September is arguably the second-best time to visit China, right after October.
Why? Because the intense summer heat of July and August is gone, schools are back in session, crowds shrink, and both attractions and hotels drop back to normal prices. It's truly one of the best-value months to travel.
But that doesn't mean you should just show up without a plan.
In this guide, you'll find key weather tips and practical planning advice to help you enjoy a smoother and more rewarding trip.
How's the Weather in China in September?
Temperatures differ quite a bit from north to south. In the north, September is when autumn starts to set in — the weather becomes cooler, drier, and much more comfortable for sightseeing.
In the south, it's still warm. Not as hot as July and August, but you'll still feel some heat until late September. Also note that some southern cities — like Shanghai and Guangzhou — can still get typhoons in September.
Heavy rain might affect your outdoor plans for a day or two. When planning your trip, it's a good idea to have a simple Plan B in case of weather-related delays.
Top 4 Places to Visit in China in September
September is one of the best months to travel in China. Crowds thin out after summer, the weather becomes pleasantly cool, and most sightseeing spots feel much more relaxed.
It's also a great month for hiking. With low rainfall and comfortable temperatures, trails are safer, and views are clearer — making routes like the Great Wall or Tiger Leaping Gorge especially rewarding.
Our Great Wall Hiking Tour or Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek can help you explore these trails safely and at the best pace.
September is when China's seasonal golden landscapes begin to appear. This limited-time autumn beauty lets you step into a fairytale of golden forests and crisp air.
Northern China usually enters autumn earlier than the south, so you'll find deeper, richer colors there throughout the month.
Below are the top four places in China to enjoy autumn views in September.
1. Kanas
September is one of the best times to visit Kanas in Xinjiang. The birch forests around the lake turn golden and climb up the surrounding mountains. It really feels like walking into a storybook.
Kanas in autumnIn early September (10–15), the leaves are just starting to change. Green and yellow mix together, and the area is quiet with very few visitors.
From September 16–25, you'll hit the best time for Kanas. The colors are at their peak, and cool mornings often bring mist to Hemu Village, creating those dreamy views of wooden houses wrapped in soft fog.
From September 26 to early October, the colors are at their richest. You may even catch the first snowfall of the season. If you're lucky, you'll see golden leaves and fresh white snow at the same time.
If you'd like to experience this golden early-autumn scenery, check out our 8-day Northern Xinjiang tour including Kanas. You'll see golden birch forests, fairytale-style wooden houses, and even the border area near Kazakhstan.
2. Greater Khingan Range
If you're looking for one of China's earliest and most magical autumn landscapes, this is the place.
The Greater Khingan Range hits its most beautiful moment in mid-September, when the forest turns golden for just two weeks each year. It feels like stepping into a Van Gogh painting.
There are a few great places to catch the best views. A simple route goes like: Hailar — Arxan — Mordaoga — Genhe — return.
In Arxan National Forest Park, the volcanic Heavenly Lake shines a deep sapphire blue, framed by golden pines.
Heavenly Lake in Arxan National Forest ParkIn Moerdaoga National Forest Park, you can ride a vintage forest train, watching golden pine needles and fiery red maples glide past your window.
Moerdaoga National Forest ParkIn Genhe, you can stay with the Evenki reindeer herding community and take photos with their gentle reindeer—an experience unique to this region.
Want to wander through China's golden September your own way? Our flexible, custom-made tours let you savor autumn exactly as you imagine it. Just contact us with your ideas.
3. Ulan Butong
If you're looking for wide-open autumn scenery with rich colors and room to explore, Ulan Butong is an unforgettable choice.
Ulan ButongUlan Butong isn't just beautiful in summer—the grasslands turn stunning in autumn too. If you want to see some of China's most impressive fall colors on open plains, this is the place to go.
- Early autumn (Sept 18–24): The landscape shifts into soft greens and yellows. Birch trees start turning light gold at the tips, and the whole area feels calm and quiet.
- Golden autumn (Sept 25–Oct 1): This is the best time to visit. Birch forests turn fully yellow, oak and maple trees deepen to red, and the grasslands show a gorgeous blend of green–gold–red layers.
Start from Chifeng and drive about 3.5 hours into the Ulan Butong area. Inside the scenic zone, you can ride horses on the open grasslands. You can also visit Princess Lake to see birch trees reflected in the clear water.
And in Tongfeng Valley, walk through a landscape where red maples, white birches, and grasslands blend beautifully together.
4. Gannan
Gannan in September doesn't just offer beautiful fall colors — it also gives you a unique bonus: a Tibetan-like atmosphere woven into the autumn landscape.
Labrang Monastery- At Labrang Monastery, see golden leaves falling beside deep-red monks' robes and feel the quiet weight of devotion.
- Wander across the Sangke Grassland, where autumn sunlight pours over golden meadows like a generous gift from nature.
- In the Tibetan village of Zhagana, enjoy the September-only golden barley fields, join the harvest activities in Yeri Village, or hike to Fairy Beach for a panoramic view of the valley.
Sangke GrasslandBest Time to See Autumn Colors in Gannan:
- Early Autumn (Mid–Late September): Vast grasslands begin turning yellow, creating a beautiful transition of green and gold.
- Peak Autumn (Sept 21 – Oct 15): The grasslands turn fully golden. Haystacks scattered across the fields create Gannan's iconic autumn look.
- Deep Autumn (Oct 16 – Oct 25): Leaves turn intensely yellow and start falling, giving the forests richer, deeper colors as branches gradually emerge.
- Late Autumn (Oct 26 – Early November): Most leaves have fallen, and the landscape shifts to muted brown tones—marking the end of the season.
Gannan's autumn lasts longer than many regions, giving you more travel flexibility and a wider window to catch the best colors.
Discover China with China Highlights
If you'd like to enjoy some autumn scenery while visiting the classic sights in September, just share your ideas with us. We'll design a personalized trip that perfectly fits what you want. You could also refer to our 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery for inspiration.
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