Beijing Autumn Photography Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes Recommendation

1. Ancient Temple Zen Ginkgo Route
Wuta Temple: Two ancient ginkgo trees over 600 years old perfectly complement the Ming Dynasty Vajra Throne Pagoda. Visiting on weekday mornings means fewer people and a better experience; every shot looks like a classical masterpiece.

Tianning Temple: Inside the temple stands a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree. Looking up from beneath the ancient Tianning Temple Pagoda, the golden leaves and the old pagoda against the blue sky create a breathtaking scene. This spot is relatively less crowded, so no need to compete for photo angles.

Yuetan Park: The ginkgo forest in the South Garden is a hidden gem for seasoned photographers. The red walls and green tiles paired with the golden ground make it perfect for close-up portrait shots.

2. Urban Romantic Ginkgo Route
Sanlitun Ginkgo Avenue: The hundreds-of-meters-long ginkgo "golden tunnel" is a symbol of Beijing’s autumn romance. Visiting early in the morning or at night when the lights are on allows for different styles of stunning photos. Using a medium to long telephoto lens can compress space and capture the depth of the ginkgo avenue.

Beixiaohe Park: The park’s paths are covered with fallen ginkgo leaves, forming a golden carpet. The benches on the park ridge, surrounded by maple leaves and blue sky, create a magical floating effect when shot from below, making it a popular check-in spot.

💡 Practical Tips for Autumn Photography
1. Timing
Best time to enjoy autumn: The prime viewing period for Beijing’s ginkgo and red leaves is from late October to mid-November.
Best time of day: Make full use of the soft light in the early morning (park opening) and afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM). Before the Palace Museum closes in the afternoon, the setting sun provides gentle light, ideal for shooting.
2. Weather and Lighting
Always choose a sunny day; the clear blue sky contrasts sharply with the golden leaves, and the light acts as the best filter.
Skillfully use different lighting: front light saturates colors, side light enhances texture, and backlight reveals the translucency of leaves.
3. Equipment Recommendations
Lenses: Wide-angle lenses (for large scenes) and telephoto lenses (to compress space and capture details) are essential.
Polarizing filter: Reduces reflections on leaves and water surfaces, making autumn colors more saturated.
Tripod: Ensures sharp images in low light during early morning or evening.
4. Composition and Outfit
Composition tips: Use foreground elements (like fallen leaves or door frames) and leading lines (such as ginkgo avenues) to enhance depth.
Model outfits: Light colors (like off-white, apricot, camel) or solid colors stand out against rich autumn hues. Hanfu or traditional-style clothing especially shines in ancient architectural settings.