As autumn takes hold across most of China, autumn sightseeing tours have surged in popularity, claiming the spotlight in the tourism market. Coming into autumn, China transforms into a spilled painter’s palette: from the golden grasslands of the northern frontier to the crimson maple leaves and azure waters of the south. Every stretch of land radiates a unique autumn charm, awaiting exploration from travelers.
When it comes to popular autumn getaways, Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, Guilin, and other spots top the list for international tourists. While all are celebrated for their autumn vistas, each boasts its own distinct allure, offering travelers a diverse array of autumnal experiences.
8 Best Autumn Tourist Destinations in China
From October to early November, the Great Wall is at its autumnal peak, especially the
Mutianyu Great Wall. During this golden window, 70% of the foliage transforms into amber and crimson, bathing the ancient structure in the warm glow of the autumn hue. When the autumn wind sweeps through, a thick carpet of fallen leaves blankets the Great Wall’s stone bricks, blending the monument’s timeless simplicity with nature’s grandeur to create a breathtaking spectacle. Standing atop the Wall, one can gaze out at the structure winding like a slate dragon through a sea of amber and crimson.
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| The Great Wall of China in Autumn |
A world-renowned tourist destination, Zhangjiajie is celebrated globally for its spectacular natural landscapes. From mid-October to mid-November, autumn elevates its charm as crimson leaves take center stage. The maple leaves here are not only vivid in hue but also diverse in shape - some heart-shaped, some fan-like, and others boasting one-of-a-kind forms. Set against the backdrop of the mountains’ evergreen pines and cypresses, their beauty is nothing short of mesmerizing.
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| Zhangjiajie National Forest Park |
Some describe Jiuzhaigou’s autumn as a palette spilled by the gods; others call it a rare earthly paradise. What first captivates visitors is its mountainsides cloaked in a riot of fall foliage. From late September to late October, maple, birch, poplar, and smoke trees shed their green garb, donning shades of gold, amber, crimson, and deep violet. These hues layer seamlessly, orderly yet artfully staggered, from the mountain feet to the peaks.
Five Flower Lake is the crown jewel of Jiuzhaigou’s autumn: variations in aquatic plant depth lend it natural shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange. In autumn, the surrounding colorful forests reflect in its waters, as if the lake itself has been infused with fresh pigment.
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| Jiuzhaigou National Park in Autumn |
The Forbidden City’s autumn splendor lasts from late October to early November. By then, ginkgo leaves have turned brilliant gold, while maple leaves gradually blush crimson. The contrast between the imperial red walls and golden foliage is striking. On sunny days, sunlight slants over the palace eaves, casting stunning light and shadow effects that treat visitors to a visual feast. Many travelers wear traditional Chinese clothing as they wander, engaging in a silent dialogue with history. It is recommended to visit the
Garden of Compassion and Tranquility or the
Hall of Martial Valor area, where the ginkgo trees are the most beautiful and offer excellent photo opportunities.
Kanas’ autumn scenery is hailed as China’s most breathtaking. Mid-September to early October marks its most glorious autumnal phase. Over this brief 20-day window, Kanas Lake shimmers like jade, while its banks are adorned with golden birches, vivid yellow larches, fiery red poplars, and lush green pines, all set against snow-capped mountain peaks, creating an utterly spectacular scene.
The terraces wind layer upon layer from mountain foot to summit. From mid-September to late October, when the rice is ripe, golden ears glisten in the sun, resembling golden waves rippling in the autumn breeze. From the viewing platforms, one can look out at the terraces, neatly carved into the mountainside, with villages dotted among them. For hikers, the trails around the Longji Rice Terraces are a definite highlight: along the way, they pass multiple viewing platforms, allowing them to admire the terraces’ grandeur from varied angles.
Known as “China’s Most Fantastic Mountain,” Huangshan offers distinct scenery across the four seasons, and its autumn beauty is particularly awe-inspiring. As mid-September approaches, the mountain’s leaves fade from green to vibrant gold and crimson. Due to varying altitudes, the autumn colors deepen gradually from the foothills to the summit: the peak’s autumn foliage emerges over a month earlier than that at the base. This unique transition treats visitors to an unparalleled visual experience.
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| Huangshan Mountain in Autumn |
Arxan is not a large city; it is even called the smallest city in China. But this “miniature” place miraculously gathers five wonders: volcanoes,
Heavenly Lake, forests, grasslands, and hot springs, condensing nature’s essence into one compact area. Every autumn, the region bursts into color: golden birch forests, fiery red shrubs, and dark green pine groves weave together into a vivid tapestry, earning it the nickname “Little Switzerland in the East”. Unlike Switzerland, however, Arxan boasts an added layer of raw ruggedness and wildness. Its vast, sparsely populated landscapes make it ideal for travelers who enjoy road trips or in-depth hiking.
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| Heavenly Lake in Arxan National Forest Park |
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