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Autumn Foliage around Nov 9th - Nov 12th In Mutianyu

Hi I’m planning to visit Beijing between November 9- 12, and I’m wondering — will there still be autumn foliage (especially red maple or smoke tree leaves) around that time?

Would love to know if the leaves are still on the trees or if they’ve mostly fallen by early November. Our travel date initially was around 2nd Nov but due to visa problems got delayed.

Can you tell me if I can still spot them around 9th - 12th Nov

Visiting Mutianyu in early to mid-November can still offer some autumn colors, but the peak foliage period for Beijing generally falls in late October to early November. By November 9-12, many trees, especially maples and smoke trees, may have already shed a significant portion of their leaves, but some areas and sheltered valleys might still retain partial color.

Here are some details to manage expectations and plan your visit:

  • Peak red maple and smoke tree foliage in Mutianyu usually occurs from late October to the first week of November.
  • By November 9th, the vibrant reds and oranges are fading, but you can still spot patches of color, especially on higher slopes or areas protected from wind.
  • Weather can accelerate leaf fall — a windy or rainy early November may reduce visible foliage significantly.

If you want to maximize your chances of seeing autumn leaves, consider:

  • Visiting early in the morning when light is softer, which makes remaining foliage more visible and photogenic.
  • Exploring less-crowded sections of Mutianyu or nearby hiking paths that are slightly higher in elevation, as leaves tend to persist longer there.
  • Combining your visit with other nearby attractions like the Gubei Water Town area, which sometimes retains colorful foliage slightly later into November.

Overall, you may not see the full peak of red maple or smoke tree colors, but early November can still offer a pleasant mix of autumn scenery with some remaining colorful leaves and fewer crowds compared to the peak period.

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