Beijing's Golden Autumn: 4 Must-Visit Ginkgo Viewing Spots
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Beijing welcomes autumn with a spectacle of golden ginkgo trees that paint the city in warm hues. Four destinations stand out for visitors seeking to experience the capital's seasonal charm: Ditan Park, Zhongshan Park, Baijiatuan Village, and Dajue Temple. Each location offers a distinct perspective on autumn—from imperial altar gardens to rural village lanes and ancient temple courtyards—showcasing how nature and heritage intertwine in this historic city.
Key Points
- Ditan Park (地壇公園), located outside An'ermen Gate in Dongcheng District, was established in 1530 during the Ming dynasty's Jiajing reign as the imperial Earth Altar. Its renowned ginkgo avenue features trees dressed in golden autumn colors, with adult admission at 2 RMB
- Zhongshan Park (中山公園), situated west of Tiananmen, originated as the Sheji Altar built in 1420 during the Yongle period, where emperors worshipped the gods of land and grain. The southern ginkgo avenue provides a striking contrast between golden foliage and red walls, with adult admission at 3 RMB
- Baijiatuan Village (白家疃村) in Haidian District's Wenquan Township offers a free rural experience along a tree-lined path in front of the local gas station. The intertwining ginkgo branches create a natural golden corridor, with fallen leaves blanketing the ground in autumn
- Dajue Temple (大覺寺), situated at the southern foot of Yangtai Mountain in Haidian District, dates back to the Liao dynasty. The temple's highlight is two ancient ginkgo trees—one male and one female—planted during the Liao era over a thousand years ago, with adult admission at 20 RMB
- Visitors to Dajue Temple can observe the Qianlong Emperor's inscribed plaque reading "Viewing Motion and Stillness as Equal" beneath the eaves of the Wuliangshou Buddha Hall, alongside the emperor's poetic description of the ancient ginkgo's massive trunk and lush canopy
Why It Matters
The ginkgo viewing tradition connects Hong Kong travelers to a centuries-old Chinese appreciation for seasonal beauty and contemplative leisure. These four Beijing destinations demonstrate how ancient urban planning and religious architecture have been preserved alongside natural landscapes, offering a model for integrating heritage conservation with public enjoyment. For Hong Kong visitors seeking alternatives to fast-paced urban tourism, Beijing's autumn ginkgo routes provide an opportunity to experience China's living cultural traditions in their most serene seasonal setting .
The ginkgo viewing tradition connects Hong Kong travelers to a centuries-old Chinese appreciation for seasonal beauty and contemplative leisure. These four Beijing destinations demonstrate how ancient urban planning and religious architecture have been preserved alongside natural landscapes, offering a model for integrating heritage conservation with public enjoyment. For Hong Kong visitors seeking alternatives to fast-paced urban tourism, Beijing's autumn ginkgo routes provide an opportunity to experience China's living cultural traditions in their most serene seasonal setting .