After months of chasing cherry blossoms and summer flowers, it’s finally time for fall foliage to have its moment in the spotlight. Often featuring vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow, we love this last burst of colour before the winter months. As the year turns towards prime fall foliage months, we highlight the best places in Asia to visit to witness this change.
1. Beijing: Mutianyu, Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is even more stunning during “red leaf season” (typically between mid-October and mid-November), when its surrounding foliage turns a vibrant mix of reds, oranges, yellows and greens. Located just 70km from Beijing, the Mutianyu section is especially popular – active types can head up the Northern Wall Path towards Watchtower 10, then 14 and 20 to reach the highest point of the section before enjoying the cable car ride down from Watchtower 14.
Other popular photo spots include Dajiaolou for panoramic, sweeping views of the wall or from the small platform leading from Zhengguantai to Watchtower 5 that overlooks the colourful mountains and forests.
2. Seoul: Nami Island, Gapyeong
Fans of K-dramas will know and recognise Nami Island for its swoon-worthy scenery, especially after the K-blockbuster “Winter Sonata” was shot here in 2002. The small island in the Bukhangang river is located just two hours away from Seoul, and can be reached by a combination of subway and taxi, or shuttle buses from Hongik University, Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.
Float in by ferry or zipline your way in to enjoy the undeniably romantic tree-lined lanes, riverside walks and art installations scattered throughout the 27 thematic gardens and parks. The island is also home to rabbits, peacocks and even ostriches – but beware, they may not be as lovey-dovey.
3. Shanghai: West Lake, Hangzhou
The inspiration for famous Chinese poets, scholars and artists since the 9th century, Hangzhou’s West Lake – with its picturesque bridges, causeways, pagodas and ponds – becomes even more alluring in autumn, when the air is crisp and mist rises from the lake surrounded by orange maple trees, green pines and cypresses.
A full loop around the lake is 11.1km and takes around 2.5 hours by foot, but don’t worry, you can always hop on a sightseeing bus, rent a bicycle or take a cruise around the lake to mix things up. Getting to Hangzhou is an easy high-speed train from Shanghai, which takes only 45 minutes to one hour.
4. Osaka: Tofuku-ji Temple, Kyoto
Founded in 1236 by the Fujiwara clan, Tofuku-ji Temple has been one of the largest and most important Kyoto Zen temples throughout history. It’s also one of the most popular spots to admire Kyoto’s autumn foliage in mid- to late-November each year, thanks to the lush maple trees surrounding it turning brilliant shades of red. One of the temple’s top viewing spots is Tsutenkyo Bridge, a covered wooden bridge that connects the main hall and the Kaisando-Hall that spans a valley of around 2,000 maple trees.
Looking down upon the Sengyokukan Gorge, the scenery is so unreal and heavenly that it’s been likened to a sea of clouds. Taking the Shinkansen from Osaka will get you to Kyoto in just 15 minutes, making it an easy day trip, though spending a few days in the city will truly allow you to soak up the ancient culture.
5. Hiroshima: Miyajima Island
The view atop Miyajima Island’s Mount Misen is spectacular; the fall foliage is seemingly endless and lines the mountain as well as the rest of the island. Although it’s definitely worth the short climb, there’s also an option to take a cable car up.
After that, find tranquility at Momijidani Park, a maple tree park famous for its namesake; here, tree-lined paths and traditional red bridges lead to picturesque areas perfect for watching the wildlife. Accommodation on the island is limited, so stay in Hiroshima and make a day trip to the island instead via ferry.
6. Taipei: Fushoushan Farm, Taichung
Situated between Mount Hehuan and Mount Snow, Fushoushan Farm boasts an impressive view all year long, made particularly spectacular during fall when the Japanese maples turn a brilliant red. Travellers can also visit Heaven’s Pool, famed for being filled with water all year long.
The farm offers lodging in the form of chalets, or you can do a day-tour from Taipei or Taichung (the drive either way is about three hours long). Be sure to sample the region’s Fushou Everspring Tea, which is highly sought after.
7. Seoul: Naejangsan Mountain, Jeollabuk-do
Located in the Jeolla-do province, Naejangsan is one of the best mountains in Korea for viewing colourful leaves and is popular with both tourists and locals alike. Take a ride on the cable car provides for unparalleled views of the park followed by a walk through the forest which will lead you to waterfalls like the 20 metre Dodeok Falls, and further in, Geumseon Falls, where legend has it, the gods used to bathe.
If fighting the fall foliage crowds sounds daunting, the area is also great for catching the elusive cherry blossoms in the spring. A bus from Seoul takes about three hours to reach the mountain.
8. Tokyo: Chuzenji Lake, Nikko
This world heritage site attracts visitors year long, but is especially popular during the fall when its leaves transform into gold, red, and orange. Chuzenji Lake was created when Mount Nantai erupted 20,000 years ago and blocked the valley below. Today, visitors can marvel at the lush flora and relax at Chuzenjiko Onsen, a small hotspring town with plenty of ryokan-style accommodation.
The period to see the leaves is fairly short; spanning from late October to late November, so book your trip and get your foliage fix in before it’s too late. Trains from Tokyo to Nikko take about two hours.
9. Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake
The trees that line Hoan Kiem Lake give the area in Hanoi an enchanting feel, and when they change in fall, they add a burst of colour to the otherwise serene scenery.
The lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda housed on an island in the middle of the water. Arrive early enough and you’ll catch local residents practicing tai chi along the shore.
10. Chengdu: Jiuzhaigou Valley
The picturesque Jiuzhaigou Valley could have been taken out of a fairytale and fall is undoubtedly the best time to go. The valley’s vast expanse features big blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests that turn shades of gold, red and even purple during this season.
A view of these colours beautifully reflected in the picturesque lakes makes the journey and the potential fight with the crowds worth it. From Chengdu, take a bus from Xinnamen Bus Station and be sure to head to the valley (not just the city).
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to the above destinations, visit singaporeair.com.
