Does the autumn blues start to set in your mind? If so, combat them with more outdoor exercises and poetic autumn scenery. Actually, genial sunshine, gentle breeze, clear sky and fall foliage do make autumn the best season to head out of the downtown of city and take in the nature. China has taken a dramatic change this fall, mountains and forests are all tinged, displaying a picturesque charm. Why not go out to see and feel this enthralling view of nature?
But where to go? Here are we come up with the 8 best places to visit in China with stunning autumn colors. Whether its the fall foliage on Fragrant Hill in Beijing, or the golden terraced fields in Guilin, get inspired and plan your trip to China in autumn.
1. Fragrant Hill in Beijing - Ablaze with Red Maple Leaves
Looking for the best places to visit in Beijing with fall foliage? Fragrance Hill finds itself 28km northwest of Beijing, and has the best red maples in the city. When the autumn arrives, the leaves start to change colors. Finally the whole hill is blanketed with fiery red leaves. Red Leaves Festival held from Mid-October to early November every year is expected to see most visitors. Cable cars are available on Fragrance Hill to save your energy and allows you to view the red maple forest from the air.
- Best time to visit: From mid-October to early November, avoiding the weekends
- What makes it a best place to visit: The red leaves in the royal garden are the most iconic autumn landmarks in the capital city.
- How to get there: Take the subway Xijiao Line and get out at Xiangshan Station.
2. Yellow Mountain - A Romantic Combination of Fall Foliage and Seas of Clouds
One of the most beautiful mountains in China, Yellow Mountain or Mt. Huangshan shows respective and various beauty on each season, while in autumn, it catches people’s eyes by vibrant and ripe tones, with attractive red and yellow leaves and fruits. At that moment, Yellow Mountain enjoys the most magnificent and splendid before being replaced by the withered of winter. Never miss the sunrise and seas of cloud on it.
At the foot of Mount Huangshan, in Hongcun and Taocun, you can also discover traditional and elegant Huizhou-style buildings shrouded in the autumn colors.
- Best time to visit: Mid-September to early November
- What makes it a best place to visit: Maple leaves, red osmanthus, strange pines and peculiar rocks complement each other beautifully.
- How to get there: It takes about 1 hour by shuttle bus from Huangshan Airport to the Huangshan Scenic Area; from the entrance of the scenic area, you can take a cable car to reach the mountain top.
- Recommended: 4-day Huangshan Discovery Tour
3. Jiuzhaigou Valley - Colorful Mountains Blend Beautifully with the Emerald Lakes
Jiuzhaigou Valley in the northern part of Sichuan Province always reminds us of the heaven on earth, especially in fall, as almost all colors are displaying here, ranging from green to yellow, orange to deep red. And the various bright colors reflect in the water of different sized lakes, blue ponds, and waterfalls – simply beautiful to behold!
The lakes such as Five-Flower Sea, Mirror Lake and Shuzheng Cluster Lake have colors ranging from deep blue to emerald green and deep blue. The colorful forests of red, orange and yellow are reflected in the clear lake water, creating an otherworldly scene. The widest waterfall in China, NoriLang Waterfall, displays a rainbow under the water mist in autumn. And at Changhai Lake, you can captures the snow-capped mountains and the red leaves together.
- Best time to visit: From mid-October to late October, avoid the China Golden Week
- What makes it a best place to visit: Undoubtedly, the best autumn destination in China
- How to get there: From Chengdu, take a China high speed train journey (about 2 hours) to get to Jiuzhaigou
- Recommended: 3-day Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Tour
4. Daocheng in Yading- An Untouched Autumn Wonderland
Yading in Daocheng County of southwest China's Sichuan Province was once mistaken for Shangri-La by American explorer Joseph Rock in 1928 due to its breathtaking scenery. In autumn, The Milk Sea, at an altitude of 4,600 meters, is as blue as a gemstone under the azure sky. The golden meadow is in harmony with the three sacred snow mountains, Yanasa'i, Yangma'ong, and Yanondoqi.
You can travel and hike here to see red grasslands, colorful trees, snow mountains and original villages and relax at one of the quietest and purest place on earth.
- Best time to visit: From the end of September to the middle of October
- What makes it a best place to visit: Snow-capped mountains, golden poplar forests, grasslands, and alpine lakes form a picture-perfect autumn landscape.
- How to get there: Fly from Chengdu to Yadong Airport in Nagqu (the world's highest civil airport); Drive along the scenic 318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway
- Recommended: 8-day Wild West Sichuan Adventure
5. Kanas (Hanas) Lake in Xinjiang- Serene Autumn Scenery with Few Visitors
Located in the valley of Altai in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kanas Lake is most famous for picturesque wild landscape which becomes a golden fairyland in autumn, widely loved by photographers. Best time for an autumn view of Kanas Lake is from late September to early October, when you will see golden leaves, peaceful green water, untouched plants and animals embraced by snow-capped mountains…
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, in the traditional Tuva wooden house village of Hemo Village, watch the sunrise with the smoke from cooking fires and the white birch forests, and gaze at the starry sky at night. The autumn scenery of Baihaba, an unknown border town between China and Kazakhstan, is also extremely beautiful.
- Best time to visit: From late September to early October, approximately 20 days
- What makes it a best place to visit: A truly undiscovered gen in autumn
- How to get there: Take a flight to Urumqi and then take a chartered vehicle to Kanas.
- Recommended:16-day Silk Road Xinjiang Panorama Tour
Longji Terraced Fields in Guilin: One of the Biggest in China
One of the Most Beautiful Rice Terraces in China, Longji Terraced Fields will be at its pretties in the harvest season – Autumn. Golden grain can be seen from the top to the bottom of mountains. Even the roads and houses seem to be dyed golden yellow. Ethnic minority culture is another highlight for a Longji Terraced Fields visit.
Ping'an Village Terraces, Longzhi Ancient Zhuang Village Terraces, and Jinkeng Dazhai Terraces are the best places to enjoy the view. Take wonderful photos of the terraced fields in morning mist and, as well as the sunset over the terraces.
- Best time to visit: From mid-September to mid-October, avoid China Golden Week holiday
- What makes it a best place to visit: When the rice is ripe, the terraced fields take on a magnificent golden hue, making it the perfect backdrop for autumn photography.
- How to get there: Take a bus from Qintan Bus Station in Guilin (about 2.5 hours) to get to Longji Rice Terraces.
- Recommended: 5-day Guilin Tour with Longji Rice Terraces
Ejina Poplar Forest in Inner Mongolia: The Unique Desolate Beauty of Autumn
In autumn, the 390,000 mu of thousand-year-old poplar forest from the Second Bridge to the Eighth Bridge finally turned a golden hue - the tree shadows were reflected in the Wuli River. The blue sky, golden leaves, the desert and the poplars interwove with each other, creating a strong color impact. Zhang Yimou's film "Hero" was shot in the poplar forest during the autumn season. Also don't miss out the Black City Ruins - the ruins of the Western Xia ancient city.
- Best time to visit: October 15th - 25th
- What makes it a top destination to visit: The desolate yet magnificent autumn scenery of Inner Mongolia.
- How to get there: Fly from Yinchuan or Lanzhou to Erdos City (few flights available).
- Recommended: 20-day China Silk Road Train Tour from Beijing
Wuyuan in Jiangxi - Autumn Harvest in Ancient Village
Among the most beautiful villages in China, Wuyuan is also one of the best places to visit in China during autumn. The morning mist of Shicheng is a highlight: centuries-old maple trees surround the ancient village, and the clouds and mist are swirling when the sun rises. Experience the year-ly autumn harvest in Huangling - Red peppers and corn cover the traditional Chinese architecture, making it a paradise for photographers.
- Best time to visit: Mid-October to mid-November
- What makes it a top destination to visit: The golden rice fields complement the traditional architectural style.
- How to get there: Take the high-speed train to Wuyuan Station and then hire a car to tour each village.
- Recommended:8-Day Beauties of Central China Tour | 9-Day Photography Tour of Hangzhou/Wuyuan/Yellow Mountain