CHINA TRAVEL · trisAino

Five ways to walk through Fragrant Hills Park this autumn

Beijing's Fragrant Hills are beginning to turn red. The park has mapped out five routes for the 2026 Red Leaf Festival — from a summit climb to a two-hour family loop — so you can match the walk to your legs and your afternoon.

Places & experiences · 3 min read

AI-created editorial illustration; not a photograph or exact reconstruction.

The hills are just getting started

If you're in Beijing in mid-to-late October, you'll likely hear about Fragrant Hills Park — the wooded slopes northwest of the city that draw enormous crowds every autumn. The 2026 Fragrant Hills Red Leaf Festival opened on October 16, and at that point roughly 10 percent of the park's foliage had changed color, with autumn hues gradually spreading across the landscape.

Beyond the leaves themselves, this year's festival includes traditional Chinese music performances, science and technology exhibitions and performances, open-air film screenings, markets and study tours — so even if the reds haven't fully arrived, there's reason to go.

The park has introduced five autumn routes designed for different fitness levels and interests. Rather than wandering in and hoping for the best, you can pick a path that suits your energy and your schedule.

Conceptual travel illustration about The hills are just getting started — AI-created editorial illustration; not a photograph or exact reconstruction.

The summit climb versus the architecture stroll

Route 1

Climb to the Summit: This is the big one. You enter through the East Gate and pass Qinzheng Hall, Jingcui Lake, Shuangqing Villa, Fragrant Hills Temple, Yuxiang Hall and Xiangwu Cave before reaching Incense Burner Peak at the top. On the way down you can take the Central Route, and exiting through the North Gate gives you the option to visit Biyun Temple. Allow about 3.5 to 4 hours. It's described as ideal for first-time visitors who want historic sites, autumn foliage and panoramic views from the summit.

Route 2

A Stroll Through Historic Architecture: If a four-hour hike sounds like too much, this route threads through Qinzheng Hall, Zhiyuan Hall, Zhao Temple and Jianxin Hall before finishing at Biyun Temple via the North Gate. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and suits history and culture enthusiasts, educational groups, and anyone who prefers a less strenuous walk.

A quieter path for photographers

Route 3 starts at Biyun Temple and enters through the North Gate, then winds past Glasses Lake, Qiyue Cliff, Senyuhu, Xiyang'e, Fragrant Hills Temple, Cuiwei Pavilion and Jingcui Lake before exiting at the East Gate. It takes about 4 hours and is designed for photography enthusiasts looking for lesser-known spots while avoiding crowds on the main paths.

Two more routes — one gentle, one steep and red

Route 4 is the easiest loop. It starts and finishes at the East Gate, passing through Qinzheng Hall, Zhiyuan Hall, Zhisong Garden, Fenglin Village, Jiari Garden, Glasses Lake, Jianxin Hall and Zhao Temple. At roughly 2 hours, it's aimed at families with children and older visitors who want to enjoy the autumn atmosphere of the gardens at a relaxed pace.

Route 5 is billed as a journey for revolutionary history and autumn foliage. From the East Gate it climbs through Qinzheng Hall, Jingcui Lake, Shuangqing Villa, Laiqing Pavilion, Fragrant Hills Temple, Langfeng Pavilion, Heshun Gate and Yutai Gate to Incense Burner Peak. You can walk back down via the Central Route to the East Gate. The park describes it as suitable for autumn foliage enthusiasts and hikers who want to experience the mountains blanketed in color.

Timing your visit

The park expects peak visitor numbers on October 24, 25 and 31, and November 1, 7 and 8. The cable car is temporarily out of service for a system upgrade. The park advises checking traffic control notices, opting for green transportation where possible, and visiting outside peak hours.