Autumn is possibly the most popular time to visit China. Compared with the extreme temperatures during a hot summer or a cold winter, autumn has milder weather, colorful landscapes, and fewer travelers.
The most enjoyable thing about being in China in autumn is that you can do any kind of outdoor activity, such as hiking the challenging Great Wall, exploring the Li River on a bamboo raft, and experiencing the amazing fairyland - Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve.
Average Temperature and Popular Activities in Autumn
The comfortable weather drives you to want to do more exploring of China. Below, we have detailed some of the most outstanding sights for you to see when you’re in China.
Beijing — Top Destination in China
Many attractive experiences are worth trying in Beijing each month. Visiting Beijing in September is a good chance to hikethe Great Wall.
Weather:
- September: from 15 to 26°C (Recommended)
- October: from 8 to 19°C
- November: from 0 to 10°C
Activity:
If you want to see the most spectacular colors of fall, then you mustn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Great Wall. Located about 130 kilometers away from Beijing, the Jinshanling and Simatai sections of the Great Wall are surrounded by an autumnal atmosphere. Take half a day to see the fantastic fall leaves and the majestic Great Wall.
Guilin — Stunning Karst Views Around the Li River
Autumn is the perfect season to visit Guilin. You can smell the sweet-scented osmanthus flowers and see the bright yellow autumnal leaves around you wherever you go.
Enjoy this small city at the best time of year.
Weather:
- September: from 22 to 31°C
- October: from 17 to 26°C (Recommended)
- November: from 12 to 20°C
Activity:
It’s also the ideal time to go sightseeing on the Li River on a small bamboo raft. Guilin in fall has fairly warm weather during the daytime. Escape from the exhausting summer heat and travel to Guilin in the fall instead, finding your favorite way to explore the Li River and view the surrounding elegant karst mountains.
Chengdu — the Breathtaking Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve
Head out of China's big cities and you will likely get to see one of the most breathtaking fall landscapes around Chengdu as the western parts of Sichuan Province are famous for their bright fall sights.
Weather:
- September: from 19 to 25°C
- October: from 15 to 21°C (Recommended)
- November: from 10 to 16°C
Activity:
It's hard to imagine that Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve is so colorful during autumn. You can completely forget about any stress and immerse yourself in nature to see rivers, waterfalls, fall leaves, trees, and flowers. Spend a whole day there to enjoy the wonderful rewards of nature.
Huangshan — Unique Fall Views of the Yellow Mountain
Yellow Mountain is famous and popular all year round but the golden fall sights are dazzling. Leaves cover the mountains and everywhere seems to turn red or yellow.
Weather:
- September: from 11 to 17°C (Recommended)
- October: from 7 to 13°C
- November: from 1 to 8°C
As one of the most famous mountain ranges in China, Yellow Mountain should be your travel destination in autumn. There are a large number of beautiful colors to see: red leaves, a sunrise, unique pine trees, and a sea of clouds.
Travel Tips
- Prepare warm clothes. It's slightly cold when traveling to North China at this time of year but southern cities are still hot.
- Notice the weather predictions in advance. Fine weather offers the best landscapes for you to see in fall.
- Escape from the public holidays, such as the National Day holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival.