1. View of Yuyuantan Park in Haidian District on November 7

Autumn in Beijing comes and goes; carpe diem. Hiking along the Great Wall to feel the gentle autumn breeze atop the mountains,wandering around the National Botanical Garden sitting at the foot of the city’s Fragrant Hill, and strolling under the Palace Museum’s golden gingko trees striking a marked contrast with its red walls and green/blue decorations… From mid-October to mid-November, autumn is arguably Beijing’s finest season.

On their days off, many residents of China’s capital flock to the suburbs to feast their eyes on some fall foliage and take in local lifestyle. And for those not keen to leave the city, parks and street landscapes also offer up some sumptuous golden scenery. BR

(Text and photos by Wei Yao)

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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3. Mountain bikers ride along the Baihe River at the Baili Gallery Scenic Spot in Yanqing District on October 23

4. Square dancers in a community on October 28.In China, square dancing or plaza dancing isoften considered a form of exercise for seniors,especially retired women

5. A ginkgo tree and its golden leaves at the Palace Museum