Where to Travel in China in Fall

As summer retreats and fall emerges, China ushers in a season of harvest and celebration. Fields across the country brim with abundance, while the crisp air in the cities carries the aroma of freshly baked mooncakes, a beloved treat for Mid-Autumn Festival. Temples and parks come alive with locals practicing taiji, their movements gentle and fluid, embodying a harmonious connection with nature. This season also honors ancestors with offerings of food and incense. For those wondering where to travel in in China in Fall, here is a guide to exploring its vivid landscapes and finding moments of peaceful reflection within them.

Harvest season brings golden hues to rural Guizhou.

September 

In September, the soft sunlight in northern China casts Shanxi province in a golden glow. Warm, dappled light scatters over Datong, once the ancient capital of the Northern Wei Empire, highlighting its restored city wall and revitalized old quarter. This same light dances across the ancient city of Pingyao’s cobbled streets and quaint courtyards. Here, the season’s auburn foliage complements the rustic facades of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and the warm radiance of red lanterns, transporting visitors to a time gone by. This nostalgic setting draws photographers and art enthusiasts from around the world to the Pingyao International Photography Festival, held in mid-September, where creative minds gather to capture the city’s charm and autumnal beauty.

Fall is also the ideal time to visit Shanxi’s Wutaishan Mountain, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist peaks and the earthly abode of Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Pilgrims come to this site for spiritual reflection and visitors come for the clear, colorful vistas. Be on the lookout for Wutaishan’s mystical rainbows, which often appear unaccompanied by rain when the sky is clear in the cooler months. 

As fall deepens, southwestern Guizhou offers a different kind of allure. The lower temperatures provide comfortable conditions to hike through its hidden waterfalls, lush forests, and dramatic Karst landscapes. In September, Dali Dong Village’s farming land reaches its golden peak. The harvest season enlivens Guizhou’s paddy fields, offering a chance to observe time-honored cultivation methods. Farmers work diligently in the fields, embodying the enduring spirit and success of the rural landscape in China.

Terraced rice fields and traditional wooden houses in Dali Dong Village.

October 

As October arrives, the weather in Gansu, a region in northwest China, creates a comfortable climate in Dunhuang. This historical city was an important trade stop on the ancient Silk Road. During this month, gentle light leaks into its Mogao Grottoes, famous for their Buddhist art and ancient manuscripts, creating a breathtaking sight. Nearby, the tranquil oasis of Crescent Lake mesmerizes with clear blue waters surrounded by golden sand dunes and trees. 

Meanwhile, in southern China, the Longsheng Rice Terraces in Yangshuo display an autumn landscape reminiscent of a scroll painting. The fields are brushed with shades of amber as the harvest season begins. Known for its striking layers cascading down the mountainsides, the region attracts visitors for hiking and photography, especially those keen to capture the dazzling sunrise. Beyond the magnificent views, travelers can dive into local culture by enjoying homemade dishes, wandering through idyllic farmland and isolated villages, and participating in heritage practices such as bamboo weaving, or cooking Guangxi cuisine.

For those seeking a big city adventure, fall is an excellent time to explore the country’s capital, Beijing. Mid-Autumn Festival brings exuberant celebrations to Beijing, with lantern displays and traditional performances lighting up historic sites including the Summer Palace and Beihai Park.

In Shanghai, trees lining the streets in the former French Concession don their fall coat, providing a cooling canopy for stylish city-goers cycling and strolling past bustling boutiques and coffee houses. The city also hosts the Shanghai International Arts Festival in October, which is a month-long showcase of global artistic talent.

The iconic Wukang Mansion in Shanghai, framed by fall foliage.

As Shanghai’s streets buzz with fall activities, the city captures the essence of autumn in China. This season brings a dynamic mix of natural beauty and festivities throughout the country, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Interested in experiencing one of these fall escapes on your next China trip? Get in touch to start planning. 👇