A lesser-known self-driving autumn viewing route, with fewer people, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed, free atmosphere.

Autumn viewing should be done early, as the footsteps of autumn are getting busier and busier, and if you're not careful, you might miss this most beautiful season. During the National Day holiday, I went to Mentougou in western Beijing and discovered a great lesser-known self-driving autumn viewing route. Even during the Golden Week, it remains a place with few people and beautiful scenery, perfect for a weekend short self-driving trip to enjoy the autumn.

🚙 Driving route: From the urban area, take the Jingla Line via Zhaibai Road to Cuandixia Village, then from Cuandixia Village take Zhaiyou Road to the Yanhecheng Ancient City Site. From Zhaiyou Road, continue to the intersection with Shuangda Road, turn left onto Shuangda Road heading towards Yanjia Tai Village, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and finally return to the city via Shangyan Road and Jingla Line.

⭐️ Attractions along the way:
1. Cuandixia Village: The most recommended ancient village in western Beijing, featuring mountain courtyard houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties with strong northern characteristics. The village preserves original features such as ancient wells, temples, and wealthy family courtyards. Just outside the village is a natural canyon called Yixiantian, which has been a filming location for several movies.

2. Yanhecheng Ruins: In stark contrast to Cuandixia, this is a modern village built on ancient city ruins. The existing ancient buildings in the village are still inhabited. This quiet, completely uncommercialized mountain village was an important military fortress during the Ming dynasty, with remaining sections of the ancient Great Wall and enemy watchtowers.

3. Shuangda Road: Winding through the mountains of Mentougou, its visual curves are no less impressive than the popular Hongjing Road. After autumn arrives, the mountain colors deepen with layers of colorful foliage. The road has very few cars and no traffic jams, allowing you to fully enjoy the driving pleasure accompanied by beautiful scenery. It’s perfect for driving or cycling.

🔸 Travel Tips:
1. This route is suitable for a leisurely one-day trip. In fact, Shuangda Road connects many scenic spots with great views, such as Huangcaoliang Scenic Area and Longmenjian Scenic Area, so a two-day weekend trip can also be very fulfilling.

2. Cuandixia Village is a well-developed scenic spot with relatively more tourists. It’s best to visit it first in the morning when there are fewer people, allowing for a relaxed half-day tour.

3. Yanhecheng Ancient City Site is very niche with few visitors. There aren’t many attractions in the village, so it’s not worth driving there specifically, but it’s nice to pass by and get a feel for it.

4. There are few viewing platforms along Shuangda Road, so be careful when parking. If you have a drone, be sure to bring it for some great aerial shots.

5. If you don’t bring your own supplies, you can choose to have lunch and rest in Cuandixia Village and enjoy some farmhouse meals.

Post by @.d3n N3ls0n | Oct 21, 2025