The wait is over, the wait is over—September has arrived, and the footsteps of National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival are near. The north has entered the most beautiful golden autumn season of the year, with forests ablaze in color and overlapping hues of gold and green. To be honest, forget about squeezing through the crowds at Fragrant Hills to see the red leaves. If autumn’s beauty can be rated out of ten, nine of those points must belong to Baishishan. From September 16 to October 26, the outskirts of Beijing’s Baishishan will host its second “Red Birch Festival.” For those who prefer tranquility, enjoy red birch forests, soak in the autumn atmosphere, and sip on cloud-level coffee. For the more active, admire unique peaks, walk along plank walks, and savor local delicacies. Climb Baishishan by day, stay in wooden villa lodges by night—give yourself a “colorful” vacation.
Don’t miss Baishishan’s autumn “maple” charm
[A “Red Birch” Love Letter from Baishishan]
Autumn is the most magnificent season in Baishishan. Between altitudes of 1,600 and 2,000 meters, there are tens of thousands of acres of red birch forests. Red birch is a rare ancient tree species in the world, with straight trunks and deep red bark, symbolizing love that is both passionate and pure. It has long been known as the “tree of love.” Due to its special altitude and geographical location, the red birch forest in Baishishan shifts colors over time, displaying alternating shades of red, yellow, and green.
Baishishan Red Birch Forest | Photo by Baishi Lao Guai
Stepping into the red birch forest in autumn, gently treading on the golden birch leaves all around, feels like entering a fairy tale world. Legend has it that couples who hold hands and embrace under the trees can pledge their lives together and enjoy a harmonious union for a hundred years. Recommended viewing spots: Cuiping Peak Cableway (Baishishan West Gate), Red Birch Forest, Shuangxiongshi Square, Flying Fox Glass Walkway, Nature’s Nook Café, and Buddha Light Summit.
It is also reported that during the Red Birch Festival, Baishishan Scenic Area will launch a series of exciting activities such as “Travel Influencers Climb Baishishan to Admire Red Birches” and “A Thousand People Trek Through the Red Birch Forest.”
[A One-Stop Leisure Resort Destination in the Suburbs of Beijing]
As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and “China’s Most Unique Mountain in the North,” Baishishan not only offers the spectacular wonder of its red birch forests but also provides comprehensive one-stop leisure and vacation experiences, especially suitable for couples, families with children, and photography enthusiasts.
Marble peak forest landform | Photo by Baishi Shenlong
Experience the majestic beauty of China’s only marble peak forest landform, and admire the “Twelve Scenic Spots of Baishishan,” represented by sights such as “Baishishan Clear Clouds,” “Jiang Taigong Fishing,” and “Zhu Bajie Marries His Wife.”
Gaze at the “Flying Fox Glass Footbridge”
Challenge the “Shuangxiong Glass Walkway” and “Flying Fox Glass Footbridge,” both renowned for having the most spectacular scenic effects and thrill levels in the country.
Mountain forest wooden villas | Photo by Sanshi Yingxiang
Stay in mountain forest wooden villas and indulge in the ultimate “wild luxury.”
Nature’s Nook Café
Sit at Nature’s Nook Café, enjoy coffee, tea, spectacular peaks, and sea of clouds on a cliff platform at an altitude of 1,600 meters, and embrace an incredibly romantic lifestyle.
Shuangxiongshi Snack Street | Photo by Baishi Aoxiang
Dine at the mountaintop with stunning views as your backdrop, and savor special dishes from across the country. Shuangxiongshi Snack Street is truly delicious and affordable. (Text by Dong Chenyan) (All uncredited images in this article are provided by Baishishan Scenic Area)
[Baishishan Ticket Information]
Admission: Full price 150 RMB/person, half price 75 RMB/person
Cable car tickets: Xiangyunmen Cable Car (East Gate) 70 RMB/person, Cuiping Peak Cable Car (West Gate) 80 RMB/person, Feiyunkou Cable Car 45 RMB/person, Jiucuiyuan Cable Car 45 RMB/person
Shuttle bus ticket: 20 RMB/person
Parking fee: Over 7 seats: 10 RMB/vehicle/day, 7 seats or less: 5 RMB/vehicle/day
Glass walkway: 5 RMB/person