Although there are no official public holidays left in 2017, after National Day, the absence of crowds allows the autumn colors of the suburban mountains and forests to bloom freely in a riot of hues. If golden autumn holds ten parts of beauty, nine must belong to Baishishan. The Chongyang Festival happens to fall on a weekend, and October’s Baishishan is one of the most beautiful mountainous destinations near Beijing for climbing and enjoying the autumn foliage. In late autumn, the landscape is painted like an ink painting, with layers of forest ablaze in color, emerald and gold intermingling, beautifying the grotesque rocks and adding poetic charm to the red birch.
Baishishan is in the full grip of autumn
It is reported that the second Baishishan "Red Birch Festival" will continue until October 26. Enjoy the red birch, savor the autumn ambiance, admire the peculiar peaks, walk the plank walks, stay in wooden cabins... Don’t miss the tail end of the most beautiful golden autumn. It is also learned that on Chongyang Festival, seniors aged 70 and above can enter Baishishan free of charge by presenting their ID cards.
Climbing for Autumn in Baishishan on Chongyang Festival
Fitness through climbing and strengthening the body is valued not only by the elderly but increasingly by young people as well. The walking trails of Baishishan have gentle slopes and are thoughtfully designed, making them ideal for exercise without placing too much strain on the body.
Gaze at the "Feihu Glass Walkway" from afar
In the crisp autumn air, ascending to the peak of Baishishan, every step is immersed in the splendor of autumn. 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 are pure 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.
Stroll through the Red Birch Forest and Experience Childlike Birch Charm
Autumn arrives early, deep, and intense in Baishishan.
Red Birch Forest in Baishishan
Between altitudes of 1,600 and 2,000 meters in Baishishan lies a vast red birch forest covering tens of thousands of acres. Due to the unique altitude and geographical location, the leaves of the red birch change color over time, shifting between red, yellow, and green. October is the most beautiful time of the year for the red birch forest, and the Baishishan Red Birch Festival is in full swing. Walking into the red birch forest in autumn, with the autumn breeze rustling the branches and leaves falling gently, stepping on the golden carpet of birch leaves feels like entering a fairy-tale kingdom. The red birch tree has long been known as the "tree of love." Legend has it that couples who hold hands around the tree and make a lifelong vow under it will enjoy a harmonious union for a hundred years.
Recommended Viewing Spots: Cuiping Peak Cableway (Baishishan West Gate), Red Birch Forest, Shuangxiongshi Square, Feihu Glass Walkway, Natural Corner Café, Buddha Light Summit.
Admire the Peculiar Peaks and Sea of Clouds, Capture Sunrises and Sunsets
Sunset at Baishishan: Viewing Peculiar Peaks and Soaking in Fisherman’s Photography
In late autumn, Baishishan often features wonders 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 Baishishan attract photography enthusiasts from all over the country. With the sunrise comes the morning glow, and the sunset reflects the evening clouds — a grand and spectacular sight.
Take a Deep Breath: A Lung-Cleansing Getaway
Baishishan: Nature’s Oxygen Bar
With a vegetation coverage rate of up to 98% and negative oxygen ion content of 20,000 per cm³, Baishishan is hailed as a “natural oxygen bar.” Walking along the winding mountain paths, the fresh air offers a long-missed sense of freedom and purity. Pausing occasionally to close your eyes and take a deep breath, exhaling the stagnant air trapped in your lungs, you can’t help but feel refreshed and invigorated.
Light Luxury Above the Clouds: Autumn Charm in Wooden Cabins
On Baishishan stands an ultra-five-star hotel that champions a philosophy of returning to nature — Shang Yunjian. This light-luxury hotel, themed around wood and stone, blends seamlessly with the stunning beauty of Baishishan.
Wooden Cabin Villas
Shang Yunjian is divided into a hotel section and a villa section. For family trips or gatherings with friends, the multi-room wooden cabin villas are a great choice. Twenty-three log pavilions rest quietly in the valley, their naturally rustic yellow exteriors tucked among the woods, while the interiors offer understated luxury and a touch of “wild opulence.” (Text by Dong Chenyan; Uncredited photos provided by Baishishan Scenic Area)