October is the most popular month for people traveling to China. Sunny and cool weather that's ideal for travel prevails in most of China. Autumnal colors begin to appear across the country and are generally at their best at the end of the month.
Read on to learn more about China's weather in October and take advantage of our helpful travel tips.
Is October a Good Time to Visit China?
October is one of the most pleasant months to travel in China — not too hot, not too cold, and filled with beautiful autumn colors.
However, it's also one of the busiest travel seasons. The first week of October marks China's National Day "Golden Week", a seven-day public holiday when millions of locals travel across the country. During this period, expect large crowds at major attractions and hotel prices that may double.
To enjoy a more relaxed experience, it's best to avoid the first week of October. By the end of the month, tourist numbers drop significantly, making it a better time to visit.
Tips for Traveling During Golden Week
If you decide to travel during this peak holiday, make sure to book your hotel at least one month in advance.
Crowds are inevitable. You'll likely need to queue for almost everything, from attractions and restaurants to taxis.
For a smoother experience, consider joining a private tour. It can make logistics much easier. With someone arranging your tickets (VIP channels), transport, and daily schedule, you'll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying.
Guides and vehicles tend to be in high demand during October, so it's best to book at least two months ahead.
While most popular destinations will be busy, there are still quieter corners of China where you can enjoy the autumn scenery without the crowds. Check out our Places to Escape the Golden Week Crowds for ideas on where to go if you're seeking a calmer getaway.
China Weather in October: Overview
October has already moved past China's rainy season, and most cities are dry. Daytime weather is generally warm and sunny — perfect for outdoor sightseeing.
With clear skies, nature destinations like Zhangjiajie and Guilin look especially beautiful. It's also a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking the Great Wall, trekking to Everest Base Camp, hiking in Yubeng, or biking around Erhai Lake.
If you're into a bit of adventure, October is also ideal for desert travel. The deserts in Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang are no longer hot.
Overall, almost everywhere in China is good to travel in October. If you have other destinations in mind besides the following, we could also arrange an itinerary to suit you.
Top 10 Places to Visit in China in October
In October, almost everywhere is highly suitable for sightseeing. The cool and pleasant weather makes it perfect for a variety of activities. Most destinations are adorned with charming autumn colors.
1. Daocheng Yading — The Last Pure Land on Earth
October is the most beautiful time to visit Daocheng Yading, in western Sichuan.
There are awe-inspiring and beautiful snow-covered mountains and highland plateau scenes, including crystal rivers, sky-blue lakes, and rolling meadows.
Hiking is the best way to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Yading Nature Reserve. Usually, two days are suggested to explore the reserve.
Located on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau — the Roof of the World, Daocheng Yading has an altitude from 2,900 to 6,032 m (9,500–19,790 feet), so please prepare for the possibility of altitude sickness. The average temperature range of Daocheng Yading in October is from 0 to 15°C (32–59°F), so please bring warm clothes with you.
Yading Nature Reserve2. Populus Euphratica Forest in Inner Mongolia
Ejina Euphrates Poplar ForestAn Euphrates poplar golden leaves shoot in autumn is a dream trip for many photography lovers.
You'll catch it at its best between September 25 and October 15.
Follow our 7-Day Dunhuang, Zhangye, and Ejina Photography Tour, and you will see one of the best remaining ancient desert poplar forest areas, featuring dazzling golden leaves, dreamy water reflections, running sheep, and boundless deserts with longed-for camel riding opportunities. It is a good place for both sunrise and sunset shoots.
With its advantageous position adjacent to Gansu Province, Ejina Euphrates Poplar Forest is usually combined with a trip along the legendary Silk Road, with the mysterious Mogao Caves, desert landscapes, and colorful landforms.
3. Kanas in North Xinjiang
KanasNestled in the deep forests and mountains of Altay, Kanas is a truly beautiful mountain lake. Nearby Kanas Lake is a village of the Tuwan tribe, which is a branch of the Mongolian ethnic group. They live in their traditional houses and practice their centuries-old traditions.
Autumn is the most beautiful season in Kanas. The changing hues of the birch trees, especially the bright yellows, mingle with the dark greens of the spruce and other evergreen trees, creating a colorful foreground to the snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance.
4. Jiuzhaigou
JiuzhaigouAutumn is the best time to visit Jiuzhai Valley. It is particularly picturesque when the mountains, valleys, and lakes are splendidly robed in autumnal colors. Warm days, cool nights, and great vistas saturated with yellows, reds, and greens reflecting off the blue lakes are typical of autumn there.
See the most popular 7-Day Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou Fairyland Tour
5. Beijing: Embracing History Amid Fall Foliage
The Forbidden City in AutumnBeijing is a must-visit destination for most first-timers to China no matter when you travel. But visiting in October would give you a more comfortable experience.
October's mild weather makes activities on the Great Wall more delightful. Whether it's hiking or camping, both are optimal choices. Even if you're just sightseeing, the autumn scenery at the Great Wall would not disappoint you.
The scattered leaves of gold, amber, and crimson create a striking contrast against the ancient stone structure.
You could delve into the ancient world without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold in the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. See our popular 6-Day Beijing Autumn Tour.
You won't want to miss the chance to explore Beijing's traditional hutongs for a taste of local cuisine and authentic cultural immersion.
6. Shanghai: the Modern Marvels of Fall
Our clients in the BundIn October, Shanghai's tree-lined streets and parks are adorned with a mosaic of golden and russet leaves.
The city's iconic Bund offers mesmerizing views of futuristic skyscrapers juxtaposed with the elegance of the Huangpu River.
A cozy walk along the Bund would let you touch and feel their charm and learn about the history behind them when you step into those old buildings.
You could visit the Jade Buddha Temple to feel the simplicity amid the urban glamour. After visiting, you could take a break at a quiet coffee shop to experience a moment of tranquility amid the bustling city. We know a shop that provides jobs for people with autism. It's a nice option to consider.
Check out our 2-Week Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guilin, Xian, and Beijing Tour.
7. Tibet: Spirituality and Majesty in Harmony
Barkhor StreetOctober's pleasant temperatures and clear skies create an optimal environment for a spiritual journey in Tibet. The Potala Palace and monasteries glow under the warm sunshine and clear sky.
You could hike in a Tibetan pasture and experience horse riding, milking yaks, and making butter. You could spend a day like a Tibetan nomad. It is a good way to get involved in rural local life.
Barkhor Street is another place to get an impression of the local way of life, but in the Tibetan capital. There, you could visit a local market and encounter devout pilgrims and local vendors selling Tibetan crafts and goods.
October also marks an ideal time for the revered Mount Kailash pilgrimage, facilitated by warm enough weather, low rainfall, and good oxygen levels.
Tibet is relatively less crowded in October. You could take a look at our 17-Day Silk Road and Tibet Cultural Tour.
8. Zhangjiajie: Avatar's Enchanted Realm
Tianmen MountainZhangjiajie in autumn reveals a spellbinding panorama.
You could explore the iconic pillars and breathtaking landscapes that inspired the movie Avatar in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
When you take a cable car ride to the summits and hike along the trails amid the vibrant fall foliage, you may be amazed by the looming beauty when mist shrouds the mountains.
You could ride the world's longest cable car to Tianmen Mountain, marvel at the stunning vistas from the glass skywalk, and capture the stunning autumn scenery through your lens.
9. Guilin: Autumn's Splendor in Karst Landscapes
Longji Rice TerracesGuilin's karst landscapes come alive in October with hues of gold and red. The Li River reflects the towering limestone peaks, offering an enchanting scene during a leisurely Li River cruise.
For a charming escape, you could venture to Yangshuo's countryside. Cycling or walking along winding paths, and as the sun sets, the landscape is painted with a soft, golden glow, casting a serene enchantment over this idyllic corner of China.
October is also the most beautiful time to visit the Longji Rice Terraces. The entire landscape turns golden, and with the pleasant weather, it's perfect for hiking along the fields.
10. The Silk Road: Tracing Ancient Trade Routes
Zhangye Rainbow MountainsLocated in a relatively dry region with desert landscapes, the cool and mild weather in October offers the best sightseeing conditions to travel along the Silk Road. See our 12-Day China Silk Road Tour from Xi'an to Kashgar.
You could travel from the ancient capital, Xi'an, to colorful Zhangye, then to mysterious Dunhuang, and finally to exotic Xinjiang.
Along this journey, you would explore the mausoleum of China's first emperor — the Terracotta Army, vast deserts, and the Mogao Caves, the world's largest and most content-rich site of Buddhist art.
You could also explore the vibrant bazaars, old towns, and stunning scenery of Xinjiang, and immerse yourself in a blend of Chinese and Central Asian influences. You could savor local flavors and absorb the captivating atmosphere.
Discover China in October with Us
It's not just the well-known autumn destinations that shine in October. China has many other places that are equally worth visiting, such as Huangling, Huangshan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and more.
If you have any destinations in mind, just let us know, and we'll design a personalized itinerary that's perfect for you.
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