Hop on a bus: Enjoy Beijing's autumn colors for just 2 yuan!

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There's no doubt that the crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage can put a spring in your step. And for travelers, autumn offers more than we could imagine: summer crowds have dissipated, hotel rates have dropped, and the best leaf-peeping experiences are ready for the taking.

Visitors take photos along Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue, Beijing. /VCG Photo

When autumn arrives, Beijing always attracts an influx of tourists from home and abroad hoping to catch the foliage at its peak color. But did you know you can discover many of Beijing's most beautiful autumn locations with just 2 yuan? There are many ideal sites along Beijing's bus routes. The following three bus routes are listed below to bring you a great leaf-peeping experience in the capital city!

Bus Line 5: Zhongshan Park – Beihai Park

Zhongshan Park

Located to the northwest of Tian'anmen Square and adjacent to the Forbidden City, Zhongshan Park is a classic commemorative garden covering 23.8 hectares. Unlike the nearby Imperial Palace, Zhongshan Park is elegant and quiet. The entrance to the Altar of Land and Grain in Zhongshan Park is lined with brilliant yellow ginkgo trees, making it one of the ideal places for tourists to take photos.

An autumn view of Zhongshan Park /CGTN Photo

In addition, gingko leaves blanket the ground in many areas of the park, adding to the autumn scenery. So why not travel here with your friends and take it all in?

Tips: Remember to bring cash to purchase tickets for the park.

Visitors look at the yellow leaves in Zhongshan Park. /CGTN Photo

Beihai Park

After strolling around Zhongshan Park for about an hour, you could head to Beihai Park for your next destination. Lying just two stops away from the Zhongshan Park West Gate Station, Beihai Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing.

Beihai Park in autumn /VCG Photo

Known as Northern Sea Park, Beihai Park is also considered as one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in Beijing. The blooming flowers have turned the park into a popular attraction for tourists looking to take photos.

A bed of chrysanthemums in Beihai Park /Xinhua Photo

In particular, the blooming chrysanthemums attract hundreds of viewers. This year, the 39th Beijing Chrysanthemum Exhibition will run from October 25 to November 20. Don't miss it!

Bus Line 936: Qinglongxia Scenic Resort – Yanqi Lake

Qinglongxia Scenic Resort

It is well known that there are many mountains and waters in Qinglongxia Scenic Resort, but it is a lesser-known place to appreciate red leaves in autumn. Located on the ancient Great Wall pass, Qinglongxia Scenic Resort is the best getaway for vacations and tours. Visitors can hike to the top of the ancient Great Wall and enjoy the panoramic view of Beijing.

Qinglongxia Scenic Resort /Photo via Weibo

There are many kinds of red leaves in Qinglongxia Scenic Resort including pentagons, acers and oaks, making it one of the ideal places for travelers to enjoy autumn.

Yanqi Lake

Perched in a northeast suburb of Beijing, Yanqi Lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Adorned by autumn, Yanqi Lake boasts wonderful sights that can't be found in other seasons.

Yanqi Lake /VCG Photo

Trees decked in orange and gold leaves can be seen almost everywhere in this scenic spot. In late autumn, the spectacular Yanqi Lake brings a feast to the eye, while the ginkgoes and maples scatter in the forest of pines and cypresses.

Apart from the beautiful autumn scenery, Yanqi Lake offers many amusement areas where people can escape from urban life and take a rest.

The autumn scenery at Yanqi Lake /VCG Photo

Bus Line 879: Qikong Bridge – Badaling Forest Park

Qikong Bridge

Qikong Bridge, also known as Seven-Arch Bridge, is famed for its amazing sea of flowers when autumn comes. The flowers cover an area of over 40 hectares, with galsang flowers, coreopsis and salvias offering you a visual feast.

The Qikong Bridge Flower Sea /VCG Photo

In this season, you can walk among the flowers, and breathe the sweet aroma that comes with the autumn wind. For those visitors who really want to take a stroll in a sea of flowers, this is definitely an ideal place that you should not miss.

Badaling Forest Park

Covering 56 hectares with more than 50,000 maple trees, Beijing Badaling National Forest Park sits between Badaling Great Wall and Juyongguan Great Wall, and is one of the must-visit places in autumn.

The whole forest park is separated into six scenic areas, among which the Red Leaves Ridge Scenic Area is the best site to appreciate the red leaves.

Aerial view of Badaling Great Wall /VCG Photo

Red and golden maples stretch out along the Great Wall, providing a striking show of color for miles; it looks like a golden barrier in the suburbs of Beijing. Every autumn, this place is full of red and gold, and it is one of the best sites to witness natural beauty.

The red leaves at Badaling Forest Park /VCG Photo

Beijing's foliage season begins in mid-October and ends in early November, making right now the best time for visitors to take stunning photos. Choose the nearest bus stop, bring your camera and go on an autumn adventure! Where are your favorite places to find fall foliage?

Trees cast a shadow as a visitor snaps a picture. /CGTN Photo