Beijing is at its best from mid-October to early November: blue skies, cool air and gold and red leaves across palaces and parks.
- Fragrant Hills: red forests on the mountain; go early on a weekday.
- Forbidden City and Jingshan Park: golden roofs among yellow trees; climb Jingshan for the view over the palace.
- Summer Palace: Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor among changing leaves.
- Ditan (Temple of Earth) Park: golden ginkgo avenues and a yearly ginkgo festival.
- Sanlitun embassy area and Dajue Temple ginkgos: local favourite photo spots.
Note: the Forbidden City must be booked online in advance with your passport and is closed on Mondays.