes, walking 8km is not tiring.
🐶 Dogs allowed on leash, 👶 strollers can pass some sections with effort.

🚶‍♀️ Hiking route guide (with simplified map logic)

📍 Entrance location: Navigate to [Sanquansi] → after parking lot, turn right 100 meters to see the trailhead

🅿️ Parking: Free! Park at Sanquansi parking lot (about 50 spaces, recommended before 9 AM)
🎫 Entrance fee: 0 yuan! No charges at all

✅ Two recommended routes, choose freely:

🔸 Beginner’s easy autumn walk · 1-hour small loop (highly recommended!)
Perfect for those who just want to take photos, stroll with kids, and relax
👉 Trail entrance → right fork uphill → viewing platform overlooking Jinhai Lake → return the same way
✨ Highlights: All the best red leaves concentrated here, lake + mountain views in one step, 100% photo success rate

🔸 Advanced hiking enthusiasts · full 8km loop (3-4 hours)
For those wanting a workout + deep mountain experience
👉 Enter Sanquansi → cross the northern ridge → connect to firebreak trail → loop back to start
✨ Highlights: Climb high for panoramic views of Panshan and Ju River, full autumn scenery in sight

📌 Tips:
Many forks, recommend turning on phone GPS
Descend via the other side trail to form a loop and avoid boring backtracking

✅ No restrooms on the mountain! Please use facilities at Sanquansi parking lot beforehand 🚻
✅ Large temperature difference! Near 0°C early morning and evening, 20°C+ at noon, recommend wearing a windbreaker + fleece liner
✅ Wear non-slip shoes! Steps are slippery when dewy, hiking poles add stability
✅ Bring snacks! No shops on the mountain, but there’s a market at the parking lot 👇
🎁 Surprise bonus: Persimmons only 1 yuan each!! Big, sweet, freshly picked and sold on site, must buy!

🌅 Best time: October 25 - November 5
Red leaves at their peak, golden and deep red intertwined,
6:30-8:00 AM has the softest light, misty like a fairyland,
Shoot against the light an hour before sunset, leaves glow like glass, stunning!

📷 Photo tips:
Wear light or caramel-colored clothes to avoid clashing with the background
Use the lake surface for foreground reflections to add depth
Capture falling leaves in motion for dynamic shots
Pet owners let your furry friends run, slow shutter dragging shadows is super healing

Here there is no noise, only the sound of wind through the trees;
No lines, just you and the mountain’s private conversation.

This autumn,
Skip the crowded popular spots,
Come to North Hill of Jinhai Lake,
Walk a quiet path,
Enjoy a red leaf feast all your own.

🍁 It turns out, the most beautiful scenery
Is never on trending lists,
But in the unmarked corners of the map.

📎 Save + share, bring your photo buddy, this weekend, go!