China Autumn Destination: When to See and Where to Go
As the summer heat slowly fades, China enters one of the most comfortable seasons of the year. Autumn (September to November) is seen as the best season to travel in China. The weather is cool and comfortable, the air is fresh, and there is less rain, making it a great time for hiking, photography, and sightseeing.
China is a large country, so the start and length of autumn are different depending on latitude and altitude. In northern areas such as Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang, the leaves start to change color as early as mid-September, and the season changes quickly.
In central and eastern areas, including Beijing and the Yangtze River basin, autumn colors usually reach their peak from October to mid-November. In southern areas such as Yunnan and Sichuan, autumn colors can last until the end of November or even December.
| Destination | Autumn Scenery | Best Time to go | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jiuzhaigou | Colorful forests meet clear blue waters | Mid-October to early November | 1-2 days |
| Huanglong | Multicolored travertine pools | Mid-October to early November | 1 day |
| Daocheng Yading | Golden Alpine Meadows | Late October | 3-4 days |
| Mount Siguniang | Four Peaks in a Row | Mid-October to early November | 2-3 days |
| Shangri-La | Golden Highland Pastures | Mid-October to mid-November | 2-3 days |
| Dali | Metasequoia forests by Erhai Lake | Late October to early December | 2-3 days |
| Lijiang | Snow mountains beyond ancient towns | October to November | 2-3 days |
| Beijing | Red leaves along the Great Wall | Mid-October to early November | 3-5 days |
| Zhangjiajie | Colorful forests mixed with stone peaks | Mid-October to early November | 3-4 days |
| Huangshan | Red persimmons on the trees | Mid-October to Mid-November | 3-4 days |
| Guilin | Golden Longji Rice Terraces | Late September to October | 3-6 days |
| Lhasa | Golden poplar trees | Late September to late October | 3-5 days |
| Kanas | Golden birch forests | September to early October | 2-3 days |
1. Jiuzhaigou: A Fairy-Tale World of Autumn Waters and Turquoise Lakes
Jiuzhaigou is named after the nine Tibetan villages in the valley. It is a World Natural Heritage site and is famous for its beautiful water scenery. Waterfalls, blue-green lakes, clear pools, flowing springs, and forest-covered mountains come together to form a beautiful landscape.
When autumn arrives, the forests of Jiuzhaigou turn red, golden, orange, and deep red. The plants under the lake water also show rich colors, making it look as if the autumn colors have fallen into the water and turning Jiuzhaigou into a real fairy-tale world.
Category: Geopark, forest, waterscapes, hiking, photography
Best places to visit: Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong National Park
Recommended duration: 1-2 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-October to early November
2. Huanglong: An Autumn Feast at the Jade Pond on Earth
Huanglong is famous for its large-scale travertine landforms, unusual shapes, and rich colors, and is known as the Jade Pond on Earth. In autumn, the colorful forests and calcified pools look beautiful together.
The Five-Color Pond looks even more colorful in the autumn sun, while the calcified streams of Golden Sand Covered Ground and the golden and red forests around them create a unique autumn view. Huanglong is usually visited with Jiuzhaigou, about 110 kilometers away.
Category: Natural scenery, travertine landforms, colorful ponds, forests
Best places to visit: Five-Color Pond, Huanglong Temple, Golden Sand Covered Ground, Contending Beauties Pond
Recommended duration: 1 day
Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-October to early November
3. Daocheng Yading: The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet
Daocheng Yading is known as the last pure land on Earth. It has sacred snow mountains, blue highland lakes, peaceful meadows, and beautiful hiking routes above 4,000 meters. In autumn, the red grasslands and golden poplar forests create a beautiful contrast, while the three sacred mountains look even more grand and peaceful under the clear blue sky.
Category: Natural scenery, snow mountains, lakes, hiking, photography
Best places to visit: Yading Nature Reserve, Red Grassland
Recommended duration: 3-4 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Late October
4. Mount Siguniang: The Eastern Alps
Siguniangshan is made up of four snow mountains and scenic areas, including Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley. It is known as the Eastern Alps.
From mid-October to mid-November, the autumn scenery of Siguniangshan is like fine wine, with colorful forests, snow mountains, and mirror-like alpine lakes forming a beautiful scene.
Late October to early November is the best time to see the colorful forests. In higher areas, the first snow has already arrived, so you may see the beautiful scene of colorful forests on one part of the mountain and snow on another.
Category: Snow mountains, colorful forests, alpine lakes, hiking, photography
Best places to visit: Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, Haizi Valley
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-October to early November
- 3-day
- Wolong
- Changping Valley
- Shuangqiao Valley
5. Shangri-La: An Autumn Hidden Gem Closest to Paradise
Shangri-La is located on the plateau of northwestern Yunnan. The mix of alpine meadows, forests, and Tibetan-style buildings gives its autumn a special feel.
From mid-October to the end of October is the early autumn color season, when the remaining green mixes with golden, red, and deep red colors, making the mountains look like a moving color palette.
From the end of October to mid-November is the pure gold season, when Shangri-La becomes covered in golden colors.
At Pudacuo National Park, the colorful forests around Shudu Lake and Bita Lake reach their peak at the end of October.
Category: Alpine lakes, forests, Tibetan culture, hiking, photography
Best places to visit: Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, Dukezong Ancient Town, Napahai Lake
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-October to mid-November
6. Dali: The Golden Season of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon
In Dali, the ancient city famous for wind, flowers, snow, and moon, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons. The autumn scenery around Erhai Lake is especially beautiful. From early November to early December, the metasequoia trees turn rusty red and are reflected in the clear lake water.
Autumn is the dry season in Dali, with little rain and mostly sunny weather, making it a good time of year for taking photos and sightseeing. Cycling around Erhai Lake, walking beside the golden rice fields near Xizhou Ancient Town, and going up Cangshan Mountain to look over the autumn scenery of Erhai Lake are all experiences worth trying.
Category: Lakes, ancient towns, ethnic culture, cycling, photography
Best places to visit: Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain, Shuanglang
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Late October to early December
7. Lijiang: Ancient Town Autumn Charm with Snow Mountain Views
In autumn, Lijiang has clear skies and pleasant weather. From East Street in Lijiang Old Town, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Ancient Town are quieter and more traditional in the autumn colors. Autumn in Lijiang has clear skies and good visibility, making it one of the best seasons to see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Category: Ancient towns, ethnic culture, snow mountains, photography
Best places to visit: Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, Baisha Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Best time for autumn foliage: October to November
8. Beijing: Autumn Splendor of the Ancient Capital
Beijing is not only the capital of China, but also one of the most beautiful cities in autumn. The red leaves at Fragrant Hills attract many visitors every October, covering the mountains in red.
The cool and clear autumn weather makes the Great Wall, winding through the mountains, look even clearer. The parks around the Forbidden City are covered with golden ginkgo leaves and have become popular places for taking photos.
If you only have time for one autumn activity, Mutianyu is a good choice. The mountains around it have beautiful autumn colors, and there are fewer visitors than at Badaling.
Category: Culture, history, urban, parks
Best places to visit: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven
Recommended duration: 3-5 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-October to early November
9. Zhangjiajie: An Autumn Wonderland Like Avatar
Zhangjiajie is famous around the world for its connection with Avatar. The Hallelujah Mountains in the movie were inspired by the tall sandstone peaks. Zhangjiajie has more than 3,000 sandstone peaks and pillars.
In autumn, they are often covered by mist, making the mountains look like a world from a movie. The autumn colors of red, yellow, and orange also create a strong contrast with the gray stone peaks.
At Tianmen Mountain, the glass walkway and the 999-step stairway become even more impressive when surrounded by autumn colors. The glass bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon offers a clear view of the autumn scenery below.
Tianzi Mountain also has a good chance of having a sea of clouds. The clouds, colorful forests, and stone peaks come together to create a beautiful mountain view.
Category: Sandstone Peaks, National Park, Glass Bridges, Photography
Best Places to Visit: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain
Recommended duration: 3-4 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-October to early November
- 6-day
- Yuanjiajie
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Furong Town
10. Huangshan: An Autumn View of Sea of Clouds and Trees
Huangshan is famous for its five main features: strange pine trees, unusual rocks, a sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural value.
In autumn, Huangshan usually has some of the clearest views of the year, and the sea of clouds can often be seen. Red and yellow autumn leaves, clouds, unusual rocks, and old pine trees come together to create beautiful mountain views.
The autumn scenery in Xihai Grand Canyon is especially impressive. You can walk along the mountain paths with deep valleys below and colorful mountains in the distance.
Besides Huangshan itself, Hongcun and Xidi Ancient Villages are also worth visiting in autumn. Their traditional white walls and dark roofs look beautiful with golden rice fields and red persimmons, creating a quiet countryside scene.
Category: Famous Mountains, Sea of Clouds, Pine Trees, Ancient Villages, Photography, Hiking
Best Places to Visit: Bright Summit, Xihai Grand Canyon, Guest-Greeting Pine, Hongcun, Xidi
Recommended duration: 3-4 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Mid-October to mid-November
- 9-day
- Tongli Water Town
- Hongcun Village
- Yellow Mountains
11. Guilin: Golden Terraces in a Landscape Painting
Guilin is famous for its beautiful mountains and rivers. Its typical karst landforms, thousands of limestone peaks, winding rivers, and picturesque countryside make Guilin more attractive than many other scenic cities in China.
In autumn, the Longji Rice Terraces are the most eye-catching. When the rice becomes ripe, the terraces turn into a golden sea. Late September to October is the best time to see and photograph the golden terraces.
A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the best way to enjoy the scenery of Guilin. The autumn colors along the river go well with the karst peaks. After arriving in Yangshuo, you can try bamboo rafting, countryside cycling, rock climbing, and other activities.
Category: Mountains, ethnic villages, rivers, cruises, hiking, photography, nature
Best places to visit: Li River, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
Recommended duration: 3-6 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Late September to October
- 4-day
- Li River Cruise
- Longsheng Pingan Terraced Field
- Elephant Trunk Hill
12. Lhasa: A Golden Buddhist Realm on the Snowy Plateau
As the capital of Tibet, Lhasa becomes even more sacred and grand in autumn. The rainy season ends in September. In October, Lhasa has clear skies and plenty of sunshine. The white walls and red windows of the Potala Palace form a strong contrast with the golden poplar forests.
On Barkhor Street in front of the Jokhang Temple, pilgrims walk while turning prayer wheels in the golden light, and the strong religious atmosphere blends with the warm autumn sun. In late October, the old trees at Norbulingka turn golden in the autumn wind, making it a good place for photos and relaxation.
In autumn, the water of Namtso Lake becomes deeper blue and looks beautiful with the snow-covered Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains in the distance. The lake starts to freeze in early November, creating an especially impressive view.
Category: Tibetan culture, religion, temples, alpine lakes, photography
Best places to visit: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Namtso Lake
Recommended duration: 3-5 days
Best time for autumn foliage: Late September to late October
Recommended Tibet Tour:
8-Day Mt.Everest Tour
8-Day Lhasa, Shigatse, and Mt Everest Base Camp Tour
13. Kanas: The Garden of God
In Mongolian, Kanas means beautiful and rich, mysterious and unpredictable. It is known as the Switzerland of the East and a photographer's paradise. It has beautiful glaciers, quiet lakes, primeval forests, snow mountains, green grasslands, and rich ethnic minority culture.
September is the best time to visit Kanas Lake. The autumn leaves and green lake water look beautiful together, and the weather is also very comfortable.
After the Golden Week holiday, the scenic area closes because of the cold weather. You can take a boat or walk along the lake to enjoy the views, or hike to Guanyu Terrace for a bird's-eye view. Photography lovers often travel between Kanas, Urho, and Burqin to take photos.
Category: Natural scenery, lakes, forests, grasslands, photography
Best places to visit: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Baihaba Village
Recommended duration: 2-3 days
Best time for autumn foliage: September to early October
Best China Autumn Itinerary
China has many different types of autumn scenery. Combining nearby destinations or different types of scenery can make your autumn trip richer. Here are several China autumn travel routes for reference and inspiration.
Whether you want to photograph colorful forests and snow mountains, enjoy highland lakes, walk through ancient towns and countryside, or experience Tibet's unique highland scenery, you can find ideas for your trip.
Route 1: Yunnan Plateau Autumn Tour
Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-La
Starting from Kunming, the ginkgo trees in city parks and the black-headed gulls open the autumn season. Going west to Dali, the red metasequoia trees along Erhai Lake and the golden rice fields create an autumn scene of lakeside countryside.
Heading north to Lijiang, the old tiled roofs of the ancient town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain show a mix of the old and the new.
Finally, arriving in Shangri-La, the pure golden autumn of the highland Tibetan area brings the journey to a grand ending. From city autumn colors to lakeside countryside, from snow mountains and ancient towns to the highland Tibetan area, the four autumn landscapes are very different and offer rich layers.
Route 2: Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Classic Autumn Tour
Chengdu - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu
Starting from Chengdu, the first stop is Huanglong. Under the autumn sun, the colorful calcified pools of the Five-Color Pond look even more colorful. The calcified streams of Golden Sand Covered Ground, together with the golden and red forests around them, create a unique autumn view.
Then go to Jiuzhaigou, where Five-Flower Lake and Five-Color Pond look even more beautiful with the colorful forests around them. The water of Pearl Shoal Waterfall mixes with the autumn leaves, while Long Lake is quiet like a mirror surrounded by colorful forests.
- 8-day
- Jiuzhaigou
- Yangtze Cable Car
- Panda Breeding and Research Center
Customize Your Autumn Tour in China
The routes above are only for inspiration. A truly perfect journey is often tailor-made. If you want to change the pace, add or remove destinations, or create a private itinerary based on the type of autumn scenery you most want to see, our travel consultants are ready to provide one-on-one planning. Let your autumn trip follow your own plan, not someone else's.