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Autumn in China Months: September to November
Autumn season in China runs from September through November. But, since China stretches as far from north to south as Norway to Spain, you'll find different autumn temperature in each of the major travel destinations.
Read on for details about China autumn weather in the next section.
China Autumn Weather: Perfectly Cozy and Cool
China's autumn (September to November) is renowned for its pleasant and cool climate, with the average temperature ranging between 15°C to 25°C.
The temperature difference between day and night is significant in the north and high-altitude areas like Qinghai-Tibet plateau, with a rapid temperature drop in November (6°C to 15°C), while the southern temperatures decrease more gradually (11°C to 20°C).
The average autumn precipitation is 160mm. The northern regions, including Beijing and Xi'an, experience more rainfall in September, while the southern regions, such as Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhangjiajie, predominantly have sunny days.
China Autumn Weather of North China - Beijing
If you're visiting Beijing in North China during autumn, you'll find pleasant temperatures with warm days and cool evenings. Please be prepared for bigger temperature swings in November, though, with differences of over 10°C (50°F) between day and night.
Most of the rain, about 150mm, falls in September.
Autumn Temperature of Beijing:
| Destination | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 15°C (59°F) to 26°C (79°F) | 13°C (55°F) to 19°C (48°F) | 0°C (32°F) to 10°C (50°F) |
China Autumn Weather of Central China - Shanghai
Shanghai's autumn temperatures are moderate, with small temperature swings even into November. Due to typhoon influence, September experiences the highest rainfall, reaching 300mm.
Autumn Temperature of Shanghai:
| Destination | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | 20°C (68°F) to 27°C (81°F) | 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F) | 8°C (46°F) to 17°C (63°F) |
China Autumn Weather of South China - Guangzhou, Guilin, Zhangjiajie
Autumn in Southern China means a slow drop in temperatures as the months go on. Places like Zhangjiajie and Guilin have big day-to-night temperature changes in November, but it's still warmer than up north or in the middle of China.
Southern cities get less rain in the fall than the north, but it's more humid.
| Destination | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | 23°C (73°F) to 32°C (90°F) | 24°C (75°F) to 31°C (88°F) | 21°C (36°F) to 30°C (86°F) |
| Guilin | 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) | 18°C (64°F) to 29°C (84°F) | 12°C (54°F) to 24°C (75°F) |
| Zhangjiajie | 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82°F) | 12°C (54°F) to 25°C (77°F) | 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F) |
China Autumn Weather of Southwest China - Chengdu, Kunming, Tibet
Even though Southwest China is considered part of the south, the landscape makes a difference in the fall. In cities like Chengdu and Kunming in Yunnan, you'll see a lot of light rain during autumn, about 100-150mm.
In Tibet, up on the plateau, the temperatures drop quite a bit.
Generally, it's not as hot as places further south, like Guangzhou.
| Destination | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F) | 14°C (57°F) to 24°C (75°F) | 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) |
| Kunming | 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F) | 12°C (54°F) to 23°C (73°F) | 7°C (45°F) to 20°C (68°F) |
| Tibet (Lhasa) | 5°C (41°F) to 25°C (77°F) | 0°C (32°F) to 20°C (68°F) | -5°C (23°F) to 15°C (59°F) |
China Autumn Weather of Northwest China - Xi'an, Xinjiang
Autumn in Northwest China, like Xi'an and Xinjiang region, sees temperatures drop gradually, with big swings between daytime and nighttime.
It's really dry there, too, with very little rain - usually under 100mm.
| Destination | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xi’an | 14°C (57°F) to 25°C (77°F) | 12°C (54°F) to 21°C (70°F) | 4°C (39°F) to 13°C (55°F) |
| Xinjiang (Kanas) | 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F) | 5°C (41°F) to 14°C (77°F) | -6°C (21°F) to 5°C (41°F) |
Where to See Autumn in China? Top 16 Destinations
Autumn in China really boosts the travel experience, it's great for your mind and body! Now, where can you enjoy the autumn leaves in China while you're exploring attractions? Here are the top 16 spots to see the fall colors.
1. Golden Triangle - Historic City & Metropolitan Autumn Views
Perfect For: Photography lovers, ancient capital explorers, family trips.
Suggested Visit Duration: 8 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: Mid-october to the end of October.
You'll be treated to a visual spectacle of autumn colors in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, the cities that form China's Golden Triangle.
In Beijing, the most famous autumn sights are the ginkgo trees against the red walls of the Forbidden City and the maple leaves at the Mutianyu Great Wall. Locals also enjoy afternoon tea in the hutongs while admiring the scenery.
In Xi'an, you can cycle along the ancient city walls, capturing the beautiful blend of the walls, modern city, and ginkgo trees, or enjoy the scenery at the foot of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
In Shanghai, the Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, the Bund, and other locations surrounded by ginkgo, maple, and sycamore trees are breathtaking.
Local Insights: Locals enjoy touring the Beijing hutongs, morning walks at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, and picnicking in any park in Shanghai.
2. Guilin Yangshuo and Longji Terraces - Golden Landscape
Perfect For: Nature photography enthusiasts, outdoor sports enthusiasts, family trips.
Suggested Visit Duration: 4 days or more.
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: Before the end of October.
Guilin in autumn is just magical, the whole city smells like osmanthus! When you're up on the Longji Rice Terraces, the golden rice fields are perfect for photos.
The weather is nice and cool, so you can take a river cruise on the Li River and feel the autumn breeze. If you're into being outdoors, try biking around Yangshuo's villages or take a relaxing bamboo raft trip on the Yulong River.
Local Insights: The Longji Terraces begin harvesting in November, so avoid visiting after late October.
3. Jiuzhaigou, Daocheng Yading (Western Sichuan)
Perfect For: Nature photographer, hikers.
Suggested Visit Duration: 2-5 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September to November.
Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve is famous as "the last pure land on Earth," and it's easy to see why. You'll find stunning snow mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lively high-altitude grasslands, making it a top choice for hikers in autumn. Plus, you can experience a really strong Tibetan vibe there.
Jiuzhaigou is renowned for its strikingly blue lakes, rushing waterfalls, vibrant forests, and lush woodlands set against snow-capped mountains. The colorful autumn foliage is reflected in lakes such as Five Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal Waterfall, offering exceptional photo opportunities, especially during early morning or dusk.
Local Insights: You might have altitude sickness. It is recommended to take Rhodiola rosea in advance to prevent altitude sickness.
4. Zhangjiajie - Avatar Mountains in Autumn
Perfect For: Nature photographer, hikers.
Suggested Visit Duration: 4 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September to October.
Zhangjiajie, renowned for its Avatar-inspired Hallelujah Mountains, boasts surreal stone pillars, secluded valleys, ethereal cloud seas, and intricate limestone caves. During autumn, Wulingyuan transforms into a tapestry of maple and ginkgo foliage.
The trails become a golden carpet of fallen leaves, while the sunlit forests peek through the rolling clouds, creating a truly magical scene.
5. Tibet - Autumn Colors on the Plateau Including EBC
Perfect For: Nature scenery enthusiasts, Tibetan culture enthusiasts, mountain circuit trekking, pilgrimage.
Suggested Visit Duration: 8 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: Before the end of October
The autumn scenery in Tibet, on the plateau, is equally stunning. In Lhasa, the white walls of the Potala Palace are beautifully contrasted by the golden poplar trees along Barkhor Street. In Nyingchi, you'll find endless golden forests stretching as far as the eye can see.
This weather is perfect for trekking around Mount Kailash or start a Tibet biking adventure.
If you travel to the Everest Base Camp, you'll encounter clear skies, ideal for capturing crisp views of the summit.
Local Insights: Travel to Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit. Asia Odyssey Travel can apply for your permit at no cost. Contact us!
6. Yunnan in Gold: A Kingdom of Natural & Cultural Treasures
Perfect For: Lovers of Ancient Towns, Villages, Ethnic culture.
Suggested Visit Duration: 8 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September to November.
Yunnan is famous for its amazing scenery, like snow-covered mountains, the Stone Forest, and Green Lake. Furthermore, you get to experience the unique cultures of ethnic groups like the Bai and Naxi. All of this gets even better in the fall.
If you stroll through Lijiang Old Town, standing on the East Street of the ancient city, you can catch a distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The autumn breeze by Erhai Lake is refreshing, perfect for meditation, or you can cycle through golden rice fields. You can also discover the traces of autumn in Pudacuo National Park, China's first national park.
Under the autumn scenery, the architecture of Xizhou Village, a Bai ethnic village, appears even more exquisite. You can explore more Yunnan ethnic minority architecture with a joyful heart.
Local Insights: For photography beyond the classic spots, Dongchuan Red Land is highly recommended.
7. Xinjiang Kanas Lake - Superlative Autumn Scenery
Perfect For: Forest lovers
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 day
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September and early October.
Autumn transforms the Kanas scenic area into golden yellows, fiery reds, and deep greens. In the distance, snow-capped mountains stand against the clear blue sky, their reflections shimmering on the tranquil surface of Kanas Lake, a truly dreamlike vision.
Upon arriving, you'll find yourself awestruck by the birch and larch forests that blanket the mountains and fields.
8. Yangtze River Cruise - Autumn Foliage Along the Banks
Perfect For: slow-paced travelers.
Suggested Visit Duration: 4 days or more.
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September and October.
The autumn scenery along the Yangtze River is most renowned in the Three Gorges section.
Even in the steep Qutang Gorge, the rock walls are dotted with autumnal hues. As you sail through Wu Gorge, the orange-red maple leaves beautifully contrast with the verdant pines and cypresses. The rolling mountains on both sides of the Xiling Gorge also transform into a colorful spectacle.
During your cruise, you can visit Fengdu Ghost City, which is associated with Chinese folklore. The massive Three Gorges Dam, a remarkable feat of hydraulic engineering, is located at the end of your journey.
9. Chengdu - Ginkgo & Chrysanthemum Blooms
Perfect For: Panda lovers, city walkers.
Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September and October.
The autumn scenery in Chengdu is woven into the daily lives of the local people. If you visit People's Park, you'll see a chrysanthemum exhibition, with hundreds of varieties of chrysanthemums displayed in bonsai, flower walls, and other forms, showcasing golden yellows, purplish reds, and a wide array of colors.
Another highlight is the ginkgo trees lining the streets and alleys. The area near Jinli is also enveloped in ginkgo trees.
Visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding during this season is a pleasant experience, as the park is cool and comfortable.
10. Suzhou Gardens - Where Colors Highlight White Walls & Dark Tiles
Perfect For: Chinese Garden Enthusiasts
Suggested Visit Duration: 2 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: November
The autumn scenery of Suzhou's classical gardens, especially the Humble Administrator's Garden, is not to be missed.
The Humble Administrator's Garden is the largest garden in Suzhou and one of the exemplary models of Chinese garden design. It features ponds, rockeries, trees, and pavilions.
Its centerpiece is the red maple trees, with the reflections of the maple leaves and Taihu rocks in the pond before the pavilion creating a scene resembling an ink wash painting in the morning mist.
The garden's small paths, unlike forests with golden carpet-like floors, are lined with delicate yellow hues.
Local Insights: You can experience a candlelit night tour, a traditional Chinese elegant pastime.
11. Hangzhou West Lake - Heaven of Earth
Perfect For: Lakeside Strollers, Lovers of Tragic Tales.
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 day
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September to November.
West Lake is one of China's most romantic legendary locations, stemming from the tragic tale of a snake spirit and a human. The verdant leaves along West Lake's edge take on a subtle yellow hue, as if nature has carelessly sprinkled them with gold dust.
The lake's waters, stirred by the autumn breeze, ripple in layers, glistening and reflecting the autumn colors of the shore. Distant mountains, dotted with red and yellow, create a picturesque contrast against the blue sky and white clouds.
12. Huangshan, Xidi, Hongcun - Mountain Autumn Views & Hui-Style Village
Perfect For: Climbers, lovers of Hui-style architecture.
Suggested Visit Duration: 3-4 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September to November.
When you climb Huangshan, known for its uniquely shaped peaks and rocks, you can see the Huangshan pines and Chinese tallow trees in the West Sea Grand Canyon, their red and yellow leaves intermingling, appearing and disappearing in the morning mist.
If you go to Hongcun, the withered lotus in South Lake reflects against the white walls and horse-head gables, and villagers dry fiery red peppers by Moon Pond, creating a "drying autumn" scene.
Walking under the memorial arch at the entrance of Xidi Village, you'll see villagers drying corn and pumpkins on bamboo sieves, the golden crops contrasting with the blue stone slab road, creating a clash of warm and cool colors.
13. Jiangxi Wuyuan - The Autumn Sun-Drying Culture
Perfect For: Sun-drying harvest culture enthusiasts, ancient village photographers.
Suggested Visit Duration: 2-3 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: September to November
In Huangling, Wuyuan, villagers use bamboo trays to dry red peppers, yellow chrysanthemums, and snowy white cornus fruits, creating a colorful cascade down the 200-meter elevation difference from the mountain foot to the summit.
In Shicheng Village, century-old maple trees and horse-head walls form silhouettes in the morning mist; photography enthusiasts need to seize a spot at the Cheng Village viewing platform by 5 a.m.
In Sixiyan Village, ginkgo leaves fall into the courtyards of traditional Hui-style residences, and mottled light and shadows filter through the carved wooden window frames; you can experience the 'Ancient Village Autumn Gathering' scene by wearing Hanfu and carrying a bamboo basket.
14. Qinghai Lake - Golden Rapeseed Fields
Perfect For: Those who admire plateau lakes.
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: the end of September.
Qinghai Lake is one of China's most beautiful lakes. The last batch of rapeseed flowers along the western ring road blooms at the end of September, creating a "color clash aesthetic" with the golden flower fields against the deep blue lake water.
15. Ejina, Inner Mongolia - Poplar Forest
Perfect For: Poplar forest enthusiasts, wilderness stargazing photographers.
Suggested Visit Duration: 3 or 4 days
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: From mid-October to the end of October
Ejina's 560 square kilometers of euphrates poplar forest presents a stunning golden tunnel effect, as the trees are mirrored in the river. At midday, sunlight illuminates the foliage, rendering it as translucent as glass.
Local Insights: The sunsets, sand dune shadows, and poplar tree silhouettes at Badaoqiao Sand Dunes are ideal for capturing minimalist-style masterpieces.
16. Zhangya Danxia - Vivid Landscapes
Perfect For: Geological wonder and color enthusiasts.
Suggested Visit Duration: 1 day
Best time to Catch the Fall Color: Mid-September to late October.
As autumn arrives, the various colors of the Zhangye Danxia landform, including red, yellow, orange, and white, become even more vibrant. Especially during sunrise and sunset, when the sunlight shines at an angle, the entire Danxia landform is bathed in a golden or deep red hue.
Furthermore, the clear and refreshing autumn weather conditions are perfect for outdoor activities and photography. Visitors can capture the beautiful moments of Zhangye Danxia on the walking trails or viewing platforms.
What to Pack? Autumn Wear in China
If you're traveling to places like Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, or Xinjiang, it's best to focus on wind protection and warmth for your autumn wear in China.
For your upper body, wear a windproof jacket to handle occasional showers, with a thin shirt underneath. For your lower body, bring a pair of moderately thick jeans. Wear waterproof shoes to deal with autumn rain.
If you're heading to Chengdu, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, or Tibet, your autumn outfit is better focusing on breathability and sun protection. For your upper body, wear a t-shirt. For your lower body, wear thin pants. Remember to bring a parasol for sun protection.
Check more information about What to Pack for China ->>
Participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival in September
Speaking of China festival, September in China highlights the Mid-Autumn Festival (around late September to early October). This traditional lunar festival celebrates family reunion under the full moon, where locals gather to share mooncakes.
In cities such as Hangzhou, the West Lake reflects golden moonlight, while night markets in Xi'an dazzle with handmade lanterns and folk performances.
When to visit? Avoid Autumn Holiday in China
China has a big national holiday from October 1st to 7th in autumn, and that's when you'll find huge crowds at every tourist spot. Getting tickets for trains, buses, and attractions is really tough.
For a much better trip, you're better off avoiding those dates. Feel free to pick any other time to travel.
Let Asia Odyssey Travel Help You Plan Autumn in China Trip
You can plan your China autumn trip around your own schedule. At Asia Odyssey Travel, we can create a travel plan that's perfect for you.
Why pick Asia Odyssey Travel?
- We've got more than ten years of experience helping people travel in China, so we're experts at trips for families, solo travelers, and anyone new to China.
- We have awesome English-speaking guides.
- We'll help you dive into the local culture with great food, places to stay, and fun things to do.
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