October is when China’s landscape ignites into its most spectacular display of autumn glory. The season reaches its breathtaking peak—mountainsides blaze in fiery reds, burnt oranges, and brilliant golds, as if set alight by the crisp, clean air and brilliant blue skies. Days are pleasantly cool and sunny, perfect for long walks under canopies of rustling leaves. This is a time of profound beauty and vibrant energy, where every view looks like a masterful painting. It invites you to wander through forests transformed into seas of flame, witness tranquil waters perfectly mirroring the fiery foliage, and breathe in the cool, refreshing essence of autumn. October is nature’s most magnificent and unforgettable farewell before the quiet arrival of winter.
A Feast of Autumn Forests, Crimson Peaks & Golden Poplars
Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan
Seasonal Highlight
October is the “best viewing period” for Jiuzhaigou. Colorful forests, emerald waters, and blue skies create a “fairy-tale world,” where red and yellow leaves contrast beautifully with turquoise lakes.
Why Visit in October
Mid‑October to early November is the “Golden Autumn Festival” here. Visit Five‑Flower Lake, Five‑Color Pond, and Nuorilang Waterfall to experience the ultimate chromatic beauty known as “China’s Most Beautiful Water Landscapes.”
Fragrant Hills Red Leaves, Beijing
Seasonal Highlight
Late October to early November is the peak time for red leaves on Fragrant Hills. Maple and smoke trees blaze crimson, offering poetic views that embody “frost‑tinted leaves redder than spring blossoms.”
Why Visit in October
Enjoy Beijing’s “Golden Autumn” by visiting Fragrant Hills Park, the Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City—a perfect blend of imperial culture and stunning natural scenery.
Ejina Banner Populus Euphratica Forest, Inner Mongolia
Seasonal Highlight
October is the best time to see the golden‑yellow leaves of the 390,000‑mu Euphratica poplar forest, set against deserts and the Heihe River—a sight often called “a wait of three thousand years.”
Why Visit in October
Walk through the poplar groves from Bridge 1 to Bridge 8, photograph sunrise and sunset, explore the “Strange Forest” and Heicheng ruins, and reflect on the poplar’s legendary resilience.
Tengchong Ginkgo Village, Yunnan
Seasonal Highlight
Late October to early November is the peak period in Tengchong Ginkgo Village, where over 3,000 ancient ginkgo trees turn the entire village into a golden paradise.
Why Visit in October
Stroll along the “Ginkgo Avenue,” visit Rehai Hot Springs and Heshun Ancient Town, experience the dual charms of “Hot Spring Country” and “Ginkgo Kingdom,” and taste local specialty dish “Tengchong Dajiujia.”
Daocheng Yading, Sichuan
Seasonal Highlight
October presents the perfect blend of colorful forests, snow‑capped peaks, and crystal‑clear lakes, earning Yading the title “the last pure land on the blue planet.”
Why Visit in October
Hike through Yading to admire the Three Sacred Mountains and Three Holy Lakes, feel the awe‑inspiring beauty of the high plateau, and savor Tibetan cuisine.
Benxi Red Leaves, Liaoning
Seasonal Highlight
October is the best time to see Benxi’s maple leaves turn fiery red, set against deep gorges and flowing streams—a spectacle that gives the city its nickname “China’s Maple Leaf Capital.”
Why Visit in October
Drive along the Benxi Maple Leaf Route, photograph stunning fall scenes at Guanmen Mountain and Laobiangou, and enjoy hearty Northeastern Chinese dishes.
Tachuan Autumn Scenery, Anhui
Seasonal Highlight
Late October to early November offers the best views of Tachuan’s autumn hues. Red leaves frame the white‑walled, black‑tiled Hui‑style villages, ranking it among “China’s Four Great Autumn Views.”
Why Visit in October
Explore Tachuan, Hongcun, and Xidi to experience the seamless harmony of Hui‑style architecture and natural beauty, and taste authentic Hui cuisine.
