Location & Transportation

Baojin Mountain Red Leaves Scenic Area sits in the hills of Fangshan District, Beijing, about a 90-minute drive from downtown. The exact address is within Pengfeng Ridge, 3 kilometers northwest of Huangshan Dian Village in Zhoukoudian Town. To get there, you can either drive (GPS directly to “Baojin Mountain Red Leaves Scenic Area”) or take a tourist bus from Tiananmen East Station (Line 1) to Liangxia Village, then transfer to a local taxi. The scenic area is open year-round, but the red leaves peak between late October and early November—this is the best time to visit!

Natural Scenery

The main attraction of Baojin Mountain Red Leaves Scenic Area is its autumn foliage. Thousands of yellow-glanced maple trees cover the slopes, turning the mountain into a sea of red, orange, and gold. Walk along the 5 km wooden trail to see layers of colorful leaves, especially near the Sunset Viewing Platform, where the light hits the trees perfectly around 4–5 PM. For photographers, mornings offer soft sunlight, while afternoons are great for vibrant shots. Don’t miss the “Red Leaf Valley”—a narrow valley filled with towering trees that looks like a painting!

Cultural Highlights

While Baojin Mountain is known for nature, there’s also a touch of local culture. Near the entrance, you’ll find Huangshan Dian Village, a traditional northern village with stone houses and courtyards. Some homestays here offer hand-made noodle dishes, giving you a taste of rural life. During weekends, locals sometimes sell homemade mountain tea or dried fruit near the trail—it’s worth trying! There’s also a small stone archway at the start of the trail, rumored to be over 200 years old.

Facilities

The scenic area is very tourist-friendly. You’ll find clear signs in English and Chinese along the trails, and several rest areas with benches to enjoy the views. There’s a visitor center at the entrance with maps, hot water, and snacks. If you’re hungry, there’s a local restaurant serving dishes like jiaozi (dumplings) and stir-fried mountain vegetables. For those driving, there’s a large parking lot (¥10 per day). Bathrooms are available every 1–2 km along the route.

Visiting Experience

A typical visit to Baojin Mountain Red Leaves Scenic Area takes 3–4 hours. Start early to avoid crowds and hike up to the Cloud Sea Pavilion for panoramic views. Mid-morning, stop at the Maple Lake for a peaceful reflection shot. Bring comfortable shoes—some trails are steep, but the scenery is worth it. Families with kids will love the “Red Leaf Hunting Game” (spot the most unusually shaped leaf!). For a unique experience, visit on a rainy day—the mist makes the mountains look like a watercolor painting.

Pro tip: Come on a weekday if possible. Weekends get busy, especially during peak season. And don’t forget to check the weather—clear skies make all the difference for photos!

Whether you’re a serious hiker or just want to snap some Instagram-worthy shots, Baojin Mountain Red Leaves Scenic Area offers something for everyone. Just remember to charge your camera battery—you’ll run out of storage fast!