Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
6 Top Places in Beijing to see Golden Ginkgoes

6 Top Places in Beijing to see Golden Ginkgoes

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Jan. 26, 2024
Gingko tree

Traditionally, the best time to view the gingko trees in Beijing is from October 20th until November 15th every year. At this time of year, the yellow and green ginkgo leaves dance with each other like clusters of butterflies, and the contrast with the ancient grey buildings is a distinctive sight.

1. Dajue Temple (大觉寺)

There is a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree at Dajue Temple in the Western Hills area of Beijing. Every autumn, the ginkgo leaves turn gold, and the harmonious match with the secluded, ancient temple forms a view that you will not easily forget. The best time to view the trees at Dajue Temple is from October 22nd until November 11th. During this time, the temple will hold the Dajue Temple Culture Festival, with the theme of appreciating gingko trees and promoting ginkgo culture.

There are four ancient gingko trees at Dajue Temple. The Ginkgo King on the left side of Amitayus Hall has a history of more than 1,000 years. It is over 30 meters in height and about 7 to 8 meters in diameter. It would take seven or eight people to encircle it. More than half of the yard is covered by shade from the great Ginkgo King tree.

  • Hours: 8 a.m. – 5: p.m.
Recommended Tours:

2. Tanzhe Temple (潭柘寺)

Standing majestically on the east side in front of the Vairocana Buddha hall, the ancient ginkgo of Tanzhe Temple has a leafy green crown and is over 30 meters tall. The large and straight trunk has a circumference of about nine meters. It was planted in the Tang Dynasty, over 1,300 years ago.

  • Hours: Summer 8:00 a.m. ac– 5:00 p.m., winter 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Also Read Top Nine Hiking Mountains around Beijing

3. Hongluo Temple (红螺寺)

Hongluo Temple

The largest temple in northern Beijing, Hongluo Temple has many famous gardens - the "Three Wonders". One of the wonders is the pair of ginkgo trees from the Tang Dynasty that are in front of the Main Hall, one male and the other female.

  • Hours: Summer 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., winter 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

4. Stone Buddha Temple (石佛寺)

Inside the Stone Buddha Temple in Siqiaozi Village outside Juyong Pass, Changping district, there stands a large, ancient ginkgo, which is over 30 meters tall and has a circumference of 7.6 meters. The ginkgo was planted in the Tang Dynasty, over 1,200 years ago, and it is known as the "Great Holy Wood of Guangou," one of the "72 Guangou Attractions". Now it has become one of the attractions around the Badaling Great Wall. This ginkgo is a female, with branches full of rich fruit every autumn.

See China Highlights' Beijing tours to see more beautiful scenery of Beijing.

Recommended Tours:

5. Xifeng Temple (西峰寺)

Xifeng Temple is on the east side of Tanzhe Temple. The temple is divided into an upper and a lower part. Inside the upper part there stands a giant, towering ancient ginkgo. It is over 30 meters tall, and has a circumference of 7.5 meters, a relic from the Song Dynasty. This gingko is also female, and it is the most productive ancient ginkgo in the Beijing area.

Check out our best selling tour: Four-Day Essence of Beijing tour

6. Xiangyan Temple (香岩寺)

Inside the Xiangtangzi Primary School (the site of Xiangyan Temple during the Tang Dynasty) in Juge Village, Miyun county, there is a great, ancient gingko tree, with a height of 25 meters and a circumference of 9.1 meters. It was planted before the Tang Dynasty, over 1,300 years ago. It is known as the "Oldest Ancient Ginkgo" in the Beijing area (identified by experts from the Beijing Bureau of Parks and Woods in the autumn of 1990). According to the Old Stories of Beijing City: "There is a ginkgo in the Xiangyan Temple, so the temple is also known as Gingko Temp le." This ginkgo is regarded as a "divine tree" by the villagers nearby. In the past, people hung various banners with words of prayer and blessings on the ginkgo, in the hope that they would bring good luck and prosperity.

Continue to read Best places to watch fall colors in Beijing

Recommended Tours:
Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on