Golden-Autumn White Stone Mountain: Climbing for Chrysanthemums Among Maple and Birch

Although there are no official public holidays left in 2017, after National Day the crowds thin out, allowing the autumn colors of the mountain forests in the suburbs of Beijing to burst forth unrestrainedly in a riot of hues. If golden autumn holds ten parts of beauty, nine must surely lie in White Stone Mountain. The Double Ninth Festival happens to fall on a weekend, and October’s White Stone Mountain is one of the most beautiful mountain spots in the suburbs for climbing and enjoying the fall foliage. In late autumn, the landscape is brushed with painterly colors — forests dyed in layers, emerald turning to gold, beautifying the grotesque rocks and adding poetry to the red birches.

White Stone Mountain is in the full grip of autumn

It is reported that the second “Red Birch Festival” at White Stone Mountain will run until October 26. Admire the red birches, savor the autumn charm, view the peculiar peaks, walk the plank walks, stay in wooden cabins… Don’t miss the tail end of the most beautiful golden autumn. It’s also been announced that on the day of the Double Ninth Festival, seniors aged 70 and above can enter White Stone Mountain free of charge by presenting their ID cards.

Climbing for Autumn in White Stone on the Double Ninth

Keeping fit through mountain climbing and strengthening the body is something not only the elderly but also an increasing number of young people take seriously. The walking trails of White Stone Mountain have gentle slopes and are thoughtfully designed, making them good for exercise without placing too much strain on the body.

Gaze at the “Flying Fox Glass Walkway” from afar

In the crisp autumn air, ascending to the peak of White Stone Mountain, every step is steeped in the brilliant hues of fall. Standing atop the mountain, the red leaves blaze like fire, the green pines shine like jade, the yellow leaves glow like gold, the mountain rocks gleam white, and the sea of clouds churns — as if the sky has spilled its paints, creating a magnificent landscape masterpiece that captivates the eye and soothes the soul.

Wander through the Red Birch Forest and Experience Childlike “Birch” Joy

Autumn arrives early, deepens profoundly, and bursts with intensity on White Stone Mountain.

Red Birch Forest of White Stone Mountain

Between altitudes of 1,600 and 2,000 meters on White Stone Mountain lies a vast red birch forest covering tens of thousands of mu. Due to its unique elevation and geographical location, the leaves of the red birches shift in color over time, alternating between red, yellow, and green. October is the most beautiful time of year for the red birch forest, and the White Stone Mountain Red Birch Festival is in full swing. Stepping into the autumnal red birch forest of White Stone Mountain, with the autumn breeze blowing and the branches rustling, leaves fluttering down with the wind, and walking on the golden carpet of birch leaves, you feel as if you’ve entered a fairy-tale kingdom. The red birch tree has since ancient times been called the “tree of love.” Legend has it that couples who hold hands around the tree and pledge their lives together will enjoy a harmonious union for a hundred years.

Recommended Viewing Spots: Cuiping Peak Cableway (West Gate of White Stone Mountain), Red Birch Forest, Shuangxiongshi Square, Flying Fox Glass Walkway, Nature Corner Café, Buddha Light Summit.

Admire the Peculiar Peaks and Sea of Clouds, Photograph Sunrises and Sunsets

Sunset at White Stone: Viewing Peculiar Peaks and Soaking in Fisherman’s Photography

In late autumn, White Stone Mountain often features spectacular phenomena such as sea of clouds, cloud waterfalls, and Buddha’s light, earning it the nickname “Little Huangshan of the North.” The sunrises and sunsets of White Stone Mountain attract photography enthusiasts from all over the country. The sunrise accompanied by morning glow and the sunset reflecting the evening clouds are both majestic and spectacular.

Breathe Deeply, a Perfect Place to Purify Your Lungs

White Stone Mountain: Nature’s Oxygen Bar

With a vegetation coverage rate of up to 98% and negative oxygen ion content of 20,000 per cm³, White Stone Mountain is hailed as “Nature’s Oxygen Bar.” Walking along the winding mountain paths, you’ll breathe in the fresh air and experience a long-lost sense of freedom and purity. When you pause to rest, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and exhale the stale air that’s been trapped in your lungs — you’ll feel instantly refreshed.

Light Luxury Above the Clouds, Wooden Cabin Autumn Charm

On White Stone Mountain stands an ultra-five-star hotel that embodies the philosophy of revering and returning to nature — Shang Yunjian. This light-luxury hotel, dominated by wood and stone, blends seamlessly with the stunning beauty of White Stone Mountain.

Wooden Cabin Villas

Shang Yunjian is divided into a hotel and villa sections. For family trips or gatherings with friends, you can opt for the multi-room wooden cabin villa area. Twenty-three log pavilions lie quietly in the valley, their naturally rustic yellow exteriors nestled among the woods, while the interiors are understatedly luxurious, epitomizing “wild luxury.” (Text by Dong Chenyan) (Uncredited photos provided by White Stone Mountain Scenic Area)