The Autumn Ginkgo Splendor of Wuta Temple in Beijing: A Guide to Scenery and Photography Tips

Chasing Autumn in Beiping, I’m the First to Rush In

Last Saturday, I got up super early just to snag the first wave of tickets at Beijing Wuta Temple. I arrived at the entrance right at 9 AM, and there were already a dozen people ahead of me, but luckily, the first 200 people on Wednesdays get in free, and I jumped on the last chance. As soon as I stepped in, two over 600-year-old ginkgo trees “bam!” hit my eyes, their golden leaves spilling like an overturned palette, and I was frozen in place. At that moment, all I could think was: So this is what autumn in Old Beiping really looks like.

I walked around the pagoda three times, and the crunch of leaves under my feet was more soothing than any background music. When the wind blew, ginkgo leaves dropped like rain, and I caught two in my hand, slipping one into my phone case—this fleeting autumn moment needs some proof.

What’s So Great About Wuta Temple

It’s not a big place, just about the size of two football fields, but the combination of ancient pagoda + ginkgo trees + red walls + water pool is way too stunning. The Vajrasana Pagoda is a genuine Ming dynasty relic, with stone Buddhas looking all warm and kind. Looking up, the pagoda eaves and ginkgo branches overlap, like a golden edge set against the sky. The best part is that little water pool behind the pagoda, a rare “water mirror” spot in Beijing’s autumn; when the wind blows, the reflection breaks into starlight, then comes back together like a perfect painting—no matter how you shoot, it never gets old.

My Tested and Effective 4 Photography Tricks

1️⃣ Reflection Kill: Don’t be in a hurry to walk forward after entering; first, look for some puddles. It rained the night before, and there was a puddle on the left at the entrance. I squatted down and put my phone on the ground; the Vajrasana Pagoda and the ginkgo tree reflected perfectly in the water, natural symmetrical filter. No puddles? Just bring a small mirror, put it on the ground at a 45-degree angle, and it’ll still work.

2️⃣ Details in Front of the Pagoda: Get closer to the pagoda; there are leaves all around the stone lions. Lean a ginkgo branch in front of the lens for the foreground, focus on the gaps in the stone lion's teeth, and blur the background into gold—the storytelling vibe skyrockets. Don’t overlook the five little Buddha figures on the pagoda; pick one with good light, frame it with leaves, and shoot in portrait mode to get a background depth that rivals a DSLR.

3️⃣ Water Mirror Technique Behind the Pagoda: Go around to the back; there's a stone by the water pool you can stand on. Put your phone close to the water’s surface, lens slightly tilted, and blue sky + ancient pagoda + ginkgo colors layer together like a postcard. Wait for the wind; when it blows, take rapid shots—you’ll get at least one perfect reflection.

4️⃣ Red Wall Reflecting Autumn: Don’t miss the red wall outside the exhibition hall. Stand at the wall’s base, have a friend stand three meters away, and take a shot with a 2x zoom. The red wall as the background with transparent ginkgo leaves, it naturally softens faces. Around 3 PM, the light is softest, and remember to bring a reflector—the white wall can also act as a reflector.

Super Useful Transportation Info

Thoughtful Little Tips (Learned from My Mistakes)

• Free Entry: The first 200 people get in free on Wednesday, doors open at 8:30 AM, I got there at 8:45 and was already 30 meters back in line, if you want to save a few bucks, arrive even earlier.
• Less Crowded Times: Right after opening 9:00—9:30 and before closing 16:00—16:30, tourist groups usually don’t block these times, so the private feeling is stronger.
• Mirror: Bring a palm-sized mirror; plastic ones are fine and won’t break, just tuck it in your pocket after shooting, security won’t check.
• Leaf Rain: The leaf rain is at its peak from early November to around November 15; if Beijing has a big wind overnight, it’ll be bare the next day. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and go the day after the wind for a ground covered in golden leaves.
• Nearby Attractions: After visiting Beijing Wuta Temple, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the North Gate of Zizhu Park, and you can also check out Beijing Wanshou Temple (reopened, entry fee 20 yuan). The old red brick facade of Beijing National Library is also great for photos, making a nice line to stroll through without backtracking.

Caught the Stunning Ginkgo Rain

Last Saturday at 11 AM, suddenly a fierce gust blew, and both ancient trees shook, raining leaves like popcorn. I stood under a tree and shot upwards, my phone snapping 200 pictures, and picked one with a leaf hovering in mid-air to post on Xiaohongshu, and it went viral. I wore a camel-colored coat, and the ginkgo rain softened the view into a creamy filter, capturing the shining moment of Beijing’s autumn.

If you also want to head to Beijing Wuta Temple to collect autumn, don’t hesitate, the ginkgo leaves of Beijing’s autumn won’t wait for anyone; miss this week, and you'll have to wait another year.