It's a pity you are not coming to Beijing, unaware of how romantic Beijing is in autumn

Combining the characteristics of autumn and the local charm of Beijing, we have created an in-depth guide that blends beautiful scenery, culture, and cuisine to help you unlock the autumn romance of Beijing.

1. Must-Visit Romantic Landmarks in Autumn

(1) Urban Autumn Viewing: Encounter Poetry Around the Corner

- Ditan Park: A classic place to admire ginkgo trees in Beijing during autumn. The century-old ginkgo forest in the park turns golden, with sunlight filtering through the branches, covering the ground with a "golden carpet." Walking here feels like stepping into a fairy tale world, perfect for photo ops and leisurely strolls.

- Outside the East Wall of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse: A quiet ginkgo avenue where, in late autumn, the ginkgo trees line both sides of the road neatly, and golden leaves fall with the wind. It is a popular spot in the capital for atmospheric autumn photos. It is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.

- Beihai Park: Beihai Park in autumn is as beautiful as a painting. The White Pagoda reflects on the deep blue lake, the willows on the shore turn golden, contrasting with the red walls. You can take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the "autumn lake and mountain scenery," and in the evening, you can admire the stunning sunset.

(2) Suburban Autumn Exploration: A Date with Nature

- Fragrant Hills Park: The "Fragrant Hills Red Leaves" are a signature autumn landscape in Beijing. From late October to early November, the hills are covered with yellow smoke trees and red maple leaves, creating a colorful forest. It is recommended to hike along the "Xianglu Peak" trail; from the summit, you can overlook the red maples and experience the poetic feeling of "frost leaves redder than February flowers."

- Labagoumen Primitive Forest Park: Located in Huairou District, Beijing, it is one of the earliest places in the capital to welcome autumn colors. Here, large birch forests turn yellow in autumn, combined with red leaves and green pines on the mountains, creating rich and layered colors. It is suitable for visitors who enjoy niche, pristine autumn scenery and offers the fun of forest hiking.

- Pofengling: Compared to Fragrant Hills, the red leaves at Pofengling have a wilder charm. The hillsides are covered with smoke trees, resembling a red ocean. The park has gentle trails suitable for family outings, with persimmon and hawthorn trees along the way, creating a strong autumn atmosphere.

2. Limited-Time Autumn Cultural Experiences

(1) Strolling the Hutongs: Feel the Old Beijing Autumn Charm

- Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Xiejie Area: The hutongs in autumn shed the summer noise, with golden fallen leaves decorating the gray bricks and tiles. Occasionally, you can see residents drying autumn vegetables at their doorsteps, full of life. You can stroll through the hutongs, visit niche cafes or cultural shops, enjoy a hot drink, and savor slow moments.

- Wudaoying Hutong: Quieter and more artistic than Nanluoguxiang, the locust tree leaves turn yellow in autumn, complementing the wooden doors and windows of the unique shops, creating a full artistic atmosphere. It is recommended to sit in a teahouse in the hutong and listen to the owner tell stories of old Beijing.

(2) Taste Autumn Flavors: Savor a Bite of Beijing's Autumn

- Recommended Autumn Foods:

1. Roast Duck: The duck meat is plump and delicious in autumn. Beijing roast duck is a must-try delicacy. It is recommended to choose time-honored restaurants. The freshly sliced roast duck served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, shredded scallions, and cucumber sticks is utterly satisfying.

2. Lamb Hot Pot: As the late autumn weather cools down, a steaming hot pot of lamb is perfect. Choose Inner Mongolian lamb slices, paired with a copper pot clear broth, dipped in sesame sauce, chive flowers, and fermented bean curd for a rich and fresh flavor.

3. Sugar-Roasted Chestnuts & Candied Hawthorn Sticks: The aroma of sugar-roasted chestnuts wafts from street stalls. Peel one while hot for a soft, sweet treat. The candied hawthorn sticks coated with crystal-clear sugar syrup are sweet and sour, a "street-exclusive delicacy" of Beijing in autumn.

- Recommended Food Streets: Niujie (a hub for halal food, where you can try beef in sauce and shumai), Huguosi Snack Street (a gathering place for traditional old Beijing snacks like donkey rolling, aiwowo, and fermented mung bean juice with fried dough rings).

3. Practical Travel Tips for Autumn in Beijing

(1) Best Travel Time

- From mid-October to mid-November each year, the temperature in Beijing is suitable (10-20°C during the day, 5-10°C at night), and the autumn scenery is at its peak, making it the best time to visit.

(2) Transportation Suggestions

- Urban Transport: The Beijing subway covers a wide area and is the preferred mode of travel. You can download the "Yitongxing" app to scan and ride. To reach suburban scenic spots like Fragrant Hills and Pofengling, you can take tourist shuttle buses or combine subway and bus to avoid traffic jams from driving.

- Traffic Tips: During the red leaf season (late October to early November), many visitors go to Fragrant Hills and Pofengling. It is recommended to travel off-peak (such as on weekdays) or choose early buses (departing before 7 a.m.).

(3) Dressing Suggestions

- Beijing has a large temperature difference between day and night in autumn. It is recommended to dress in layers, such as a thin sweatshirt underneath and a trench coat or jacket outside, allowing easy adjustment according to the temperature. Choose comfortable sports shoes or casual shoes suitable for long walks (such as strolling hutongs or hiking).

(4) Ticket Reservations

- Popular Beijing attractions (such as the Forbidden City, Fragrant Hills, Beihai Park) require advance online reservations. You can book 1-7 days in advance through the official website of the Palace Museum or the "Changyou Park" WeChat public account (for municipal parks) to avoid no tickets on site.