Golden Autumn Leaves Must-Visit Spot

Autumn in Beijing: Encounter the Scarlet Romance at the Foot of the City Wall | Complete Maple Leaf Guide for Ming City Wall Relics Park

What kind of poetry will emerge when a 600-year-old ancient city wall meets the most brilliant autumn in Beijing? No need to travel far to Xiangshan; right in the city center of Beijing at Ming City Wall Relics Park, you can find a beautiful red leaf secret spot with few people. Here, history and nature symphonize, presenting grandeur and tranquility that a camera cannot fully capture. This detailed maple viewing guide will take you into a stunning painting where the city wall is the canvas and the maple leaves are the brushstrokes.

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1. Core Highlights: Why love the autumn colors here?

· A duet of history and nature: Unlike purely natural landscapes, the maple trees here stand alongside the rugged, ancient Ming City Wall. The mottled bricks are the backdrop of history, while the fiery red leaves leap in the present moment. This unique blend of time and space is unparalleled in Beijing.
· Excellent photography spots: The winding city wall offers endless possibilities for composition. Whether shooting upward to frame maple leaves with battlements or capturing the ancient corner towers through gaps in the red leaves, every shot is cinematic. This is also a perfect location for traditional-style portrait photography.
· Convenient urban oasis: Located on the East 2nd Ring Road, accessible by subway, it allows you to easily escape the hustle and bustle without long travel, immersing yourself in the autumn atmosphere—ideal for city travelers with limited time.

2. Best Viewing Period & Times

· Prime season: Late October to mid-November
· Early stage (late October to early November): Leaves gradually turn red with rich color layers of yellow, orange, red, and green intertwined.
· Peak stage (early to mid-November): Most maples and yuanbao maples reach their best state, fully red and spectacular.
· Best times of day:
· Morning (8:00-10:00): Few tourists, soft light, perfect for shooting quiet close-ups of maple leaves with dew.
· Afternoon (15:00-17:00): As the sun sets, golden light bathes the red leaves and city wall, warm and nostalgic—ideal for backlit and warm-toned landscape photography.

3. Must-Visit Maple Viewing Spots & Photo Tips

1. Maple Forest Path at the Foot of the City Wall:
· Feature: Inside the park, the path along the city wall is lined with the densest maple trees. Walking here, red leaves are within reach, with a sky full of crimson above and the ancient city’s history behind.
· Photo Tips: Shoot from a low angle looking up, using the red leaves as the foreground and the city wall and sky as the background for a striking composition.
2. Southeast Corner Tower Area:
· Feature: The park’s iconic building. The combination of the corner tower and maple leaves is the most classic scene here. The red leaves embrace the majestic tower, perfectly expressing the “ancient capital charm.”
· Photo Tips: In the plaza in front of the tower, use a telephoto lens to compress space and capture the tower details framed by maple leaves; or explore different angles around the tower to capture architectural details highlighted by the red leaves.
3. On Top of the City Wall Ramparts:
· Feature: (If the city wall section is open) Climb the wall to overlook the fiery maple forest below with a broad view, creating a magnificent scene. You can capture both the maple leaves and distant modern city buildings in one frame, witnessing the dialogue between past and present.
· Photo Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to shoot panoramic views of the maple forest and winding city wall; or photograph people leaning on the railing looking out, with red leaves as companions, full of storytelling.

4. Recommended Routes

· Classic Maple Viewing Route (about 1.5-2 hours):
Enter from the park’s west entrance → stroll and photograph along the maple path inside the city wall heading east → arrive at the core scenic southeast corner tower → circle the tower to enjoy red leaf views from various angles → rest in the plaza near the tower and soak up the autumn sunshine → end the trip.
· In-Depth Experience Route (about 2-3 hours):
Based on the classic route, if the city wall entrance is open, be sure to climb the wall for a panoramic view (additional ticket required). Walk on the wall to appreciate autumn colors from different heights and perspectives. Then visit the Beijing City Wall Culture Exhibition inside the corner tower to deepen your understanding of this history, making your journey more meaningful.

5. Practical Information & Tips

· Address: No. 9 Chongwenmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
· Opening Hours:
· Park area: Open all day
· City wall entrance/corner tower: Usually 8:30-17:00 (may extend during peak season, subject to daily park notice)
· Ticket Prices:
· Park area: Free
· City wall climbing ticket: About 10 RMB per person (discounts for students, seniors, etc., subject to park notice)
· Transportation Guide:
· Subway: Take Line 2 to Jianguomen or Beijing Station; or Line 5 to Chongwenmen Station, then about a 10-minute walk—very convenient.
· Bus: Take special line 2, 25, 29, 39, 43, 44, etc., and get off at “Dongbianmen” or “Chongwenmen East” stops.
· Nearby Attractions for Combined Visits:
· You can combine visits to nearby Dongjiaominxiang (European-style historic architecture street), Qianmen Street, Wangfujing, and other attractions for a one-stop experience of Beijing’s diverse charm.
· Dressing Suggestions:
· Autumn mornings and evenings can be chilly; wear layered clothing for easy adjustment.
· For photos, wear solid colors like white, beige, or blue to contrast sharply with the red leaves, making your shots stand out.

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Autumn is brief, and beauty fleeting. This fall, don’t miss the scarlet invitation of Ming City Wall Relics Park. Come here to touch the warmth of history and collect a whole season of romance. Add this guide to your travel list and set off!