【Autumn Special】November 4th, Encounter the Most Intense Red of Xiangshan! A Complete One-Day Tour Guide!

In early November, when autumn is at its peak, half of Beijing’s most beautiful autumn scenery is concentrated in Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills). This weekend on November 4th marks the “highlight moment” of the Xiangshan red leaves. This carefully planned one-day tour guide will help you avoid the crowds, enjoy the fully dyed forests, and appreciate the serene autumn charm of the imperial garden.

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1. Highlights of the Itinerary Preview

· Peak Autumn Colors: Early November is the best time to view the red leaves in Xiangshan, where trees like Chinese sumac, yuanbao maple, and red maple weave a colorful tapestry across the hills.
· Classic and Hidden Spots Combined: Not just the popular routes, but also less crowded, beautiful photo spots.
· Cultural Heritage: Visit ancient sites like Biyun Temple and Qinzhen Hall to feel the historical depth amid the autumn colors.

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2. One-Day Tour Plan (Efficient and Easy Version)

Morning (8:30 - 12:00): Off-peak Entry, Classic Route Hiking

1. Early start is key (8:30): It is strongly recommended to arrive at the East Gate of Xiangshan Park before 8:30 AM. This is the best way to avoid tour groups and city crowd congestion.
2. Route options:
· Recommended route (easy viewing): Enter from East Gate → Qinzhen Hall (check in at the ancient building and golden ginkgo trees) → Walk along South Road → Jingcui Lake (picturesque lake and mountain reflections) → Shuangqing Villa (experience red history) → Xiangshan Temple (ancient temple’s autumn charm, profound atmosphere).
· Focus at this stage: The morning light is soft, ideal for taking portraits combined with scenery at Jingcui Lake and Qinzhen Hall.

Noon (12:00 - 13:00): Simple Mountain Lunch, Replenish Energy

· You can have lunch at restaurants or snack shops inside the park, recommended to try warm Beijing snacks. Alternatively, bring some dry food and water for a picnic in scenic rest areas, which offers a unique experience.

Afternoon (13:00 - 16:30): Climb High and Enjoy the Magnificent Landscape

1. Head to the summit: After lunch, start heading towards Xianglu Peak.
· For hiking enthusiasts: Continue uphill along South Road or the central stairway, passing scenic spots like Senyuhu and Chaoyang Cave, each step offering different views.
· For an easier option: Strongly recommend taking the cable car from the North Gate. This offers the best vantage point to overlook the magnificent sea of red leaves, flying through colorful forests in the air for a unique experience (queue times may be long, please allow enough time).
2. Reach the top of Xianglu Peak (around 3:00 PM): Standing on the “Ghost’s Regret” summit, take in the spectacular view of the mountains covered in red and layered forests. The outline of Beijing city appears faintly, making all the fatigue worthwhile.

Evening (16:30 - 17:30): Leisurely Descent, Capture the Sunset Glow

· Choose to walk down or take the cable car. It is recommended to reach the foot of the mountain before sunset, when the setting sun bathes Xiangshan in golden light, perfect for shooting dramatic scenes of “the setting sun like blood, autumn leaves like fire.”

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3. Must-Visit Excellent Photo Spots

1. Jingcui Lake Reflection: Use the red leaves by the lakeside as the foreground to capture perfect reflections of ancient buildings and mountain scenery in the water.
2. Senyuhu Viewing Platform: A classic mid-mountain viewing platform with a wide view, perfect for shooting large patches of red leaf forests.
3. Xianglu Peak Summit: A must-visit spot for panoramic shots, use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of mountains and rivers.
4. Inside Biyun Temple: The red walls and black tiles combined with golden ginkgo and fiery red maple create a wonderful composition full of ancient charm.
5. Inside the Cable Car: Shoot downward with your phone or camera from the cable car to get an undisturbed “God’s eye view” of the sea of red leaves.

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4. Practical Tips

· Ticket Booking: Be sure to book tickets in advance through the official “Xiangshan Park” WeChat public account or platforms like Trip.com with real-name registration to avoid sold-out situations. Peak season tickets cost 10 RMB per person.
· Transportation Guide:
· Subway + Bus (preferred): Take the Western Suburb Line to “Xiangshan Station,” exit and you arrive. The Western Suburb Line itself is a scenic route.
· Driving: Strongly not recommended, parking spaces are extremely limited and surrounding roads are heavily congested.
· Clothing Suggestions: Early November is cool with large temperature differences between day and night. Wear comfortable, non-slip sports shoes (many mountain steps!) and dress in layers for easy adjustment.
· Essentials: ID card, power bank, some cash, water and snacks, sunscreen.
· Off-peak Reminder: Weekends are peak times; if possible, choose a weekday for a better experience.

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Conclusion:
Xiangshan on November 4th is a visual feast not to be missed. Spend a day strolling through the imperial forest and watch how the autumn leaves use their most intense colors to perform the magnificent chapter of life. Take this guide and set off to capture your most beautiful Xiangshan autumn of 2023!