The Best Places to Drive and See Red Leaves in Beijing

The autumn scenery in Beijing is truly breathtaking, and there are many places in the suburbs where you can drive and enjoy the red leaves. So, what are the best places to drive and see red leaves in Beijing? Let’s learn more about the specific red leaf viewing spots and relevant details below.

1、Pinggu Hiking Trail

Ticket: Free;

Address: Beizai Village, Pinggu District, Beijing;

Opening Hours: All Day;

Self-driving: Set the destination to “Beizai Village Committee” on the navigation system. The starting point of the hiking trail is at the entrance of the village committee, where there is a large parking lot.

Warm Reminder: 1. The mountains are high and the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended to wear a windbreaker or down jacket and pay attention to keeping warm! 2. This hiking trail, from Beizai Village Committee to Laoquan Port, is about 23 kilometers long. There are mountains, forests, and reservoirs along the way. In autumn, there are red leaves everywhere, and there are almost no cars on the road. You can drive slowly and stop to walk around when you encounter beautiful scenery. It’s very relaxing. Be careful not to block traffic when parking! 3. After entering the hiking trail, there are basically no places to shop along the way. Be sure to bring enough food and drinks; 4. Chestnuts are produced locally, they are cheap and fresh;

2、North Spirit Mountain

Ticket: Free;

Address: Jiangshuihe Village, Qingshui Town, Mentougou District, Beijing;

Opening Hours: All Day;

Self-driving: Set the destination to “Lingshan Nature Scenic Area” on the navigation system. After arriving at the Lingshan Scenic Area, do not get off the main road, continue driving forward for about 500 meters, turn a corner, and you will see a simple parking lot on the right. There is a small path up the mountain next to the parking lot. This is it;

Warm Reminder: 1. The mountains are high and the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended to wear a windbreaker or down jacket and pay attention to keeping warm! 2. From the North Spirit Mountain parking lot, it takes about 5 hours to hike up the mountain to Jiucai Gou and then back to the parking lot. It’s about 15 kilometers of mountain road. If you don’t like hiking or have limited physical strength, you can climb to the mountain ridge (about 1.5 kilometers). The scenery is beautiful all the way, no need to go all the way to the bottom; 3. North Spirit Mountain allows camping. Unfortunately, cars can only be parked in the parking lot (there are villagers watching) and you need to carry your equipment up yourself; 4. If you are hiking, you can stop at Jiucai Gou. Don’t go any further, otherwise you’ll enter Hebei Province and your itinerary will show a record of leaving Beijing. If you mind this, turn around at Jiucai Gou and go back;

3、Gaolizhang

Ticket: Free;

Address: Gaolizhang Village, Wenquan Town, Haidian District, Beijing;

Opening Hours: All Day;

Self-driving: Set the destination to “Gaolizhang Village” on the navigation system;

Warm Reminder: 1. During the mask incident, it’s possible that you won’t be allowed to enter the village. Be mentally prepared! 2. This is not a scenic spot, so there is no parking lot. You need to park your car on the side of the road; 3. The best time to view the scenery is in early November. There are both red leaves and ginkgo trees, which is very rare; 4. Pay attention to protecting the environment and be careful not to be driven away by the villagers;

4、Puwa Huatai in Fangshan

Ticket: ¥30/person;

Address: Puwa Township, Fangshan District, Beijing;

Opening Hours: 8:30~17:30;

Self-driving: Set the destination to “Puwa Township Huatai Scenic Area” on the navigation system;

Warm Reminder: 1. It has an alias called “Little Tibet of Beijing” because it has a high altitude. Even on days without rain, it is often shrouded in mist. So it’s best to wear a waterproof windbreaker; 2. The most beautiful scenery is along the way. The red leaves along the road are also very beautiful. Don’t miss them; 3. The best time to view is at the end of October, with red leaves as the main attraction; 4. There is a camping area, you can camp, but you need to pay;

5、Dongxiao’kou Forest Park

Ticket: Free;

Address: Southeast of the intersection of Heiquan Road and Xixiao’kou Road, Changping District, Beijing;

Opening Hours: 8:30~17:30;

Self-driving: Set the destination to “Dongxiao’kou Forest Park” on the navigation system;

Warm Reminder: 1. The parking lot is not big, so you need to go early; 2. The park is very large, about the same size as the Olympic Forest Park. It’s just across Qinghe River from the Olympic Forest Park; 3. There are very few people in the park and few convenience stores. Remember to bring food and drinks; 4. The park is very quiet. You can bring a hammock and relax for an afternoon;