Out of all four seasons, autumn is the most enchanting. The changing colors lend a gracefulness to the season. In late autumn, people will vie with each other to feast their eyes on the stunning red leaves. Xiangshan, a famous autumn scenic spot, is always jam-packed at this time of year. But there are many places around Beijing where people can go to enjoy the red leaves.

 

Hongluo Temple       

                  

 

Hongluo Temple is a scenic area combing natural beauty with old architecture. There are more than 40 kinds of trees covering an area of 300 hectares.

 

Best time to go: late Oct. to mid Nov.

Entrance fee: RMB 30

Location: At the foot of Mount Hongluo, 4km away from the north ofHuairou

Tel: 010-60681639

 

Tips:

1)Visitors can spend the night at the Mount Hongluo Holiday Inn. : It costs RMB 198 for a standard room and RMB 388 for a suite.

2) Hongzunyu Yi Tiao Gou is a great restaurant in the area that offers delicious food made with authentic brown trout.

 

Mutian Yu Great Wall

 

                                     

 

Mutian Yu Great Wall is the essence of the Ming Great Wall. In this season the majestic dragon seems to be dyed with the red of the leaves.

Best time to go: late Oct. to late Nov.

 

Location: Mutian Yu tourism area, Huaiirou, Beijing

Tel: 010-61626022

Entrance fee: RMB 40

 

Tips:

1) Visitors can buy fresh chestnuts, jujubes and other locally-produced fruits at a low price.

2) The Great Wall Shan Zhaung is a comfortable hotel from where visitors can appreciate scenic views of the Great Wall. Visitors can also stay with local people, who welcome visitors with tasty farm-fresh dishes.

  

Mount Yunmeng

 

 

In addition to great views of the red leaves, there are also waterfalls, brooks and deep pools around Mount Yunmeng that turn it into a multi-colored fairy-land in autumn.

Best time to go: late Oct. to mid Nov.

 

Location: 81km away from Jingfeng Rd.

Tel: 010-61622481

Entrance fee: RMB 36

 

Tips :

1) Visitors can have campfires at the campsite.. The rent for a campsite is RMB 200 for 2 hours.

2) There are also overnight campsites. Another option is to stay at a local farmhouse and sleep on a traditional huo kang, a kind of heated bed that is guaranteed to give you a good night's sleep.

 

BeiZhuang

 

This place is perfect for those who want to enjoy the red leaves without climbing or walking. The beautiful red leaves are just on the roadside and the road is smooth. So visitors can get a comfortable view of the fall colors.

Best time to go: late Oct. to mid Nov.

 

Location: northeast of Miyun

Entrance fee: Free

For more information, please contact Beizhuang Tourism Office: 010-81001188

 

Tips: There are seven fishing areas around Beizhuang where you can enjoy the red leaves while fishing.

 

(lifestyle.com.cn November 3, 2006)