Jingshan Park(vivalive)

Beijing's autumn is truly amazing! Once you step in, you won't want to move, especially during the ginkgo season in November. The red walls paired with yellow leaves make every photo wallpaper-worthy! We've organized 2 super convenient autumn viewing routes around Xidan, accessible by subway, so even the lazy can easily join in~ Route 1️⃣ Deep Ancient Architecture Autumn Line (Direct via Subway Line 1) Zhongshan Park (ginkgo trees are fully yellow!) → Southwest Corner Tower of the Forbidden City (perfect timing now, the light and shadow are stunning) → Jingshan Qian Street (a continuous autumn scenery blast) → Northwest Corner Tower of the Forbidden City (at sunset, the atmosphere is unbeatable) → Jingshan Park (climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city's autumn scenery) → Beiluoguxiang (stroll, eat, and drink while feeling the autumn vibe of the hutongs) Route 2️⃣ Artsy Hutong Stroll Line (Accessible via Subway Lines 2/5) Dongjiaominxiang (European-style buildings with golden ginkgo, a niche photo spot) → Xixinglong Street (full of old Beijing life and atmosphere) → Beijing Fun (an artsy check-in spot, super stylish for photos) → Yangmeizhu Xiejie (packed with trendy shops, you won't want to stop shopping and eating) Key points! From next week until mid-November, Beijing's ginkgo trees enter their best viewing period. Quickly save these 8 magical spots: 🍁 Southwest Corner Tower of the Forbidden City (perfect time to visit now!) 🍁 Zhongshan Park (ancient ginkgo trees, red walls, classic and timeless) 🍁 Northwest Corner Tower of the Forbidden City (sunset + yellow leaves, the ultimate atmosphere) 🍁 Ditan Park Ginkgo Avenue (a classic autumn viewing spot, a golden sea that's super healing) 🍁 Old Summer Palace Ginkgo Avenue (full of historical vibe, fewer people and beautiful scenery) 🍁 Sanlitun East 5th Street (urban autumn scenery, very trendy) 🍁 Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue (the most popular! A ground full of gold, perfect for photos) 🍁 Capital Hotel (a hidden gem, quiet and great for photos) Red walls paired with yellow leaves, ancient buildings reflecting autumn light—this is what Beijing's autumn should look like! Quickly invite your friends and just go for it~

Jingshan Park isn't just a green space; it's home to the most famous, elevated panoramic view of the Forbidden City. · It's an artificial hill: The mountain itself was formed from the earth excavated when building the palace moats. · It has an imperial past: For centuries, the park served as an imperial garden during the Ming and Qing dynasties. 📸 What to see and where to take photos · Wanchun Pavilion at the top of the hill: The main highlight of the visit. A stunning 360-degree panorama awaits you here: · To the south: The iconic view of the endless golden roofs of the Forbidden City. · To the west: A view of the White Dagoba in the picturesque Beihai Park and the lake panorama. · To the north: A view of the historic Drum and Bell Towers (Gulou). · To the east: A view of Beijing's modern central business district and the China Zun skyscraper — a striking contrast of eras in a single frame. · The site of Emperor Chongzhen's death: A historical spot at the foot of the eastern slope where the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty took his own life. An old, "crooked" pine tree still grows here. 💡 Practical tips: prices, routes, and when to go · Top tip: Combine your visit to the Forbidden City with Jingshan Park. Exit the Forbidden City through the northern Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men) and simply cross the road to reach the park's south entrance. · Getting there: The subway is your best bet. The National Art Museum of China station (Line 8, Exit A) or Shichahai station (Line 8) are ideal, both about a 10-minute walk from the park. · Hours and prices: The park is open daily: · April–October: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM). · November–March: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM). · Admission: 2 yuan for adults (approx. 25 RUB) · Best time to visit: It’s best to go early in the morning (right at opening time) or an hour before sunset. You'll not only get beautiful lighting but also fewer crowds, which is essential for capturing great photos. 👑 Hacks and secrets for an unforgettable visit · If you're visiting with kids: The park is extremely family-friendly, offering nursing rooms and stroller rentals. · Bring snacks: Pack some water and a light bite. You can also buy traditional old Beijing yogurt at the top of the hill. · Soak in the atmosphere: The park is a favorite among locals. Watch or even join in on morning qigong sessions, listen to Peking opera singing, or simply unwind in the shade of the trees. · Take the west entrance for a quick climb: If you want to get to the observation deck as quickly as possible, enter the park through the West Gate. Turn right and head up — it's the shortest route.

Honestly, before I went, I thought the saying "Autumn in Beiping is heaven" was too pretentious. But after standing on Wusi Street for 5 minutes, seeing the ash trees turned completely yellow, and the sunlight shining through the leaves onto the red bricks of the Peking University Red Building, I shut up. I took out my phone and snapped photos until it got hot 🤯 First, here are the highlights that really struck a chord with me ✨ 📍 Wusi Street Ash trees paired with old architecture—the most iconic scene of Beijing in autumn. No need to enter a scenic area; just walk slowly along the street, and you'll see a golden tunnel when you look up. Turn into Shatan North Street along the way, and the East Gate of Jingshan Park is nearby. 📍 Ditan Park Ginkgo Avenue Hundreds of ginkgo trees lined up straight, turning completely yellow by the end of October. No admission fee, and it's directly accessible by subway. It's less crowded in the morning, and the sound of crunching on fallen leaves is more healing than any white noise. 📍 Summer Palace Rear Lake Don't just crowd at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The Rear Lake area is quiet and peaceful, with reflections of colorful forests that look even more real than a painting. Walk slowly along the Long Corridor; the vermilion pillars paired with yellow leaves are classic but always beautiful. 📍 Fragrant Hills (Optional) The red leaves are indeed a signature, but on weekends, there are more people than leaves. The cable car is still under maintenance, so you have to hike up. If you must go, get there by 7:00 AM, take the route from Jingcui Lake to Incense Burner Peak, and leave before 10:00 AM. My itinerary (the "easy on the legs" version) 🚶 Day 1: Stroll along Wusi Street in the afternoon, duck into a hutong for a coffee, and watch the sunset at Jingshan in the evening. Day 2: Ditan Park ginkgo trees in the morning, hot pot for lunch, and a slow stroll around the Summer Palace Rear Lake in the afternoon. Day 3: Wake up and head to the Olympic Forest Park South Garden ginkgo forest, then head back in the afternoon. A quick word on food 🍜 Copper pot hot pot is a must in autumn—so warm and cozy. Get some sugar-roasted chestnuts while they're still piping hot from the pan; buy a bag on the street and peel them as you walk. Grab a cup of pear soup while you're at it—it's perfectly soothing. Tips 📌 · The peak is from late October to early November. Too early and the leaves aren't yellow enough; too late and the wind blows them all away. · There's a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so layer your clothes and take one off when it gets warm at noon. · The Fragrant Hills cable car is out of service; be cautious about choosing the summit route if you're traveling with elderly people or children. · Don't drive to popular spots; the subway is faster than anything else.

10.13 Live Update‼️ The yellow leaves on Beijing Wusi Street have reached 70% progress🎯 The photos above were all taken on Oct 13, 2026, with no old photos included, so feel free to head over✅ Autumn in Beiping always begins with the ash trees🍂 on Wusi Street and the persimmons🍊 at the Former Residence of Lao She. Today, with the help of clear skies, the yellow leaves were glowing in the light—it was truly beautiful! Girls, hurry up and go!! This road on Wusi Street will likely be at its best viewing period this weekend! If you miss it, you'll have to wait another year, so hurry up and go~⏰ 🍁🍁[Recommended photo spots] Spot 1️⃣: Entrance of the Peking University Red Building Spot 2️⃣: Intersection of Beiheyan Street Spot 3️⃣: Opposite the Peking University Red Building Spot 4️⃣: The corner of Wusi Street leading to the Palace Museum Turret 🍁🍁[Recommended city walk itinerary] Jinyu Hutong Subway Station → Wangfujing Cathedral → Former Residence of Lao She → Wusi Street → Peking University Red Building → Palace Museum Turret → Jingshan Park 📌Tips: If the light is good, I recommend going between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The light shining through the leaves is absolutely stunning, and every shot is a masterpiece📸

For a unique perspective of the Forbidden City, you must visit Jingshan Park. This historic park, located just north of the Forbidden City, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Beijing. 🏯✨ Developed during the Ming Dynasty, the park features a man-made hill created from the earth excavated to build the palace moats and lakes. The highlight is the Wanchun Pavilion, an ancient Chinese structure at the summit, where you can gaze upon the endless rows of golden-yellow roofs belonging to the Forbidden City. 👑 Beyond the historic city views, the park is home to ancient trees, tranquil shaded walkways, and exquisite pavilions. It is an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll or photography, especially during the morning or evening when the natural light adds a stunning dimension to the palace views. 📸🌅 💡 Highlights Not to Be Missed 🏯 Take in the panoramic views from the Wanchun Pavilion at the hilltop. 👑 Admire the golden roofs of the Forbidden City from a bird's-eye view. 📸 Capture stunning wide-angle photos of the palace and the Beijing skyline. 🌳 Wander through the park and admire the centuries-old trees. 🍂 Witness the vibrant autumn colors during the fall season. 📍 Jingshan Park (景山公园), Dongcheng District, Beijing 🇨🇳 🎨 Mood: Panoramic View × Photography × Imperial Heritage

In autumn, Jingshan Park truly has the "Beijing charm" ingrained in its bones! The red walls are bathed in autumn sunlight, golden ginkgo leaves fall gently, and every snap feels like a masterpiece straight out of the Forbidden City📸 Remember these two must-visit magical spots: ✅ Wanchun Pavilion is forever awesome! Stand at the summit of Zhongfeng for a 360° panoramic view of Beijing, with the entire Forbidden City and the central axis laid out right before your eyes! Be sure to come at sunrise or sunset when the light spills over the red walls, blending ancient architecture with the modern cityscape—so beautiful you’ll want to scream! ✅ The ginkgo forest from the East Gate to the South Gate! Enter from the East Gate and walk along the east wall, where golden ginkgo, fiery red maple, and some evergreens mix together like stepping into a colorful oil painting~ The classic composition of red walls and ginkgo leaves makes every shot perfect without even trying! The hiking trail is super gentle, so it’s no problem bringing parents or kids. When you get tired, you can visit Qiwang Tower and Shouhuang Hall to see ancient buildings—strolling here in autumn is incredibly pleasant~ Transportation is convenient too: take Metro Lines 6 or 8 to Beihai North Station, then just a few minutes’ walk! With autumn scenery at its peak, hurry and invite your friends to check it out—if you miss it, you’ll have to wait until next year! In autumn, Jingshan Park truly has the "Beijing charm" ingrained in its bones! The red walls are bathed in autumn sunlight, golden ginkgo leaves fall gently, and every snap feels like a masterpiece straight out of the Forbidden City📸 Remember these two must-visit magical spots: ✅ Wanchun Pavilion is forever awesome! Stand at the summit of Zhongfeng for a 360° panoramic view of Beijing, with the entire Forbidden City and the central axis laid out right before your eyes! Be sure to come at sunrise or sunset when the light spills over the red walls, blending ancient architecture with the modern cityscape—so beautiful you’ll want to scream! ✅ The ginkgo forest from the East Gate to the South Gate! Enter from the East Gate and walk along the east wall, where golden ginkgo, fiery red maple, and some evergreens mix together like stepping into a colorful oil painting~ The classic composition of red walls and ginkgo leaves makes every shot perfect without even trying! The hiking trail is super gentle, so it’s no problem bringing parents or kids. When you get tired, you can visit Qiwang Tower and Shouhuang Hall to see ancient buildings—strolling here in autumn is incredibly pleasant~ Transportation is convenient too: take Metro Lines 6 or 8 to Beihai North Station, then just a few minutes’ walk! With autumn scenery at its peak, hurry and invite your friends to check it out—if you miss it, you’ll have to wait until next year!

Overlook the Forbidden City for just CNY 2. Jingshan Park is an absolute must-visit in Beijing! This guide will help you navigate the routes and reach the top with ease. [Park: Everything you need to know] 1. How much is the admission ticket? Standard price is CNY 2! During special events (the bonsai exhibition in July–August, the Peony Culture Festival in April, and the chrysanthemum exhibition in October), it adjusts to CNY 10 (this is not a peak season price hike)! It returns to CNY 2 once the event ends! CNY 1 and CNY 5 are half-price tickets! No reservation needed! Just follow the signs at the entrance or buy at the ticket window. 2. What time does it close? 9:00 PM! Last entry is at 8:30 PM! The hours are very visitor-friendly! You don't have to worry about the park closing if you want to wait for the sunset. 3. Which entrance is most convenient? It depends on where you are coming from. 📍 From the Forbidden City (Shenwu Gate): Enter via the South Gate! Cross the underground passage to the other side of the road, 216m. 📍 From Beihai Park (East Gate): Enter via the West Gate! 264m. 📍 From Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, Dongsi, Longfu Temple, or the Art Museum: Enter via the East Gate! 4. How do I get to Wanchun Pavilion at the top quickly to see the Forbidden City? 🚶 South Gate/West Gate: Take the west mountain path ➡ Fulan Pavilion ➡ Jifang Pavilion ➡ Wanchun Pavilion. 🚶 East Gate: Take the east mountain path ➡ Zhoushang Pavilion ➡ Guanmiao Pavilion ➡ Wanchun Pavilion. 5. How long does a visit take? How many minutes to climb to the top? ⏱ Just the Wanchun Pavilion at the top, excluding Shouhuang Hall and other attractions: 40 mins. ⏱ Including the top, plus Shouhuang Hall and Guande Hall: 1–2 hours. ⏱ Climbing time only: About 10 mins! Elevation is 94m. 6. What else can I see from the top besides the Forbidden City at Park? 👍 South: Panoramic view of the Forbidden City, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Great Hall of the People, National Museum of China, and Qianmen. 👍 North: Shouhuang Hall, Drum Tower, Bell Tower (2 corners), Olympic Tower, and Linglong Tower. 👍 West: White Dagoba and lake in Beihai Park, China Central Television Tower, and the Western Hills. 👍 East: China Zun and the CCTV Headquarters. 7. Most overlooked things at Jingshan Park 📌 The center point of Beijing is marked on the ground in front of Wanchun Pavilion! It's the ultimate prime spot! It's easy to miss when it's crowded. 📌 If you couldn't get tickets for the Forbidden City, you can visit Shouhuang Hall. 📌 Jingshan has 5 pavilions. Besides the highest point, Wanchun Pavilion, there are also scenic views from Zhoushang Pavilion and Guanmiao Pavilion on the east side, and Fulan Pavilion and Jifang Pavilion on the west side. 📌 Wanchun Pavilion is a filming location for the movie "Beijing Love Story". You can take photos from the same angles as Liu Haoran and Ouyang Nana (Image 14). 8. How to choose the weather & photo time Sunny days only! Visibility and photo quality are much better! It's easy to get backlit between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM! The best time for photos is in the morning or 1 hour before sunset. 9. How to take photos of the Forbidden City without crowds? There are far fewer people at the Shenwu Gate entrance after the Forbidden City closes. 10. Park prices Bottled water in the park's vending machines is CNY 2 (enter via the South Gate and walk to the wall at the far east end). Traditional popsicles at the South Gate entrance are CNY 1. 11. Restrooms Located at the foot of the hill; there are none at the top. 🎟️ Admission & hours · Admission: Base ticket is CNY 2, half-price for students. You can scan the QR code on-site or purchase online by following the "Changyou Gongyuan" WeChat official account. · Note: During specific events (such as the Peony Exhibition or Bonsai Exhibition), ticket prices may temporarily increase to CNY 10, and will return to the original price after the event ends. · Opening hours: · Peak season (April–October): 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM · Off-peak season (November–March): 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM · Visit duration: About 30 mins for a quick round trip to the top for photos, or 1–2 hours for a full tour. 🚶 Quick route to the top To quickly see the panoramic view of the Forbidden City, entering from the West Gate or East Gate is the most efficient choice, much faster than entering from the South Gate. · Best for lazy travelers (West Gate entry): After entering from the West Gate, turn right and follow the "Uphill" signs. It's mostly stairs. No need to stop at Jifang Pavilion; you can reach Wanchun Pavilion at the top in about 10 mins. · Family-friendly (East Gate entry): After entering from the East Gate, turn left. The uphill path is gentler with many ramps, making it easier to walk with kids. · No backtracking: You can enter from the West Gate, head north to visit Shouhuang Hall, then head south to climb to Wanchun Pavilion, and finally exit from the East Gate or South Gate. 📸 Key photo spots · Overlooking the Forbidden City from Wanchun Pavilion: This is the highest point of Jingshan and the center point of Beijing's central axis, where you can capture a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. It is recommended to go on a sunny evening to watch the sunset cast a glow on the golden glazed tiles for a perfect atmosphere. · Photography tips: When shooting at Wanchun Pavilion, turn on the 3x zoom in portrait mode on your phone and use vertical composition to effectively avoid crowds and capture a clean, panoramic shot of the Forbidden City. · Avoid the crowds: If Wanchun Pavilion is too crowded, Jifang Pavilion and Zhoushang Pavilion on the east and west sides are also great viewing platforms with fewer people and good views. · Site of Emperor Chongzhen's suicide: Located at the foot of the hill, you can find it by turning left after entering from the East Gate. Note that the current tree was replanted later and is not the original one. · Red walls of Shouhuang Hall: It's less crowded here. The red walls paired with ancient architecture make for great photos, and there are sometimes art exhibitions in the courtyard. 🌸 Seasonal highlights · Peony season (April): Jingshan Park is a great place to enjoy peonies. The blooming period is mainly from early April to the end of the month. · Flower viewing spots: Mainly concentrated in the Peony Garden inside the East Gate, Guande Hall, and the east side of Shouhuang Hall.

Golden Autumn Serenity at Jingshan Park 🍂🌳 Step into a tranquil city oasis—Jingshan Park in Beijing is a gentle autumn marvel! With only a ¥2 entry, this historic hilltop garden offers a refreshing break from the city bustle, especially when you enter via the East Gate for a peaceful stroll beneath fiery maples and ancient pines. The park’s calm vibes and wide lanes are perfect for leisurely wandering, particularly in fall when the air is crisp and crowds thin out. The best route is to begin at the East Gate, wind through quiet trails shaded in golden foliage, then ascend a gentle path to the peak—here, capture the iconic “Insta-worthy” panorama of the majestic Palace Museum rooftops, perfectly framed by autumn leaves. Don’t miss snapping a shot at the top: the symmetry of the Forbidden City glows best at sunset. End your visit exiting on the palace-facing side, soaking in the soothing city views. Practical Tips: · Address: Jingshan Park, Jingshan Qianjie, Xicheng District, Beijing · Opening Hours: Apr–Oct 6:00–21:00 (admission ends 20:30); Nov–Mar 6:30–20:00 (admission ends 19:30) · Visit on weekdays or early mornings for the quietest experience. · Bring light snacks and water as options inside are limited. · Avoid umbrellas in the windier autumn; opt for a cozy jacket instead. Precautions: Watch out for slippery leaves after rain, and respect quiet zones as locals often come for morning tai chi or meditation. #景山公园 #北京 #故宫 #秋天 #城市漫步

Set your destination to "Jingshan Park West Gate." After getting off at the West Gate, purchase your ticket and go through security. After entering the West Gate, turn right and walk straight for 50 meters. You'll see a path heading uphill on your left. Turn left and continue up to the third pavilion, Wanchun Pavilion, to reach the prime viewing spot. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the summit. After taking photos, simply head back down and exit through the West Gate. West Gate Entrance ➡️ Turn right, walk straight 50m ➡️ Turn left uphill ➡️ Wanchun Pavilion ‼️ Note: Ride-hailing cars at the West Gate exit can only stop for 1 minute, so don't call your ride too early. 🌇 Recommended Visit Time: 7-8 AM in winter. There are fewer people, and you'll arrive just in time for the sunrise. The sky turning half-golden and half-blue is very photogenic.

I brought my helper along on this trip back to Beijing. Early autumn is the most beautiful season; the wind has shed the heat of midsummer, and the sky has become high and clear. We went to Jingshan Park and the Forbidden City's corner tower. We feasted on roast duck and hot pot, and hung out with my godson, Bunny🐾 She said that Chinese historical dramas are super popular in the Philippines. She's been obsessed with the charm of traditional Chinese red walls for a long time. She was snapping photos like crazy the whole way. She couldn't believe everything in front of her was real until she captured it! I've been to the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park countless times on school trips when I was a kid. I never expected there to be a Shouhuang Hall inside that I'd never visited before. It's quiet and uncrowded, perfect for taking photos with the same red walls as the Forbidden City🫶🏻

After exploring the Forbidden City in Beijing, you definitely shouldn't miss Jingshan Park right across the street. It's the absolute best spot to take in a sweeping view of the entire palace complex. In spring, the blooming flowers make the park look incredibly lush and vibrant. 🩸 Pro Tip: The ideal time to visit Jingshan Park is around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. The setting sun bathes the entire Forbidden City in a stunning golden glow. In the morning, the area tends to be quite misty, and shooting against the sunlight will leave your photos looking hazy. Don't make the same mistake I did by hiking up Jingshan first thing in the morning, only to realize I had to make a second trip the next day! 🎗️ Recommended Route: I suggest entering through the South Gate. Head west past the Fulan Pavilion, and make your way up to the Wanchun Pavilion. As the highest point in the park, Wanchun Pavilion offers the perfect vantage point to overlook the central axis of the Forbidden City. Afterward, make your descent down the eastern slope and exit through the East Gate. 🎨 Admission: 2 RMB 🕛 Opening Hours: Peak Season 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Off-Season 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM

In all my years in Beijing, I've only ever had one secret spot for viewing the city: Wanchun Pavilion at the top of Jingshan Park. Tickets are 2 yuan, 1 yuan for students. The park opens at 6:30 AM during the off-season. Book in advance, and you can enter by scanning your code. The hill isn't high at all—the elevation is just over 90 meters. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the top via the stairs, but as soon as you stand by the railing on the south side, your breath will still catch. Beneath your feet lies the expansive courtyard of the Gate of Divine Might. Step forward, and the golden roofs of the Forbidden City stretch out layer upon layer to the horizon, with the central axis straight as a ruler, slicing the capital into two symmetrical halves. It's best to go up before sunset; the evening glow turns the glazed tiles into the color of honey, a soft light rises from the red walls, and the wind sweeps across the layers of flying eaves, like unfolding a breathing "A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains" painting. You only truly understand the grandeur of the imperial city when you stand here. Turn around to the west, and you'll find another painting. The White Dagoba of Beihai Park floats quietly above a sea of dark green trees, with a few branches of fading red leaves reaching into the frame. In the distance, high-rise buildings fade into the thin mist, with the ancient and the modern gazing at each other across a tree's branches. Many people hurry down the hill after photographing the Forbidden City, but I have a soft spot for the slow path at the foot of the hill. In front of Qiwang Pavilion, the ginkgo trees are recklessly yellow, their small, fan-shaped leaves hanging densely, contrasting with the green-and-blue dougong brackets on the eaves and the bright yellow glazed tiles. With the vermilion palace walls as a backdrop, even the scattered gold on the ground looks luxurious. Pick a branch and shoot upwards; the blue sky, golden leaves, and flying ridges all in one frame—you can't take too many photos. The gray-brick courtyard bears the "Jingshan Gifts" sign, with two ginkgo trees dyeing the lintel bright. Beside the stone engraved with the characters for "Jingshan," the orange-yellow shrubs are vibrant, and passersby always stop to touch them. As for transportation, the parking lot on Jingshan West Street has only a few dozen spaces in total. On weekend afternoons, the area around Jingshan Front Street is packed with cars waiting in line. I once got stuck at an intersection for 40 minutes and almost missed the sunset. Since then, I only take the subway. Get off at Shichahai Station on Line 8 or Beihai North Station on Line 6, walk through the hutongs for about 10 minutes, and your legs will be perfectly warmed up. The south gate is right across from the Gate of Divine Might; just take the underground passage to cross the street. A few more personal tips for photography. If you want to capture a clean panoramic view of the Forbidden City, arrive at the south side of Wanchun Pavilion an hour before sunset. The golden light only crawls onto the roof tiles for about 10 minutes. The red walls and ginkgo trees are best photographed in the morning with front lighting; stand under the wall and look up at the leaves for the cleanest composition. For your outfit, choose beige, dark green, or navy blue; they look particularly elegant against the red and gold. Avoid wearing bright red, as it will clash with the palace walls. The days when the ginkgo trees are in full bloom only last about 20 days in early to mid-November. A single gust of wind can strip half the tree. Pick a clear evening to head up the hill, and capture the gentlest sunset of the Forbidden City in your lens.