Top Three Places to See Fall Foliage in China

1. Fragrant Hill in Beijing

Best time for viewing: mid-October to early November

Fragrant Hill in the suburbs of Beijing is the most popular, and the most accessible, place to enjoy autumn foliage. The hill is covered by smoke trees and maple trees. Each year after a frost, which usually falls in early October, leaves turn color gradually. By mid-October, the mountain is shrouded by a colorful carpet of red, orange and purple. The Fragrant Hill Red Leaves Festival is held each year on the hill in the middle of October. Local families flock there during the festival to enjoy autumn colors.

Fragrant Hills Park(Xiangshan Gongyuan) is located in the suburbs of Beijing, and every resident of the city thinks of it as his "garden near home." Pine, maple and persimmon trees dot the landscape, as do many traditional Chinese buildings.

The park shows itself at its most colorful and spectacular during the autumn, and in mid-October the park holds an Autumn Leaves Festival. See other best places to see fall colors in Beijing.

2. The Yellow Mountains

The Autumn Colors of the Yellow Mountains

The Yellow Mountains put on a fabulous show of colors each autumn. Leaves show their rich and vibrant hues, with colors ranging from orange to brilliant red. The Autumn foliage season begins in October and lasts to early November. Except for the red leaves, there are many other highlights which are worth seeing such as the sunrise, rocks, waterfalls, oddly-shaped pine trees and sea of clouds. The Mountains are renowed as the most beautiful mountain in China.

The Yellow Mountains are close to other tourist destinations like Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing. A visit to the mountains can be combined with tours to these cities. See China Highlights Yellow Mountain tours.

3. Tachuan, Huangshan

Tachuan Village

Best time for viewing: late October to November

Tachuan is a small village at the foot of the Yellow Mountains. It has been frequented by tourists in recent years for its autumn colors. The area has many old Chinese tallow trees and maple trees, and in autumn, when leaves turn golden and red, it makes a feast for the eyes. Chinese photographers flock there to take photos of the spectacular scenery. What makes Tachuan's autumn scenery stand out is the views of colors interspersed with classic grey houses.

Many travelers combine their trips to the Yellow Mountains with visits to Tachuan.