I spent seven unforgettable days exploring the hidden gems around Beijing with friends, from the imperial grandeur of the Temple of Heaven to the surreal coastal utopia of Aranya, and finally to the fiery autumn splendor of Gubei Water Town. Walking through the white chapel facing the endless ocean, wandering among the crimson leaves clinging to ancient walls, and witnessing the spectacular drone lantern show lighting up the night sky—this journey revealed a side of China that blends contemporary art with centuries-old traditions in the most unexpected ways.
Trip Overview
When: Mid-October (Autumn, peak foliage season)
Duration: 7 days
Travelers: With friends (group of 5)
Budget: ~1,300 RMB (~$180 USD) per person
Transportation: Flight + Train + Car rental
Day 1: Imperial Beijing - Temple of Heaven
When I first arrived at Beijing Capital Airport in the golden afternoon light of mid-October, I could already feel the crisp autumn air that makes this season so magical in northern China. My friends and I had flown in from different cities, converging on the capital for what promised to be an extraordinary week.
Without even dropping our bags, we headed straight to the Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán) – a place I had somehow missed during my previous visits to Beijing. And what a mistake that was! Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, this complex covers four times the area of the Forbidden City. As I walked through the ancient cypress groves of the outer temple, the late afternoon sun filtering through the trees created an almost spiritual atmosphere.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿, Qínián Diàn) literally took my breath away. This triple-gabled circular building, crowned with deep blue glazed tiles and a magnificent gilded finial, seemed to reach toward the heavens. I learned that emperors came here annually to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Standing on the three-tiered marble terrace, I felt the weight of history—this was where earth and sky met in the imperial imagination.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry Fee: ¥34 (~$5) for park entrance + ¥20 (~$3) for the circular mound altar and hall Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour photography Don't Miss: The Echo Wall (回音壁, Huíyīn Bì) – whisper to a friend from opposite sides and hear each other clearly!
We spent hours exploring, from the magnificent Hall of Prayer to the Echo Wall where we tested the ancient acoustics, whispering to each other from opposite ends. The Imperial Vault of Heaven, with its perfectly circular blue-tiled walls, felt like stepping into another world. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose, I understood why emperors believed this was where they could communicate with the divine.
Day 2: Heart of the Nation - Tiananmen Square
Standing in Tiananmen Square on a bright October morning, I felt a surge of emotion I hadn't expected. Years had passed since my last visit, and so much had changed. Security is tight now—you need to pass through checkpoints and metal detectors to enter, and the Golden Water Bridge has become a one-way route. But once inside, the grandeur remains undiminished.
The square stretches before you like a vast stage where China's history has unfolded. The Monument to the People's Heroes rises like a sword toward the sky, while the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum flank the square with imposing presence. But it was the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong that drew me this time. Joining the queue of visitors, I entered the cool, dark interior and found myself face-to-face with the preserved body of the founding father. The atmosphere was heavy with reverence, and I emerged feeling as though I had touched a piece of living history.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry: Free, but bring ID and expect security screening Mausoleum: Free entry, bags must be checked (no photos inside) Best Time: Early morning to avoid crowds
Exiting through the south gate, I found myself at Zhengyang Gate (正阳门, Zhèngyáng Mén), a 600-year-old structure that once served as the main southern gate of Beijing's inner city. Embedded in the pavement here is the Zero Milestone of China's highway network—a bronze disc marked with the four sacred animals of Chinese cosmology. I stood there for a moment, contemplating how all roads in China once led to this very spot.
From Beijing, we boarded a train bound for the coast, leaving the capital behind as we headed toward our next adventure.
Days 3-4: Coastal Tranquility - Beidaihe
Beidaihe (北戴河, Běidàihé) greeted us with a melancholy beauty that perfectly suited the autumn season. This seaside resort town has served as a summer retreat for Chinese leaders since the early 20th century, and Western powers built over 700 villas here in various architectural styles. Today, 130 of these historic buildings remain, creating what locals call a "world architecture museum."
But autumn has transformed Beidaihe into something more intimate. The bustling beaches of summer lie empty, hotels have shuttered their doors, and the streets belong to the wind and the occasional wanderer. There's a poetic desolation to it—the kind of quiet that invites contemplation.
Pigeon Nest Park (鸽子窝公园, Gēzi Wō Gōngyuán) was our first stop. The park takes its name from Eagle Rock (鹰角岩, Yīngjiǎo Yán), a massive 2.5-billion-year-old stone formation that juts into the sea like a majestic bird of prey. Centuries of wind and waves have carved caves into its surface, and pigeons have made these their home—hence the name. Chairman Mao himself once stood here, inspired to write his famous poem "Waves Washing the Sand—Beidaihe," capturing the melancholy grandeur of the place.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry Fee: ¥25 (~$3.50) Best Time: Sunrise for spectacular views Note: Many restaurants close in the off-season; plan meals accordingly
We also visited Qinhuang Palace, a reconstructed historical site that honestly didn't impress much—modern recreations rarely do. But the seafood feast that followed more than made up for it! A massive pot arrived at our table, overflowing with crabs, clams, shrimp, and fish, all steamed together in a dramatic presentation. The only challenge was waiting for everything to cook properly.
Our accommodation in the Lu Muzhai Villa (卢木斋别墅, Lú Mùzhāi Biéshù) was a highlight in itself. Built in the early 1900s, this historic European-style villa sits within a quiet sanatorium compound. I spent hours wandering among the ancient trees, spotting squirrels darting between branches, and sipping tea on the veranda while golden ginkgo leaves drifted down around us. The sanatorium's restaurant served some of the best seafood I've ever tasted—every dish a masterpiece prepared by master chefs.
Days 5-6: The Utopia - Aranya
When our two Didi cars approached the gates of Aranya (阿那亚, Ānàyà), I knew we were entering somewhere special. The name comes from the Sanskrit word "aranya," meaning "a secluded place away from the noise of the world." And secluded it is—you need to call ahead with your car's license plate number just to get through the security gate.
Stepping into Aranya felt like crossing into a parallel universe. This meticulously planned coastal community, just a few hours from Beijing, has been described as "China's Setouchi" or "Beijing's Hamptons." But those comparisons don't quite capture its unique character. Aranya is an architectural fantasyland where contemporary art meets beachfront living.
🎯 Practical Info
Access: Reservation required; contact your hotel with vehicle info Best Time: Anytime, but autumn offers fewer crowds Getting Around: Free shuttle buses throughout the community
We checked into the Anlan Hotel, located in the heart of the community. Every room features a spacious balcony, and the staff welcomed us with complimentary snacks and drinks. Pro tip: Once you check in, download the Aranya app to book free tickets for the chapel and library—spots fill up quickly!
The community operates six canteens where residents and visitors can grab meals. We became regulars at Canteen No. 3, conveniently located next to our hotel. The food is affordable, diverse, and surprisingly good—imagine a high-quality food hall where you can feast on everything from fresh seafood to handmade noodles for under $10.
But Aranya's real treasures are its architectural landmarks. The Aranya Chapel (阿那亚礼堂, Ānàyà Lǐtáng) stands on the beach like a pristine white piano, its sharp angles contrasting with the endless blue of the ocean and sky. The bells in its roof chime softly in the sea breeze. Inside, the space is meditative—white walls, clean lines, and a large glass window framing the ocean like a living painting. No photos allowed inside, but the experience of sitting in silence, watching the waves roll in, is something I'll never forget.
A short walk down the beach brought us to the Lonely Library (孤独图书馆, Gūdú Túshūguǎn)—a concrete cube sitting alone on the sand, facing the sea like a forgotten monolith. There's no road leading to it; visitors must walk across the beach, leaving footprints in the sand as they approach. The minimalist exterior hides a cozy interior with floor-to-ceiling windows where you can sit with a book and watch the waves. Unfortunately, it was closed for exhibition installation during our visit, but even seeing it from outside was powerful.
The UCCA Dune Art Museum (UCCA沙丘美术馆, Shāqiū Měishùguǎn), named one of Lonely Planet's most anticipated museums of 2019, appears from a distance like mysterious caves hidden in the dunes. Walking through its white, organic spaces feels like entering a dream. Each gallery faces a different direction with carefully positioned skylights that capture the changing light throughout the day. The ocean-facing openings frame views of sky and sea, blurring the boundary between art and nature. It reminded me of Tadao Ando's Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima Island in Japan.
Nearby stands the Dionysus Theater (酒神剧场, Jiǔshén Jùchǎng), a semi-circular amphitheater in pale yellow stone that evokes ancient Greek architecture on a miniature scale. Across from the museum, this open-air venue hosts performances against the backdrop of sand and sky.
We also explored the Old Object Warehouse (旧物仓, Jiùwù Cāng), a shop selling vintage curiosities with a sign that read "You go to your future, I return to my past"—a sentiment that perfectly captures Aranya's nostalgic yet forward-looking spirit. The seaside market offered fresh seafood with cooking services, and we spent afternoons sipping coffee at the Instagram-famous 1402 café, its concrete box extension jutting from a red-brick facade.
Aranya isn't real life—it's a carefully constructed dream. But what a beautiful dream it is. As I sat on the beach watching the sunset paint the chapel in shades of gold and pink, I understood why owning property here has become a status symbol among Beijing's middle class. This is a place where art, nature, and community come together in perfect harmony.
Day 7: Autumn Fire - Gubei Water Town
Reluctantly leaving Aranya, we took the train back to Beijing, picked up a rental car, and drove into the night toward our final destination: Gubei Water Town (古北水镇, Gǔběi Shuǐzhèn). The drive took us along the Jingcheng Expressway to the Simatai Great Wall exit, and within minutes we arrived at the parking lot. Private vehicles aren't allowed inside the town itself, so we called our guesthouse for a pickup.
A word of warning: The area immediately outside the main entrance has some questionable establishments. We encountered overpriced restaurants with subpar food and aggressive vendors—definitely not the welcome we had hoped for. My advice is to head straight into the town proper where quality and service improve dramatically.
Gubei Water Town sits at the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, developed by the same team behind Wuzhen in Zhejiang Province. But while Wuzhen is all about water town charm, Gubei has something extra: the Great Wall looming on the ridge above, and in autumn, an explosion of red foliage that transforms the entire landscape into a painter's palette.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry Fee: ¥140 (~$19) for the water town Great Wall Combo: ¥170 (~$24) including town entry Cable Car: ¥160 (~$22) round trip Best Time: Late October for peak autumn colors
The moment I stepped into the narrow lanes, I understood why they call this the most beautiful autumn destination near Beijing. Unlike the blanket of red leaves at Fragrance Hill or other famous spots, Gubei's autumn is more nuanced. Boston ivy (爬山虎, Páshān Hǔ) clings to every available wall, its leaves turning from green to gold to brilliant crimson. The contrast between the ancient gray bricks and the fiery foliage creates a visual symphony that photographers dream of.
Walking through the alleys felt like stepping into a Chinese ink painting come to life. The narrow passages, lined with traditional courtyard houses, opened onto the Yuanyang Lake (鸳鸯湖, Yuānyāng Hú), its emerald waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. Stone bridges crossed the winding waterways, and every turn revealed another perfect composition—red leaves against gray tiles, ancient walls reflected in still water, the distant silhouette of the Great Wall watching over it all.
We visited the Yongshun Dye House (永顺染坊, Yǒngshùn Rǎnfāng), founded in 1900 and famous for its vibrant fabrics that maintained their color through countless washings. Walking into the courtyard, I was immediately surrounded by a kaleidoscope of color—long bolts of indigo, scarlet, and saffron cloth hung from high poles, fluttering in the breeze like flags of some ancient kingdom. Visitors wove through the fabric forest, posing for photos, while children laughed and chased each other between the hanging textiles. From the second-floor terrace, the view was even more spectacular—the colored cloth, the autumn foliage, the surrounding mountains all coming together in perfect harmony.
A climb of about 200 steps brought us to the hilltop church, which offers the best panoramic view of the entire town. Wrapped in autumn foliage, the white church stood like a sentinel overlooking the sea of red and gold below. From this vantage point, the layout of the town revealed itself—the waterways forming a lattice pattern, the traditional buildings clustered together, and the Simatai Great Wall marching along the ridge like a stone dragon.
The Simatai section of the Great Wall deserves special mention. Voted by The Times in 2012 as one of the "Top 25 Scenic Spots in the World Not to Be Missed," this is the only section that retains its original Ming Dynasty appearance—unrestored, rugged, and utterly authentic. The wall clings to impossibly steep mountain ridges, earning its reputation as the most precipitous and spectacular section of the entire Great Wall. We took the cable car partway up, then hiked the remaining 20 minutes to Beacon Tower No. 8, our legs burning from the steep climb. From there, the views were staggering—the ancient wall snaking across mountain ridges, wild clouds drifting through valleys, and below, the water town nestled in its autumn splendor.
As night fell, Gubei transformed again. We grabbed some roasted pears from a street vendor—the fruit slow-cooked until caramelized and tender, served in vintage enamel cups that you get to keep as souvenirs. Then we hurried to catch the evening shows.
The drone lantern show at Sun-Moon Island Plaza began at 7:30 PM. Dozens of drones rose into the night sky, each carrying a traditional Chinese sky lantern. As they ascended, the drones formed intricate patterns—3D images that seemed to float in the darkness, transforming into dragons, phoenixes, and traditional Chinese symbols. Below, the glowing lanterns created a river of light flowing upward, while on the distant ridge, the Simatai Great Wall appeared as a golden dragon come to life.
Even more impressive was the light and water show at Wangjing Tower (望京楼, Wàngjīng Lóu). Using cutting-edge projection technology, the ancient building became a canvas for an incredible display of light, water, and fire. Music synchronized with dancing water jets, flames erupted from the surface, and 3D projections made it appear as though mythical creatures were climbing the tower walls. The crowd gasped in wonder, phones held high to capture the magic.
After the shows, I climbed back up to the hilltop church alone. The town below was a sea of warm golden lights reflected in the waterways, while above, the moon shone bright and the Great Wall stood as a dark silhouette against the starry sky. Standing there in the crisp autumn air, watching the quiet beauty of the town below, I felt completely at peace.
As I made my way back through the now-quiet streets, the day's crowds long gone, I realized that this was the true Gubei—not the tourist destination, but the living, breathing town that has existed for centuries. The autumn leaves rustled in the breeze, the water lapped gently against stone walls, and somewhere in the distance, the Great Wall stood watch as it has for 500 years.
Quick Reference Guide
Transportation
Beijing to Beidaihe: High-speed train (~2 hours) Beidaihe to Aranya: Didi/taxi (~30 minutes) Aranya to Beijing: Train, then car rental for Gubei Beijing to Gubei: Drive (~2 hours) or tourist bus
Budget Breakdown (per person)
Accommodation: ~500 RMB (~$70) for 6 nights Transportation: ~300 RMB (~$42) Food: ~400 RMB (~$56) Attractions: ~100 RMB (~$14)
What to Pack
Warm layers (autumn nights are cold) Comfortable walking shoes Camera (you'll need it!) Power bank