November is the middle of China's autumn when you can see the most gorgeous fall colors in and around the cities. It is the best season to capture the fall foliage of nature and enjoy outdoor activities with your family and friends.
These five destinations are the most recommended because the natural scenery there is really fabulous and they are suitable for outdoor activities such as photography and trekking.
1. Beijing — Great Weather and Fall Colors
November is one of the best seasons to visit Beijing, followed by May and June. It is cool and comfortable, and sometimes breezy.
The whole city becomes more charming and elegant, painted by the red walls of the ancient architectures and the golden foliage in the parks and Beijing's suburbs. It is a great time to explore Beijing's suburbs, where the ancient temples are covered with red leaves and golden ginkgos.
Hiking along the Badaling and Mutianyu Great Wall or camping on the Great Wall to appreciate the spectacular autumn views and enjoy the fresh air is a good idea. We can take you to the wild parts of the Great Wall, which is a unique way to travel around Beijing.
The Great Wall- 10-Day Beijing – Pingyao – Xi'an – Shanghai Tour
- 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour
- More Beijing tours
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Amazing time in Beijing
Tom has been an amazing guide during our trip to Beijing. He explained us a lot about all the attractions we have visited, giving details about the history behind.Always on time, always flexible to accomodate our needs and requests. He gave us a lot of great suggestions about what to do in the free time and about restaurants.Has been a real pleasure to have him as guide, hope everyone can have someone like him during their time in Beijing. more
Aug 2025, giulio
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Experienced and knowledgeable private guide
Mark is a knowledgeable private guide with good English skills. He always had a story or tips to share at each location we visited. Also he and Mr Joe the driver were very flexible. We were there leading up to a military parade and so some locations were restricted around Tiananmen Square and so they worked late to help us navigate the situation and accomplish our goal to see the square. more
Aug 2025, taylor kevin
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Best Experience Ever! (Thanks Bruce!)
We had the chance for traveling to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) and we really enjoyed the experience.Bruce was our guide and was absolutely helpful and supportive.And also a great photographer! more
Aug 2025, giorgiocY8586FY
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2. The Yellow Mountains
The Yellow MountainsThe Yellow Mountains are colorful in autumn. The mountains are magnificent, covered by red maples and interspersed with yellow fruits under the white clouds and blue sky. November is an ideal season to climb the Yellow Mountains due to the weather being neither hot nor cold.
It is one of the best months to witness the sea of clouds. With the vibrant red foliage as a backdrop, it’s also among the most photogenic times of the year. Bright Summit is perfect for capturing sunrise between 5–6 a.m., while the West Sea Grand Canyon offers breathtaking sunset views around 5–6 p.m.
If you are keen on outdoor activities, you can bring a tent to spend the night at the back of the mountain. Wake up in the early morning (about half past four) to appreciate the fabulous sunrise.
Apart from the natural scenery of the Yellow Mountains, the human culture and ancient architectures in the folk villages near the Yellow Mountains can also make you feel deeply impressed, such as the famous Hongcun Village and Tunxi Ancient Street.
3. Zhangjiajie
ZhangjiajieIn November, Zhangjiajie turns into a romantic and poetic world veiled by fog. The steep cliffs and plants in the mountains are more beautiful.
The mountains in Zhangjiajie are quite different from other mountains in China, which are separated into small cliffs. Why not take a side trip to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town and Furong Town to be intoxicated and feel relaxed in the tranquil and peaceful environment?
Also read How to Plan a Tour of Zhangjiajie.
4. The Western Sichuan
DaochengPlanning a hiking tour in Western Sichuan Province in autumn is much more exciting! It is one of the most popular hiking routes in China, starting from Chengdu, passing through Xinduqiao, Yading, Daocheng, and arriving at Luding Bridge.
This route can really deeply explore nature in the southwest of China. You can see the stunning fall scenery throughout the trip, combined with the blue sky and pure snow-covered mountains.
The Tibetan culture is a highlight in the Western Sichuan Province. Visiting the ancient monasteries and Tibetan houses is very meaningful and interesting.
5. Jiuzhaigou
JiuzhaigouThe different colors of the four seasons in Jiuzhaigou are fantastic. Jiuzhaigou's spring is grassy and full of vitality, and summer is verdant and exuberant. In autumn, Jiuzhaigou is splendid. The colorful plants reflect on the sparkling and translucent lakes under the bright blue sky.
Jiuzhaigou in November is quiet and more budget-friendly. You would enjoy a richer blend of late-autumn colors and early-winter scenery.
Trekking along the little path into the dense forest in Jiuzhaigou, you may meet some rare animals and plants. At the end of November, you may witness the beginning of winter in Jiuzhaigou. Don't forget to take pictures of the memorable moments.
Check out the most popular 7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland Tour
Tour China with Us
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. All our tours can be customized. We will create a trip for your vacation according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.
If you have a preferred place to visit in addition to the above, we could also make an itinerary for you.
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