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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Amazing and Effortless Experience Overall!
China Highlights is totally legit and they planned our visit in Beijing perfectly, they were also great with being flexible to meet our unique needs and timelines, with multiple changes on the fly. Our guide in Beijing, William, was amazing as well! William was friendly, kind, thoughtful, funny, and also was great at keeping us on track timing-wise (as we didn’t make this particularly easy for him lol). Cannot recommend both China Highlights and William to anyone else looking to visit China for the first time! more
Jun 2025, jamesrkable
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A culture of hospitality and smiles
Beijing was prettier and far less crowded than anticipated. Colin aka Po Po, our guide, enhanced the experience with his knowledge and wicked sense of humour. He made every moment special for us.We spent about three days in Beijing and surrounds. China highlights offerings were high quality, including accomodation, car, driver, guide and selection of real local restaurants. Being vegetarian wasn’t an issue at all. Visiting historical quarter of Beijing along with Hutong walk and Confucius Beijing temple were unique experiences- which became more special with Colin’s interest in philosophy and wonderful global perspective. Despite language barriers- we were greeted by scores of locals with genuine smile and curiosity. We shall be back (hopefully with Colin) to explore this wonderful culture. more
Jun 2025, Inderjeet
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Beijing group tour
We had a group tour for our clients and William was our guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and flexible throughout the tour. Our clients loved the way he explained diverse topics. We would recommend him for our future groups too.Thank you William and God bless! more
Jun 2025, Prima Rodrigues
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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: