#autumninbeijing

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #historicallandmarks #stunningview Beijing is a city that surprised me with its depth. It’s more than just the capital of China—it’s a living museum wrapped in layers of culture, politics, food, and resilience. My journey through Beijing felt like flipping through pages of a history book—except I was walking through it. I visited in late October, a fantastic time when the summer heat fades and autumn paints the city in warm golds and reds. The skies were clear, and the air was crisp—ideal for exploring the city's grand landmarks and tucked-away hutongs. Of course, no trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Forbidden City. Standing before its massive red gates and golden roofs, I was awestruck by the scale and symbolism. Wandering its courtyards, I imagined the emperors, scholars, and guards who once walked the same paths. Just nearby, Tiananmen Square felt equally powerful—modern history etched into every stone. But what made the biggest impact on me was the Great Wall. I chose the Mutianyu section for its scenic views and fewer crowds. The climb was steep, but the reward was worth every step—endless views of the wall winding over the mountains like a dragon's back, under an open blue sky. It was both humbling and exhilarating. In the evenings, I got lost in Beijing’s vibrant food culture—steaming Peking duck at Quanjude, spicy street skewers at night markets, and local noodles with hand-pulled precision. The city is massive, but exploring its old neighborhoods like Nanluoguxiang gave me an intimate connection with Beijing’s soul. Best Time to Visit: Late September to early November for comfortable weather and fewer tourists. Spring (April-May) is also beautiful with blooming gardens and festivals. Bonus Tip: Download a translation and subway app in advance. The metro is efficient and easy to navigate with a bit of prep. Also, visit the Temple of Heaven early morning to watch locals doing tai chi—it’s peaceful and beautiful. Location: Beijing, China #BeijingDreams #GreatWallMoments #ForbiddenCity #TempleOfHeaven #HistoricChina #ModernMetropolis #PekingDuckDiaries #WanderThroughChina #AutumnInBeijing #TravelLegends

Take the Subway to YuanMingYuan Station (圆明园站) then walk about 2 minutes to get there. There are a few price points to the tickets. 10RMB only gets you to the main entrance of the park itself. 15RMB gets you a closer view to the ruins. There is another place guests can see with a seperate ticket. Guests can see the ruins and other places within the large park for 25 RMB. Beijing offers the best views in Autumn, many people say. So I booked this trip because I wanted to see the golden and brown foliage in the Summer Palace. Indeed, the views are so beautiful that that I imagined how happy and relieved the kings and queens of the ancient past must be to stroll in these gardens. #summerpalacebeijing #autumnbeauty #圆明园 #autumninbeijing #beijing

#cityplaybook Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan), Taipei, Taiwan Nestled in the heart of Taipei, Elephant Mountain offers a quick escape into nature with one of the best panoramic views of the city and the iconic Taipei 101. The well-marked trail is about 1.5 km long and takes around 30–40 minutes to reach the top. Along the way, you’ll encounter the famous Six Giant Rocks, a favorite spot for dramatic skyline photos. Whether you're chasing sunsets or the glow of city lights, this trail delivers. It’s easily accessible from Xiangshan MRT Station (Exit 2), making it a go-to for both locals and tourists. Best time to visit? Head up late afternoon for golden-hour views or after dark for stunning night photography. Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan Park), Beijing, China For a deeper connection with nature and history, Fragrant Hills Park in Beijing is a sprawling forested retreat packed with cultural treasures. Originally built as an imperial garden, it covers 188 hectares and is famed for its vivid autumn foliage—especially the fiery red maples. Climbing up to Incense Burner Peak offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Wander through ancient temples, pavilions, and quiet paths that tell stories from the Qing dynasty. The best time to visit is in October and November, when the entire landscape turns into a painter’s palette of reds and golds. Location: Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan), Taipei, Taiwan Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan Park), Haidian District, Beijing, China #XiangMountain #ElephantMountain #TaipeiViews #TaiwanTravel #FragrantHills #BeijingNature #AutumnInBeijing #HikingAsia #CulturalTrails #NatureEscape