November could be an ideal time to travel in China after the peak season crowds head home and before the worst of the chilly winter weather arrives.
You could also appreciate the amazing scenery. Red, gold, yellow, and brown hues create amazing autumnal views and the sky is usually clear in the dry season of fall.
North China may see its first snow but Central and South China have moderate and comfortable temperatures.
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China Weather in November: Overview
- Average daily temperature range: 3–13°C (37–55°F)
- Average rainfall: 29 mm (1 in), low
- Average rainy days: 2
- Average sunny days: 28
Weather in North China (Beijing, Xi'an...)
November is the beginning of the real winter weather in China's northern and high-altitude areas. North China gets crisp, cool, and clear weather.
Beijing gets cool days and it usually stays above freezing at night. The average temperature range is 0–10°C (32–50°F) and there is typically just 1 day of low rainfall, around 13 mm (0.5 in) in November.
Xi'an will be a little warmer than Beijing, averaging 4–13°C (39–55°F). The days are still pleasant and most days are clear.
Clothing: November is cold at night. Wear a coat, gloves, and head covering as well as lighter clothes.
Weather in East China (Shanghai, Hangzhou...)
There are generally cool or warm days and cool nights that are well above freezing in East China.
The comfortable weather and sunshine in the east are great for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and traveling around.
Take Shanghai as an example — the average temperature range is 9–17°C (48–63°F) and there are typically 5 days of low rainfall (42 mm, 1½ in) in November.
Shanghai generally has pleasant autumnal weather and there may be fog in the mornings. However, a cold snap might bring bitter windy weather with it.
Clothing: Wear a jacket, light clothing, and a hat/hood
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Shanghai tour with Kris
We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great. more
Feb 2024, Maria C
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We had an amazing to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. more
Feb 2024, Ray Luan
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Amazing trip to China
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. more
Feb 2024, Ray L.
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Shanghai 2024
We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic. On top of the that, Martin and the driver stayed with us at the clinic for the whole duration and drove us back to the hotel afterwards. His genuine concern for our welfare and willingness to go the extra mile did not go unnoticed, and we were deeply touched by his kindness and compassion. more
Feb 2024, Venture33530492375
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Shanghai 2024
Shanghai is an amazing mix of modern and historical China. Our guide Kris was great and very flexible when it came to completing the itinerary which was helpful considering the poor weather + visibility on the first day when we were supposed to visit Shanghai tower. Walking along the river front (bund) area was a big highlight for us. more
Feb 2024, Explore49612084715
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Shanghai 2024
We traveled to Shanghai in Jan/Feb 2024 with China Highlights. Shanghai is an amazing mix of modern and historical China. Our guide Kris was great and very flexible when it came to completing the itinerary which was helpful considering the poor weather + visibility on the first day when we were supposed to visit Shanghai tower. Walking along the river front (bund) area was a big highlight for us. more
Feb 2024, Lydia
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Shanghai trip for Mihail
Me and my wife had a trip to China and part of it we spent in Shanghai. Our private tour guide was Kris Lee and I have to say he was very much up for the task. His knowledge of China's history was quite comprehensive and more than I could have expected. If only I could have that kind of memory. His level of English exceeded my expectations and that of course served us very well not only in understanding the Chinese culture, traditions, way of life, etc, but also allowed us to order meals, drinks, make purchases, ask whatever questions coming to mind, making us comfortable to experience the place without the inherent language issues we could have had otherwise. All in all Kris Lee is certainly an asset for any travel agency from China more
Feb 2024, Mihail D
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China highlights Shanghai
I had a wonderful trip to China. Martin was my guide. The history and sights picked were wonderful. The additional spots like the world’s largest Starbucks and the help to make reservations at the Old Jazz club were great. more
Feb 2024, Megan.S
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Fantastic week in Shanghai and Suzhou
The guide (Martin) was extraordinary in history, local food, communication & management skills, and etc. With his expertise, Martin made sure we got the best experience in Shanghai and Suzhou even after the day tour ended he recommended where we should see, go, and dine. Couldn't be happier! more
Feb 2024, Resort08416089594
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Profesional and detail oriented
My last stop was Shanghai. I was greeted by Martin. It is pretty much a 1 day itinerary there. Martin took me to all the stops and introduced me to a cool tea house not on the agenda. With the extra time we had we also stopped Starbuck’s Reserve which is the largest in the world. Martin also helped me make reservations at the Old Jazz Club at the Fairmont Hotel. more
Jan 2024, Megan Sandbothe
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Shanghai
Great couple days in Shanghai. Thanks to my guide Martin for showing me best of Shanghai. Great work by China team - trip very well organised. more
Jan 2024, Steve P
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Amazing experience !!!
Great tour! Very flexible and our tour guide Chris was so amazing that he adjusted to our last time request there! I totally recommend this tour !! more
Jan 2024, Victor A
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Amazing trip in China
Guides were Mark in Beijing, Jenny in Xi’an, Frank in Guilin/Yangshuo and Kris and Peter in Shanghai. I can’t say enough how wonderful each of them were to us. They worked very hard to give us a five star tour. The drivers were five star as well. Our hotels were very clean and wonderful with a great breakfast buffet each morning. Our guides would take us to a great locals place for lunch each day and then dinner we were on our own, but each guide would give us fantastic places to go. I know without a doubt our trip was exceptional due to booking with Liberman at China Highlights Tour Company. more
Jan 2024, Mary Ann Brady
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Shnaghai lovers
From the moment we arrived in Shanghai it was an unforgettable experience. The agency and Martín (our guide) made everything possible to had the best experience and were always open to show or teach more if was necessary. We were very happy with the places we saw and the stories we learned thanks to Martín!!! I totally recommend the agency!! more
Jan 2024, Fanny Ramírez?
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Shangai in our hearth
From the moment we arrived in Shanghai it was an unforgettable experience. The agency and Martín (our guide) made everything possible to had the best experience and were always open to show or teach more if was necessary. We were very happy with the places we saw and the stories we learned thanks to Martín!!! I totally recommend the agency!! more
Jan 2024, Fanny Ramírez
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Caring Guide Made a Great Trip
We were so fortunate to have Kris as our tour guide. He was so kind and helpful with a great sense of humor. He made sure that my parents, who are in their 70s, were comfortable and that we traveled at a good place. Kris had excellent suggestions for restaurants and he helped arrange tickets to the Eras 2 show- like a cirque de soleil type show that was spectacular. I really enjoyed the Yu Garden as well as the propaganda poster museum. I highly recommend Kris and China Highlights! more
Jan 2024, Rose A
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Great tour in Shanghai.
We had Kris Lee as our tour guide for a few days and we loved all the experiences. He is a very capable guide and knows a lot about history. We needed him to translate many things in the city and he was very patient with us. He speaks very good English and is punctual. He took many pictures for us and was very calm dealing with my father who walked sometimes slowly more
Jan 2024, shinemasla
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Amazing
Amazing tour well organized by our guide Kenny.We have the possibility to visit different highlights of the city and also some unknown Places that you cannot find in any guides.We Highly suggest to choose china highlights and Kenny to discover Shangai! more
Jan 2024, Alessandra
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Amazing Experience with Kenny!
We had Kenny as our guide for Suzhou and she was amazing! We were all very impressed with her attentive service, professionalism and knowledge of the tourist spots and also China in general.She was definitely one of our highlights of our trip! more
Jan 2024, Goplaces
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Amazing City
Amazing different sides of Shanghai. We visited the Bund, Yu Garden, Water Town, local markets, Shanghai Tower and the Disneyland. Our guide, Ting was also excellent, accommodating and very knowledgeable. The driver, Mr. Jin was great and helpful too. The Halal restaurants are good. more
Jan 2024, Farid S
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Weather in South China (Guilin, Hong Kong...)
South China's temperature is comfortable at about 20°C (68°F) during the daytime. There is still some rainfall in November, so it won't be too dry.
Take Guilin as an example — the average temperature range is 11–19°C (52–66°F) in November.
Hong Kong benefits from warm and sunny weather, which is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and shopping in the street markets. There is little rain. November and December are the most pleasant months.
Clothing: The weather is changeable in most of the region. It is generally warm but it can get cold unexpectedly. You would need warm weather clothing and a jacket.
Weather in West China (Chengdu, Tibet, Yunnan...)
In most areas, the temperature falls significantly — it gets cold and the mountains receive snow. There are usually no rainy days in November in West China.
The average temperature range in Lhasa is -3–15°C (27–59°F) and there are usually completely clear days in November.
Chengdu's temperature is 9–16°C (48–61°F) and there are typically 4 days of low rainfall (16 mm, 0.5 in) in November.
Yunnan has a large temperature difference between day and night. During the day, the temperature is warm at about 20°C (68°F). However, it has cold nights that are just above freezing.
Clothing: The weather is changeable in most of the region. It is generally warm, but it can get cold unexpectedly. You would need warm weather clothing and a jacket.
Top 6 Places to Visit in China in November
Autumn scenery and leisurely outdoor activities are highlights of traveling in China in November.
If you enjoy landscapes, destinations like Huangshan and Guilin are excellent choices. Outdoor activities, such as hiking on the Great Wall, are also well-suited for November.
For urban experiences and culture coupled with pleasant weather, Shanghai and Hong Kong are good choices.
1. Shanghai
Shanghai is quiet in November, with a charming blend of autumnal colors and urban vibrancy.
The plane trees on both sides of the streets turn a golden hue, complemented by the gentle breeze and warm sunlight, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll in the former French Concession. You could see almost all of the architectural styles of old Shanghai there. There are also numerous cafés and museums.
As for the unmissable Bund, compared to a simple sightseeing trip for photo shoots, an in-depth walking tour, which we offer, with a local guide would take you into some old buildings and help you understand the stories behind them.
At night, we could carefully select a hotel with a rooftop bar for you. There, you could leisurely enjoy the night view of the Bund and the moon with a glass of wine.
2. Hong Kong
The weather in Hong Kong in November is comfortable without the dry heat and humidity of summer.
The drop in visitors and prices during the off-season makes November a good time to visit Hong Kong.
The milder temperatures make exploring the city's neighborhoods and bustling markets a pleasant affair. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade or a visit to the markets of Mong Kok, November offers a comfortable backdrop for urban exploration.
Victoria Harbour, a centerpiece of the city, glistens under the gentle sunlight, reflecting the towering buildings that stand along its shores.
Lantau Island's natural beauty shines during this time of year. The cable car ride up to Ngong Ping offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and seascape. The iconic Tian Tan Buddha stands serenely amid the changing foliage, inviting visitors to find solace in the tranquil surroundings.
3. Huangshan
November also brings fewer crowds to the Yellow Mountains, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serenity of the mountains and fully appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.
The crisp air carries a hint of winter, enhancing the clarity of the panoramic views.
November is one of the best times to see the seas of clouds between the Yellow Mountain peaks. As you ascend, misty veils often shroud the peaks, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
The granite peaks, twisted pines, and iconic stone pathways appear to float amid the seas of clouds, making for a truly otherworldly experience.
Bishan Village is also a highlight. You could walk around the village to see how artists have turned this small area into a rural utopia.
If you are interested in craftsmanship and Chinese culture, we recommend the experience of making traditional Chinese lanterns. It could be a great souvenir to take home.
4. Guilin
November is a good time to explore the Guilin countryside, revealing charming villages and rice terraces that seem to glow in the autumn light.
The terraced fields, adorned with their golden harvest, create a patchwork quilt of colors that stretches into the distance.
Beyond the natural beauty, its cultural experiences also beckon. Visit a minority family and enjoy lunch with them. You could see how local dishes are cooked, such as how to cook rice inside a bamboo tube and the process of making oil tea.
For a leisurely experience, take a Li River cruise. The Li River meanders gracefully through this stunning backdrop, reflecting the striking peaks and lush vegetation along its banks.
5. Beijing
The Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which are must-see attractions, have fewer tourists in November, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest advantages of visiting Beijing at this time.
Views of the Great Wall are still good in November. The Great Wall weaves through forests displaying their fall colors. The watchtowers and battlements seem to emerge from the foliage, offering breathtaking vistas that span the horizon.
You could explore the old hutong area where you could visit a local family. From talking to them, you would get a local perspective on the area's history and the way of life.
If you want an exceptional night out in Beijing, you could start a food tour. From hidden snack bars in the hutongs to street-side shops that are popular with locals to renowned roast duck restaurants, you could sample Beijing's signature snacks, dishes, drinks, and desserts.
6. Tibet
Visiting Tibet in November allows you to take full advantage of the off-peak season, benefiting from more affordable prices and a less crowded travel experience.
It's a time to witness the resilience of both nature and the local people in the face of the changing seasons and to appreciate the raw and untamed magnificence of Tibet's landscapes.
You could pay a visit to the Potala Palace and stroll along Barkhor Street, following in devout pilgrims' footsteps and experiencing the profound Buddhist ambiance of Tibet. There, you could also imbibe the daily rhythms of Tibetan life at a local market.
Lakes, such as Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake, which are usually surrounded by snow-capped peaks, can be frozen over during November, adding an extra layer of enchantment to their already stunning beauty.
Costs and Crowds in November
November is the low season for Chinese tourism, so you could benefit as prices decrease substantially from what they were during the high season.
Typically-crowded attractions reach a state of calm in November. Together with the cool, dry weather, November is a really good time to travel.
Recommended China Tours
We could solve the problem of planning a complex trip in an unfamiliar region for you, saving you time and effort while ensuring that your travel needs and desires are met. Just contact us to book a tour by telling us your requirements.
When booking with us, you would receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure. (See more on our cancelation policy.)
All of our tours can be adjusted or customized based on your requirements. See some of our popular itineraries for inspiration:
- 13-Day Shanghai–Chengdu–Xi'an–Pingyao–Beijing Tour
- 12-Day Shanghai – Beijing – Hong Kong – Guangzhou – Zhangjiajie Tour
- 16-Day Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Kunming – Guilin – Hong Kong Tour