10 Best Places to Visit in China in October 2024
October is the middle of autumn in China, the heat recedes and the weather gradually becomes cooler and dry.
Chinese National Day known as Golden Week Holiday is celebrated in October. 1-7, people rush out for travel, and there are usually many activities held around the country.
October travel recommendation regarding the beautiful seasonal spots, and accessibility by flights and trains.
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1. Western Sichuan - Daocheng and Yading Nature Reserve
Daocheng and Yading are seasonal destinations located in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in southwest Sichuan. Renowned as “the last pure land on the earth”. The best time for travel is in September and October, the region is characterized by colored fall scenery and snow-capped mountains, with the average temperature at 0℃-10℃.
What to See and Do
Daocheng and Yangding have the most significant views and a good places for nature enthusiasts. However, it might be not easy for seniors and kids because of the high altitude.
Take a day trekking through Yading Nature Reserve to see sacred snow-clad mountains (Mt. Jambeyang and Mt. Chanadorje), there are two lakes Five Color Lakes, and the Milk Lakes located at the foot of the mountains at an altitude of 4300 m（14110 ft).
Moreover, you can experience the life of Tibetan people, see the vast grassland, and time-honor Buddhist monasteries in Daocheng.
What to Pack
Hiking boots, waterproof jackets, long pants, and thin sweaters to keep you warm. Sunglasses, sunblock, and hats to prevent sun tend.
Bring some snacks for food supply during the day of the hike.
2. Northern Xinjiang - Kanas
September to the middle of October is the best time to travel to Kanas, the temperature in the daytime is 18℃ and 5℃ which will feel comfortable given the humidity and wind. Do not suggest visiting from the end of October to May due to most of the spots closed for heavy snow.
What to See and Do
Kanas features fall-colored virgin forests, snow-capped mountains, the mysterious Kanas Lake, and exotic culture.
At 30 kilometers east of Kanas Lake, there is a small village inhabited by both Kazakhs and Tuwas, stay a night there is recommended.
Can Foreigners Travel to Kanas, Xinjiang?
As foreign passport holders, you can travel to Hemu Village and Kanas, but can not reach the boundary of Baihaba Village due to the strict travel restrictions.
What to Pack
Comfortable hiking boots, outdoor jacket, long pants, and thin woolen sweaters to keep you warm.
3. Dunhuang - Gansu, Silk Road
October is the best month to visit Dunhuang while the summer heat gradually declines, and the weather gets cooler.
Dunhuang is located at the west end of the Hexi Corridor, a famous gateway to the ancient Silk Road.
What to See & Do
The world's UNESCO heritage Mogao Cave, a large grotto Carved into the cliffs. An oasis in the vast Gobi Desert, Yadan National Geological Park, and Golden Poplar Forest in autumn.
What to Pack
Sleeve shirts or blouses, pants, jackets, and skin care products such as sunblock and sunglasses.
4. Yunnan - Lijiang, Dali, and Shangri-La
Traveling to Yunnan in October has moderate temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures of 20°C (68°F), the weather is cool and dry, and most of the days are sunny.
What to See & Do
Take a visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang. ride along Erhai Lake and stroll in Xizhou local market; Take a trough boat and go deep into mysterious Lugu Lake; Hike through Tiger Leaping Gorges, the finest treks through some of the most naturally beautiful; Experience typically Thai minority culture in Xishuangbanna.
What to Pack
Long-sleeved shirts or blouses, pants, jackets, and skin care products such as sunblock and sunglasses are necessary.
8-Day Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-la Discovery Tour
5. Tibet - Nyingchi Scenery
Nyingchi was rated as one of the most beautiful places in autumn in China by National Geographic of China. October is the best time to see its splendid fall scenery.
What to See
September to the middle of October is suitable for hiking in Nyingchi, the wild nature with dark green leaves is intertwined, and glaciers and holy lakes can be found everywhere along the way.
The most popular hiking routes in Nyingchi are Nanfeng base camp, Naraco Lake hiking, Basongcuo to Lulang hiking, and Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon hiking.
What to Pack
You need to bring sweaters and light down jackets to keep warm because of the huge temperature difference between day and night.
Small Group: 6-Day Lhasa and Shigatse Tour
- Day 1 Airport/Train station to hotel transfer (Lhasa)
- Day 2 Lhasa: Potala Palace--Johkang Temple--Barkor Street
- Day 3 Lhasa: Drepung Monastery--Sera Monastery
- Day 4 Lhasa to Gyantse to Shigatse: Yamdrotso Lake--Karola Glacier--Gyantse Kumbum--Pelkor Monastery
- Day 5 Shigatse to Lhasa: Tashilunpo Monastery--River View of Brahmaputra
- Day 6 Hotel to Airport/Train station transfer (Lhasa)
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6. Huangshan - Tachuan Fall Color
October is the peak tourist season in Huangshan, the tourist crowd flows from October 1 to 7 during the Chinese National Day holiday. Huangshan is easily accessible by bullet train from Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou,...
What to See
Just 2 kilometers away from Hongcun Village. Tachuan fall scenery has been quite famous in recent years, known as a paradise for enthusiastic artists and photographers.
Tachuan village is characterized by red autumnal leaves, primitive Hui-style dwellings, old bridges, and lakes.
What to Pack
T-shirts, casual clothing, the temperature on top of Yellow Mountain is lower than in the city if you stay a night on top of the mountain and get up early to see the marvels of sunrise scenery, padded jackets, and sweaters are quite necessary.
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7. Zhangjiajie - UNESCO Nature Reserve
October is the best season to admire fall scenery in Zhangjiajie, the weather remains clear and temperatures are pleasant and comfortable.
During the golden week holiday on Oct.1-7, all the spots in Zhangjiajie are frequently crowded and filled with rush tourists. Plan earlier ahead of the trip to secure accommodation and book tours without much hassle.
Travel in the middle of October to November will expect much fewer tourists, touring at an easy pace.
What to See & Do
Seeing the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Experiencing the world’s longest cable car riding on Tianmen Mountian, and brave walk on Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge - the World's Longest and Highest.
What to Pack
A shirt, casual clothing, and a thin coat. Suggested by dressing in layers that will suit all circumstances.
8. Longji in Guilin- Time for Golden Rice Ripe
October is the most beautiful season for Guilin Longji, with warm and pleasant weather at 25 degrees during the day.
Longji is quite a good place for those who want to experience authentic minority culture and unblemished scenery.
What to See & Do
Early October is the best time to visit Longji Rice Terraces when their color turns yellow. Hills undulating from 300 to 1100 meters in height stretched as far as you can see.
The spots in Longji are divided into Pinganzhai terraced fields, Jinkengzhai terraced fields, and Guzhuangzhai terraced fields, with the ethnic Zhuang villages nestled in the middle of the mountain valley.
Ping’an Village is the first choice to visit as the key sites are located around, and many comfortable accommodations have to offer.
Tours starting from the base in Ping’an, you can take a half-day moderate hike to Guzhuangzhai Village, or 5-6 hours trekking to Dazhai Village.
What to Pack
Pants, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, sun-blocking hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, bug spray is needed when hiking through jungles and fields in Longji.
9. Yangtze River Cruise
October is the best time to visit the Yangtze River due to the cool and comfortable weather with sweeping clouds and clear skies.
Take a cruise in the middle of October can see the red leaves covering the gorges along the bank side.
Visit the Yangtze River Cruise to get more details.
10. Water Towns around Shanghai
Fall is a good season to visit water towns around Shanghai for the cool weather and clear sky.
Most of the water towns neighboring Shanghai and Suzhou offer a tranquil break from the bustle of the modern city to the traditions of rural life.
Which Water Town to Visit?
Which water town to go to, regarding the distance from where you depart, time of visit and transportations.
For people living in Shanghai, personally recommend a half-day visit to Zhujiajiao or a one-day visit to Tongli, they are suitable for visits all year round.
What to Pack
Pants, short-sleeve shirts, shorts, sun-blocking hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
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