By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

Autumn in Beijing, with more than leaves on the agenda

Travel 11:17, 31-Oct-2026

Copied

In Beijing, autumn can make a weekend feel too short. Red leaves cover the slopes of Fragrant Hills, while golden ginkgo trees stand against the roofs and courtyards of the city’s historic buildings. A walk through town becomes a reason to stop, look up and take the long way home.

Beyond the foliage, beer festivals, art exhibitions and music festivals fill the calendar. An exhibition celebrating Labubu’s 10th anniversary adds another stop for fans of the character. On Xiaohongshu (RedNote), users call autumn the best time to visit Beijing. The harder question may be how to fit everything into a weekend.

Beijing’s appeal lies in that mix: centuries of history alongside a youthful cultural scene, giving travelers reasons to visit and reasons to return.

Golden ginkgo trees frame the Olympic Tower at Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park, October 30, 2026. /VCG

A "Monet’s Garden" installation brings autumn colors to Beixiaohe Park in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, October 30, 2026. /VCG

Morning light illuminates golden ginkgo leaves against the red walls of Hongluo Temple in Beijing’s Huairou District, October 30, 2026. /VCG

Visitors flock to Pofengling in Beijing for its red autumn leaves, October 30, 2026. /VCG

THE MONSTERS' 10th-anniversary exhibition has been attracting fans to Qihao Art Museum in Beijing. /CGTN

Crowds at the MBCB International Craft Beer Festival which took place at Longhui 1910 Cultural and Creative Park in Beijing, October 16, 2026. /CGTN

Fans enjoy rock music at the Grand Canal Music Festival in Beijing’s Green Heart Forest Park, October 6, 2026. The two-day event drew more than 60,000 attendees. /VCG

What does autumn look like in your city? Share a photo in the comments and tell us about one must-visit place.