12 Best Places to Visit in China in Autumn

12 Best Places to Visit in China in Autumn

As the sweltering summer heat finally gives way to the crisp fall days, China welcomes its most beautiful season in a year. In most parts of the country, autumn starts from September and lasts until November. The cool weather and bright sunny days make it comfortable to embark on outdoor excursions to take in vibrant landscapes full of warm tunes.

Here, we present a list of 12 best places to visit in China in autumn, which will promise to offer a unique and unforgettable experience during these picturesque months.

In-Depth Guide

1. Jiuzhaigou Valley: A Colorful Fairyland of Plateau Views

Jiuzhaigou Valley, nestled in the heart of Sichuan Province, is praised as a mysterious wonderland on earth and attracts numerous visitors with gem-like alpine lakes, spectacular waterfalls, magnificent snow mountains as well as lush primitive forests. Jiuzhaigou offers captivating natural scenery all year round, but during autumn, it will show the most beautiful views and present a grand visual feast of colors to tourists.

In the fall, Jiuzhaigou Valley becomes a vivid canvas. Patches of maple trees and birch groves paint the rolling mountains in fiery red and golden yellow, delivering a strong color contrast against the azure sky and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Emerald lakes look even brighter, reflecting vibrant hues of the surrounding forests as well as white clouds on the surface. You will feel like being in a realm of multiple colors with all these surreal landscapes around you.

2. Hulunbuir Grassland: A Fertile Prairie with Vast Horizons

Hulunbuir Grassland, is the best-preserved pasture in China, lying in the northeast of Inner Mongolia. The vast prairie is as soft and thick as an immense rug stretching as far as the eye can see, with flocks of cattle, sheep and horses quietly grazing around. As autumn arrives, the grassland will transform into a sea of golden hues, with the sunlight casting a warm glow on the swaying grasses.

Besides delightful natural scenery, there are still a lot of things to do on Hulunbuir Grassland. You can gallop on the prairie to obtain the sense of freedom and thrill. An exploration to a nearby Mongolian village enables you to learn local herdsmen’ lifestyle as well as culture and traditions of the minority. Taking part in a bonfire party at night with locals will be a special experience that will stay with you forever…

3. Wuyuan: Experience the Joy of Harvest in Ancient Villages

Wuyuan is hailed as “the most beautiful village in China”, offering an idyllic retreat for travelers seeking a glimpse into China’s rural charm. Nestled in the arm of lush mountains, it boasts unspoiled traditional Hui-style buildings with black tiles and white walls, which cling to the hillside in a staggered manner.

Wuyuan is considered one of the best places to visit in China in autumn. In fall days, the flaming maples trees, blooming chrysanthemum, ripe persimmons and golden gingko trees will present a striking contrast to the serene ambience of Hui-style villages around Wuyuan. The thriving scene of “Shai Qiu”, which means “drying up crops and fruits in the sun”, at Huangling Village from September to December is the greatest highlight in autumn.

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