Must-see ginkgo spots in Beijing during autumn

Dongzhimen Outer Street

My first stop for viewing ginkgo trees last year was the embassy district. When I first came to Beijing, a friend strongly recommended that I must see the autumn scenery in the embassy area, and I finally got to experience it in my second year here. Dongzhimen Outer Street offers a beautiful blend of autumn colors, with ginkgo trees and sycamores intertwining. If you haven’t been yet, it’s definitely worth a visit to feel the atmosphere.

Sanlitun East 5th Street

The ginkgo trees on Sanlitun East 5th Street have been a long-standing favorite on social media. I visited twice last autumn. The first time was when the street was still closed off as the ginkgo leaves were just turning yellow. Although I wasn’t allowed to enter and could only catch a glimpse from the street corner, it was already awe-inspiring. I returned again during the leaf-falling season. A gust of wind sent the ginkgo leaves cascading down like rain, accompanied by gasps of wonder. If you have time, I highly recommend visiting during each stage of the season.

The Forbidden City

There’s no need to say much about the Forbidden City! It’s one of those must-visit places in a lifetime. Be sure to check it out in all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—since each season offers its own unique charm.

Friendly reminder: Except on national holidays, the Forbidden City is closed to visitors on Mondays. Tickets must be booked in advance, with bookings opening as early as 8:00 PM seven days prior to the visit. Annual pass holders must register at least one day in advance.

Zhongshan Park

In autumn, Zhongshan Park, like the Forbidden City, is bound to be crowded, but it’s truly worth squeezing in because the ginkgo trees are just that beautiful. Compared to the Forbidden City, Zhongshan Park’s red walls and ginkgo trees are more accessible. You don’t even need to bring a stool to take a close-up, intimate photo with the red walls and ginkgo trees.

Dongba Country Park

The charm of the ginkgo forest is fully on display here. The ginkgo trees stand tall in neat rows, and as you walk along the small paths through the forest, the golden hues of autumn envelop you.

Chaoyang Park

If I were to choose a hidden gem for ginkgo viewing, Chaoyang Park would definitely get my vote. Last year, I stumbled upon the ginkgo trees by chance while wandering around, and after sharing my notes, it became an instant hit. I saw many big influencers visiting afterward—it was such a rewarding feeling!

Fragrant Hill Hotel

There are only two century-old ginkgo trees at Fragrant Hill Hotel, but they alone are reason enough to make the trip beyond the western Fifth Ring. One male and one female tree stand on either side in front of the lake. Looking through the windows of the traditional Chinese buildings, the autumn scenery is like a painting, absolutely breathtaking.

Yonghe Temple

The ginkgo avenue at the entrance of Yonghe Temple is one of the three major ginkgo avenues in Beijing. Framed by the red walls and yellow tiles of the royal temple, it exudes a special sense of tranquility and deep Zen, creating a peaceful retreat in the midst of the bustling city. Most of the ginkgo trees here are over 30 years old, making them tall and lush in their prime. Additionally, Yonghe Temple, along with the nearby Guozijian (Imperial College) and Confucius Temple, are popular tourist attractions. If you plan to visit for the ginkgo trees, it’s best to avoid peak hours.

Ditan Park

The ginkgo trees at Ditan Park, a representative landscape of Beijing, have reached their peak viewing period. According to the Ditan Park Management Office, there are over 200 ginkgo trees within the park, all planted in the late 1950s.