Autumn in China: A Golden Season for Travel
When is Autumn in China
In traditional Chinese astronomy, the Start of Autumn (“Liqiu” in 24 Solar Terms, around August 7–8) marks the beginning of autumn in China. This does not fully align with the actual climatic variations across different regions. Then, Zhang Baokun, a distinguished Chinese climatologist, proposed a seasonal division method by integrating phenological phenomena and agricultural production. He defined that autumn begins when the 5-day average temperature stably drops to 22°C or below, which is now widely adopted across China for seasonal classification.
Consequently, the dates for the onset of autumn in China vary annually and differ regionally. The duration of it also fluctuates significantly by location and year.
For meteorological consistency, however, China’s autumn is conventionally defined as September, October, and November.
Autumn Weather in China by Months
The autumn season in China runs three months, including September, October, and November. The season sees a cooling trend, and the autumn weather in China differs from month to month.September
September typically experiences a temperature range between 16°C-26°C. However, true coolness comes later. Don't be fooled by the "Indian tiger" phenomenon (a brief return of warmer weather). The proverbial heat lingers until White Dew (mid-September), the third autumn solar term, temperatures typically decrease noticeably into comfortable autumn weather, before gradually turning colder. Hence, it is an ideal time to explore the autumn pattern in China.October
October marks the heart of autumn in China, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The monsoon-driven climate brings frequent cold air activities to the Northern areas, causing temperatures to drop and the air to turn dry. Early frost may appear in places like the Northeast and North China. Meanwhile, the Southern areas, still under the fading influence of subtropical highs, remain warm with less rain. By the way, October is a golden time to appreciate the natural beauty of the Great Wall of China in autumn.
>> Recommended 5-Day Beijing Great Wall of China Hiking Tour
November
November is the transition from late fall into winter. Autumn temperatures in China drop noticeably during this period, with highs averaging around 12°C and lows between 7-9°C. By late November, temperatures may drop to 6°C or below. Moreover, the day-night temperature difference is significant; at night, it drops sharply. In terms of precipitation, November usually sees less rainfall, with occasional light showers to decorate the golden autumn of China, adding a touch of moisture to the dry air.
>> Check out the weather and climate of China
China Autumn Weather in Different Regions
1. North China (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia)
As fall comes to North China, it brings frequent southward movements of cold air masses, generating strong northerly or northwesterly winds. These winds reach their peak in October and November, bringing abrupt temperature plunges and a harsh, dry cold that bites through clothing. Temperatures of cities like Beijing and Tianjin gradually decrease from summer highs. By late October of autumn in China, nights become cold, with November ushering in winter's preliminary chill.
Temperatures of Major Tourist Cities in China
| City | September (°C) | October (°C) | November (°C) |
| Beijing | 15–26°C | 8–19°C | 0–10°C |
| Tianjin | 17–26°C | 9–20°C | 1–11°C |
| Taiyuan | 11–24°C | 4–18°C | -3–9°C |
2. Northeast China (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang)
Autumn in China’s Northeast region frequently experiences strong winds during autumn, particularly when cold fronts pass through. By late September, temperatures begin to drop noticeably, with sudden cold snaps becoming a seasonal hallmark.
Northeast China turns genuinely cold in October, and some areas witness their first snowflakes before Halloween. As November comes, winter firmly establishes its reign across most of the territory, making cities like Harbin an icy fairyland.
Temperatures of Major Tourist Cities
| City | September (°C) | October (°C) | November (°C) |
| Shenyang | 15–26°C | 12–24°C | -4–6°C |
| Changchun | 10–21°C | 2–13°C | -8–2°C |
| Harbin | 9-21°C | 1–12°C | -10–0°C |
>> Recommended 11-Day Northeastern China Tour by Speed Train
3. East China (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, etc.)
East China's autumn unfolds as a gentle retreat from summer's blaze. Although the frequency and intensity of typhoons decrease compared to summer, East China cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou may still be affected by autumn typhoons in September and October, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Moreover, temperatures gradually decline since October, and nights turn chill. The diurnal temperature variation gradually increases with the progress of autumn in China, particularly in November.
Temperatures of Major Tourist Cities
| City | September (°C) | October (°C) | November (°C) |
| Shanghai | 21–28°C | 15–23°C | 9–17°C |
| Hangzhou | 21–28°C | 15–23°C | 9–17°C |
| Huangshan | 18–26°C | 12–20°C | 5–12°C |
>> Recommended 8-Day East China Highlights Tour
4. Central China (Henan, Hubei, Hunan)
In autumn, this region boasts delightful weather with clear skies and gentle breezes. There is a significant temperature drop in October, with cool days and colder nights. Though occasional Arctic gusts interrupt with sudden chills, they only enhance the season's refreshing character. Overall, it offers a great time for outdoor activities when traveling in Central China in autumn, such as climbing the floating mountains in Zhangjiajie.
Temperatures of Major Tourist Cities
| City | September (°C) | October (°C) | November (°C) |
| Wuhan | 20–28°C | 14–23°C | 8–16°C |
| Zhangjiajie | 15–28°C | 12–25°C | 8–17°C |
| Zhengzhou | 16–27°C | 10–22°C | 3–14°C |
>> Recommended 8-Day Beauties of Central China Tour
5. South China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan, etc.)
South China remains hot in September, and temperatures gradually decrease from October. Regarding precipitation, fall rains come in quick bursts with relatively short duration. Despite this, autumn in China’s coastal areas embrace high moisture, which amplifies the warmth and creates morning mists that blur skylines. The typhoon lingers through autumn's gateway months, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds, especially to coastal regions, which significantly disrupts transportation.
Temperatures of Major Cities
| City | September (°C) | October (°C) | November (°C) |
| Guangzhou | 24–32°C | 21–29°C | 16–25°C |
| Xiamen | 24–31°C | 21–27°C | 16–24°C |
| Haikou | 25–31°C | 23–29°C | 20–26°C |
>> Recommended 11-Day Splendid South China Tour
6. Southwest China (Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, Tibet)
Temperatures in autumn in China's Southwest region drop since September, particularly in areas with high latitudes like Tibet, where autumn is relatively brief. Cities like Chengdu and Chongqing experience warm weather in fall, but autumn fog frequently occurs, particularly during morning and nighttime hours. While in parts of Yunnan and Guizhou, the diurnal temperature variation is significant, with warm days and cooler nights.
Temperatures of Major Tourist Cities
| City | September (°C) | October (°C) | November (°C) |
| Chengdu | 19–25°C | 15–21°C | 10–16°C |
| Kunming | 15–23°C | 12–20°C | 7–18°C |
| Lhasa | 8–20°C | 2–17°C | -4–12°C |
>> Recommended 10-Day Southwest Essence of China Tour
7. Northwest China (Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Qinghai)
Northwest China experiences a sharp decrease in temperatures from September, with large diurnal temperature differences in most cities, including Xi'an and Dunhuang. Autumn is characterized by strong winds. Particularly in arid desert and Gobi regions, dusty and sandy weather frequently occurs. For travelers heading to high-altitude destinations like Qinghai of China in autumn, be prepared for early cold weather.
Temperatures of Major Cities
| City | September (°C) | October (°C) | November (°C) |
| Xi’an | 16–25°C | 10–19°C | 3–12°C |
| Urumqi | 13–23°C | 3–14°C | -6–2°C |
| Dunhuang | 12–27°C | 2–20°C | -6–8°C |
>> Recommended 15-Day China Silk Road In-depth Discovery Tour
Best Places to Visit in China in Autumn
Curious about China’s most beautiful autumn destinations? To appreciate autumn leaves in China, you can visit Fragrant Hill in Beijing, where fiery-red smoke tree leaves set the mountains ablaze in a breathtaking tapestry of colors. When autumn in China approaches, the Three Gorges stun the world with their cliffs draped in flaming maples, so don’t hesitate to embark on a Yangtze River cruise tour to marvel at the fiery-red maple leaves of Kuimen Gate.
For more stunning natural views of China’s autumn foliage, travel to the Bashang Grassland of China in autumn and indulge in the magnificent views consisting of the golden meadows, white flocks of sheep, and blue skies with white clouds. At Kanas in Xinjiang, you’ll see golden birch forests intertwine with dark-green spruce trees, while the turquoise lake water reflects snow-capped mountains and drifting clouds. Never miss the Jiuzhaigou Valley, the only place on Earth where the collision of red leaves and minerals creates nature’s most extravagant palette.
Festivals and Events in Autumn in China
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China's important traditional holidays, observed annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. On the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, people admire the full moon, decode lantern riddles, and enjoy osmanthus blossoms. In some southern regions like Foshan (Guangdong) and Nanning (Guangxi), lantern exhibitions are held. If you visit China during this festival, join the locals to experience these traditions.
The Miao Ethnic Ganqiu Festival
This is a harvest celebration of China in fall observed annually on September 1 by the Miao people in western Hunan, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and other regions. At the Ganqiu Festival, Miao young men and women dress in splendid traditional attire and engage in activities like swinging competitions, lusheng (reed-pipe) performances, and folk dances to pray for a bountiful harvest and happiness.
Sun-Drying Autumn in Wuyuan and Huizhou
As autumn in China arrives, the villagers of Huangling in Wuyuan and Tachuan in Huizhou, two great destinations in China for Photographers, begin a special activity—Shai Qiu (Sun-Drying Autumn). It is no ordinary crop-drying routine but a vivid celebration of harvest and hope. On their rooftops, the locals sun-dry various agricultural products: red chili peppers, yellow corn, purple eggplants, and more. Through the racks staggered at different heights with the rooftops, you can see a strikingly layered landscape.
Holidays to Avoid When Traveling to China in Autumn
When planning a trip to China in autumn, avoid the Golden Week holiday (October 1-7). During this period, all Chinese travelers hit the roads simultaneously, causing severe traffic congestion. Moreover, hotel prices surge significantly. Endless queues at attractions also stretch your patience, which compromises the travel experience.
Visit Autumn in China with Easy Tour China
Overwhelmed by China's countless autumn wonders? Let Easy Tour China—your expert with 20+ years in tailor-made China tours—craft the perfect fall itinerary for you. Contact us now, and we will customize your China trip in autumn according to your needs and preferences, allowing you to see as many diverse landscapes of autumn in China as possible and experience the local customs of different regions. Or you can start your China trip by joining our most frequently selected China tour packages.