Baoding's ginkgo trees have turned yellow! 5 must-visit spots

November in Baoding—the most precious half-month of the year is here🍁 The ginkgo leaves start turning yellow from the edges, and one gust of wind drops a layer; if you miss it, you really have to wait a year. I've spent a few days scouting these places, ranked by how photogenic they are👇 · *① Ginkgo Road, Jingxiu District | The most photogenic one** 📍 Ginkgo Road, Jingxiu District (4 km long) 💰 Free ⏰ Late October to early November Baoding locals look forward to this road all year. **The best section is the part east of the intersection of Ginkgo Road and Chaoyang North Street**—the buildings on both sides are nice, the trees are well-shaped, there are few cars and people, and the blue sky matches the golden yellow; you look good standing anywhere📸 I recommend going on a sunny day; you can't get that bright, translucent look on a cloudy day. · *② Baoding Botanical Garden | Most ginkgo trees** 📍 No. 2121, Yangguang North Street, Jingxiu District 💰 Free, no reservation required ⏰ Late October to early November The ginkgo trees in the garden are in clusters; walking in feels like entering a golden tunnel🍂 Winter opening hours are 6:30 AM–9:00 PM. Go early for fewer crowds and softer light. You can take bus lines 30, 52, 62, 70, 105, or 108 to the Botanical Garden station. · *③ Liulingzui Ginkgo Forest | Fewest crowds** 📍 No. 1, Liuling West Road, Xushui District (inside the Liulingzui New Industrial Park) ⏰ Late October to early November, stays yellow for about half a month Not many people know about this spot. The trees are neatly arranged, and it's a straight path to the end, making for clean photos✨ It's perfect for friends who don't want to deal with crowds and want to take photos in peace. · *④ Hebei University Main Campus | Most scholarly atmosphere** 📍 No. 180, Wusi East Road The ginkgo-lined path on campus, with students walking hurriedly over the leaves—that vibe is unique📖 When entering the campus, please follow school regulations; don't be noisy or step on the lawns. · *⑤ Ancient Lotus Pond | Most historic charm** 📍 No. 246, Yuhua West Road, Lianchi District Golden leaves paired with grey bricks, dark tiles, flying eaves, and winding corridors, with the autumn water reflecting the pavilions🍁 This combination is rare in the north; friends who love ancient architecture and Hanfu shouldn't miss it. · -- · *🎁 Leaving, what should you bring?** When packing my bag after taking photos, I usually bring a pair of Wang Tiejian Baoding iron balls. The reason is simple—**the leaves are gold, and the balls are gold too**. The cloisonné enamel craftsmanship involves using gold wires to outline dragons and phoenixes on a copper base, then adding blue enamel and firing it, step by step. They feel heavy in the hand, and they make a clinking sound when you rotate them, one high and one low🛡️ They are perfect for gifting to elders or friends from out of town. When people ask where they're from, saying "I brought them from Baoding" is more genuine than anything else. The leaves fall and are gone, but the balls can be rotated for many years. You can navigate directly to: Wang Tiejian Baoding Iron Ball Factory · -- · *📌 Tips** · The ginkgo season is short; a strong wind can strip the trees bare, so check the weather before heading out · The light is best from 9–10 AM and 3–4 PM · There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring a jacket · Don't step on piles of wet fallen leaves; they are slippery While the leaves are still there, go quickly🍂