With the October holiday now over, fall has firmly established itself in the capital, signaling that soon the city will be filled with the stunning red, orange, and yellow shades of autumn leaves. Whether you are a lover of nature, a photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful autumn walk, Beijing provides many locations to appreciate the beauty of the fall foliage. Here are some of the top spots to visit for autumn leaves in Beijing:

      **Fragrant Hills**

      Situated in the western suburbs, Fragrant Hills Park is renowned for its autumn leaves. The park is famous for its dense woodlands and vibrant red maple leaves, which turn the hills into a striking landscape of red and orange every October. Hiking to Xianglu Peak, the highest point, offers a panoramic view of the city and the colorful surroundings. However, be aware that the park can become quite crowded during this season, so it's advisable to visit on a weekday if you can.

      Fragrant Hills 香山, 40 Maimai Jie, Haidian District 海淀区买卖街40号

      Opening hours: 6am-7.30pm (Apr 1-Nov 15), 6am-7pm (Nov 16-Mar 31)

      Entry Fee: RMB 10

      Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November

      **Beijing Botanical Garden**

      Next to Fragrant Hills, the Beijing Botanical Garden is another great place to enjoy autumn leaves. The garden features a diverse range of trees and plants, including ginkgo trees that turn a brilliant yellow in fall. Due to the garden's vast size, it’s an excellent location to escape major crowds and fully immerse yourself in the autumn colors.

      Beijing Botanical Garden 国家植物园, Wofo Si Lu, Xiangshan, Haidian District 海淀区海淀区香山卧佛寺路

      Opening hours: 6am-9pm (Apr 1-Nov 15), 8.30am-5pm (Nov 16-Mar 31)

      Entry Fee: RMB 10

      Best time to visit: Mid-October to late November

      **Mutianyu Great Wall**

      Though the Great Wall is impressive all year, autumn provides particularly stunning views as the surrounding hills become adorned with vibrant fall foliage. Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections, is ideal for enjoying the colorful landscape with fewer tourists than at Badaling. You can hike or take a cable car to the Wall, where you'll be awed by the expanse of red, yellow, and orange trees across the mountains.

      Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪长城, Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District 怀柔区渤海镇慕田峪村

      Opening hours: 7.30am-6pm (Apr 1-Nov 15), 8am-5.30pm (Nov 16-Mar 31)

      Entry Fee: RMB 45

      Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October

      **Olympic Forest Park**

      Close to the renowned Bird’s Nest Stadium, Olympic Forest Park is great for those wishing to reconnect with nature without venturing far from the city. The forest area features rows of golden ginkgo trees, maples, and other species showcasing their autumn colors. Strolling along the winding paths offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle while appreciating the beauty of the season.

      Olympic Forest Park 奥林匹克森林公园, 15 Beichen Donglu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区北辰东路15号‎

      Opening hours: 5am-10pm (Apr 1-Nov 15), 6am-9pm (Nov 16-Mar 31)

      Entry Fee: Free

      Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November

      **Jingshan Park**

      Directly across from the Forbidden City's exit (north side), Jingshan Park is essential for anyone wanting to enjoy both the fall colors and a breathtaking view of Beijing’s historic sites. The central hill of the park, once an imperial garden, is surrounded by ancient trees such as maples and Chinese ash, which turn vibrant red and yellow in autumn. At the summit, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the Forbidden City framed by autumn leaves.

      Jingshan Park 景山公园, 44 Jingshan Xijie, Xicheng District 西城区景山西街44号

      Opening hours: 6am-9pm (Apr 1-Oct 31), 6.30am-8pm (Nov 1-Mar 31)

      Entry Fee: RMB 2

      Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November

      **The Summer Palace**

      As one of the most renowned attractions in Beijing, the Summer Palace is particularly stunning in autumn. The palace grounds encompass lakes, gardens

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