Golden Autumn Odyssey
The phrase “Autumn in Beijing, Night in Shanghai, Fog in Chongqing, and Rain in Guilin” captures the unique charm of four major travel destinations in China. This sample itinerary is designed for travelers who wish to experience the fleeting yet splendid autumn in Beijing.
In addition to the famous Xiangshan Mountain, known for its stunning maple leaves, we have crafted a special route to enjoy the ginkgo leaves in the Forbidden City. We've also included a hidden gem favored by locals for its autumn views. At the end of the trip, you will relax in a traditional northern Chinese village at the foot of the Great Wall, where you can admire Beijing's most beautiful season.
We are happy to customize an itinerary based on your preferences for this tour.
Note: This itinerary is only available from October 25 to November 5, when the trees turn yellow and red. The dates may vary slightly from year to year.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Explore Forbidden City in Autumn Glory
Wander through the imperial palaces of the Forbidden City, where golden ginkgo leaves dance around the courtyards of some palaces. Capture timeless photos of crimson walls against a tapestry of amber foliage—a sight reserved for autumn .
Marvel at the Fragrant Hill's Fiery Maple Spectacle
Ride the dual-track cable car to the summit of the Fragrant Hill, where maple forests blaze in hues of crimson and gold.
Practice a Spiritual Autumn Ritual at Hongluo Temple
Join locals at Hongluo Temple, one of Beijing’s most revered Buddhist sites, to light incense and make autumn wishes.
Immerse in the Gubei Water Town's Autumn Reverie
Stroll through Gubei Water Town, a Venetian-inspired village where lantern-lit canals reflect golden trees.
Enjoy Dreamy Night Views of the Great Wall
See the Simatai Wall lit up along a mountain ridge at night. Sense its history in a new light. The tasteful illumination is both romantic and atmospheric.
Learn to be a Traditional Chinese Craftsman
Try out a handpicked cultural experience (tie-dyeing, kite making, or Buddhist text tracing).
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Great trip in Beijing
We were in Beijing for a few days and our experience was excellent. We visited Forbidden city, summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Hutong walking tour , temple of heaven and Mutianyu wall. Our guide Jason and driver Mr. Chang made our visit very stress free, we really appreciated his guidance to all tours, made sure we’re on time for everything and gave us a special attention after the tours, helping us with our personal needs, special thanks to Jason for escorting us to the train station, making sure we made to our seats and given us instructions for meeting our next guide in our next adventure. more
Apr 2025, Dora K
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China Highlights Trip
Amazing and beautifully planned.. We enjoyed our 3 days trip in Beijing. Explored temples and ofcourse the highlights of our tour The Great Wall of China was exceptional. Also thanks to this company for carefully curated my birthday escapade. Celebrated my birthday with Great Wall as my backdrop. Indeed once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommended this tour company, everything was exceptional from the moment we arrived in the airport down to making sure we have the best experience. Shout out to our tour guide Linda / Ling. Highly recommended... She goes above and beyond just to make sure we are comfortable, satisfied and happy. Thanks Linda your one the best tour guide we had... Very knowledgeable and helpful in every ways. more
Apr 2025, Craig
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Our Beijing trip with Mark
The places of interest are very interesting, very rich in culture. Our tour guide, Mark is very patience and obliging. He is also very knowledgeable and took effort to share with us about China history. Our trip has been pleasant and won’t hesitate to recommend. more
Apr 2025, lee yean peng
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will meet you in the arrivals hall at the airport or at the train station's exit. You will be taken in a private, professionally chauffeured car directly to you hotel. Your guide will help you to check in.
Begin with the magnificent views of the iconic Tian’an Men Square, where autumn crispness sharpens the sense of history.
Continue to walk to the Forbidden City. Explore the main halls and the hidden courtyards like Cining Palace (Empress Dowager’s retreat) and Yanxi Palace, where ginkgo leaves carpet the paths.
After lunch, your guide and driver will take you to the Temple of Heaven - a place where emperors used to pray for a good harvest. The Circular Mound Altar, Echo Wall, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven are rated as key sights there, and you will see them all.
Explore the royal garden, the Summer Palace in the morning. Marvel at Dehe Garden’s autumn garden, where lotus ponds mirror maple-leafed bridges.
Ascend via a chair lift to enjoy panoramic vistas of scarlet forests on Fragrant Hill. Walk down the hill and take in the lovely autumn views created by the plants, elegant buildings, and gardens.
Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu. This section is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor due to its picturesque scenery and beautifully restored architecture.
Participate in a Buddhist autumn prayer session in Hongluo Temple, blending incense swirls and rustling leaves.
Drive to Gubei Water Town. Wander lit sections of the Simatai Great Wall, where lamps cast warm glows on ancient stones.
Enjoy your time at Gubei Water Town, which is in a traditional courtyard style. If you are an early bird, it is nice to walk around the water town when there are fewer people in the morning. Your guide will be happy to show you some selected places in Gubei Water Town that highlight the authentic Chinese style. Take the most pictures there, if you'd like to.
Afterward, we can arrange for you to have a "one out of three" experience in Gubei Water Town (lasting for about 45 minutes): tie-dyeing, kite making, or Buddhist text tracing. Try one of these Chinese cultural experiences to make your own unique souvenir.
Your will have some free time in the afternoon to explore the town by yourself or just enjoy the hot spring.
Say goodbye to Beijing and you will be transferred to the airport or train station according to your schedule. Your private guide will help you to check in.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price Includes: