Four for fall: Slay autumn in Beijing with these activities

Autumn in Beijing is arguably one of the best seasons in this city; the crisp air (on a good day), the clear skies (okay, on a really good day), and the cooler temperatures open the door to a whole slew of activities that the summer heat wouldn't allow. So, it's time to pack away that pair of shorts and pull out scarves and trousers: Beijing’s most beautiful season is upon us.

Get outdoors-y

Photo: @hnyuuu/Unsplash.com

With the summer moisture in the air being replaced by a crisp autumn chill, there is no better time to exercise your legs and your lungs in some of the hills that surround Beijing. Check out Beijing Hikers, a guided hike service that will take you out of the city to see hike some of the most scenic trails our surroundings have to offer. 

Catch the autumn leaves

If you don’t see Beijing's red leaves in the autumn, you’re not doing it right. While there are many parks around town that offer lovely vistas of the changing trees, it takes a trip 25km out of the city centre to see the best of the best. Fragrant Hills lies to the northwest of Beijing, and is widely regarded as the most spectacular place to see fiery red maple trees and smoke trees that blanket the hillsides of the park. Additionally, the autumn leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for the temples, pagodas, and lakes that dot the expansive park.

Eat (more) street food

Nothing says autumn in Beijing like the drifting smell of roasted bites made by your favourite street food vendors. The carts filled with liangpi are slowly dwindling, and are quickly being replaced by rusty metal drums filled with flame and stacked high with crispy skinned sweet potatoes. Additionally, keep an eye out for the guy tossing around chestnuts in something that looks like a massive wok. Grab a bag of nuts or a sweet potato to warm your hands as the weather gets chillier. At only a few kuai a piece, once you run out simply buy another at the next corner.

Go on a hutong safari

In case you haven't looked out of your window today, we live in one of the biggest cities in the world; in fact, to the casual observer, Beijing might feel at times like a metropolis of concrete, glass, neon and noise, inhospitable to any kind of wildlife. However, a little investigation and a dash of luck can prove our megacity is home to all manner of feathered, furry and scaly friends, tucked away in the shadows and living their lives in an almost alternate universe to Beijing's human inhabitants. 

Most of these creatures are either shy or speedy, so next time you take a trip into the hutongs, slow your pace down and keep your eyes peeled – you might just get a sneaky urban surprise and a story about a close wildlife encounter likely to wow your friends.

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