Red, Gold, and Orange: Beijing's Best Parks to Watch Fall Leaves Change (Pt. 2)
Pick the leaves or take great photos at one of these out of town locations this fall before it gets any colder. This is part two of a two-part series. Check here for part one.
Mangshan National Forest Park 蟒山国家森林公园
Located near the Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changing District and standing at 8,200 hectares, this is the largest forest park in Beijing. The park contains the largest stone-carved Buddha in northern China. You can be sure to get a workout in this place because of the 3,666 steps it takes to get to the highest peak. The park has over 170 trees and flowers.
RMB 20 (adults), RMB 10 (students and seniors). Daily 8am-5pm. 2 Mangshan Lu, Changping District (6071 1866) www.msforestpark.com/lianxi.asp
昌平区蟒山路2号
Beigong National Forest Park 北宫国家森林公园
A favorite spot for bird-watching, the 1,800 hectare park has a section called “100 Species of Bird” and is a worthy option for viewing the changing season. The park features a lake, a fruit orchard, a 240m-high viewing platform, and several scenic spots.
RMB 10. Daily 6.30am-8pm (Apr 1-Nov 30), 7am-5pm (Dec 1-Mar 31). 55 Dahuiguang Donglu, Changxindian Town, Fengtai District (8384 0830)
丰台区长辛店镇大灰厂东路55号
Badaling National Forest Park 八达岭森林公园
This park has over 50,000 maple trees over 56 hectares that attracts droves of people attend the Red Festival each fall. This park is located fairly close to the Badaling Great Wall section. Be sure to go when there are less people, early morning (which might be colder so dress warmly) or late afternoon.
RMB 35. Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8.30am-5.30pm (summer), daily 9am-4pm (winter). South across the highway from Badaling Great Wall Center, Yanqing County (6912 1842/2591)
延庆县八达岭长城南
Baiwangshan 百望山
This area is filled with imported maple trees from the US and Holland. The two areas that are most important to get a good view of the area are: the Friendship Pavilion and Langfeng Pavilion. To gain access to the Friendship Pavilion, one has to walk though a flat path that’s surrounded by trees. The Lanfeng Pavilion offers a panoramic view from the top of the mountain.
RMB 6. Daily 8am-5pm. 19 Heihu Beikou, Haidian District (6288 4508, 6287 7730)
海淀区黑山扈北口19号（近颐和园）
Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪长城
The better alternative to the super crowded Badaling Great Wall section, Mutianyu provides a peaceful setting to soak in the different colors of the changing leaves. The area is home to over 280,000 different species of tress and the panoramic view is breathtaking. The Brickyard Inn and Resort offers comfortable accommodations and activities making this place a great weekend getaway spot.
RMB 45/adult, RMB 25/child 12 and under. Daily 7.30am-5.30pm (Nov-Mar), 7am-6pm (Apr-Oct). Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District (6162 6505, 6162 6022)
怀柔区渤海镇慕田峪村
Hongluo Temple 红螺寺
You will find northern China’s largest Buddhist temples located here. Hongluo offers tree-lined paths leading up the mountain or a panoramic view from the peak via the cable car to Guanyin Temple.
RMB 54. Cable car RMB 60 (roundtrip), RMB 40 (one-way). Daily 8am-5.30pm (summer), 8am-4.30pm (winter). 2 Hongluo Donglu, Hongluoshan, Yanxi Town, Huairou District (6068 1175) www.hongluosi.com
怀柔区雁栖镇红螺山下红螺东路2号
Miaofeng Mountian 妙峰山
The home of goddesses, Miaofeng Mountain is home to ancient temples, summer roses, and the rock formations that have made this area famous. Look out for deep valleys, breathtaking views of the hills, and dramatic rock outcroppings.
RMB 30. Daily 7am-6pm (summer), 8am-5pm (winter). Miaofengshan Township, Mentougou District (6188 2936)
门头沟区妙峰山镇
Photo: Chinadaily.com.cn
