September

September in China is a season of graceful transition, where the lingering warmth of summer softens into the crisp, clear light of early autumn. The intense greens of August begin to mellow, subtly touched with the first hints of gold and amber, while the air turns fresh and carries a new, invigorating coolness, especially at dawn and dusk. It is a month of serene balance and breathtaking clarity—perfect for witnessing landscapes transform under a vast, brilliant blue sky. Golden rice terraces ripple in the harvest breeze, tranquil lakes mirror the changing foliage, and ancient paths are dusted with fallen leaves. September invites quiet contemplation and joyful discovery, offering a sense of peaceful renewal as the land prepares to don its most magnificent robes. It is, in essence, the beautiful and gentle beginning of the year’s most poetic chapter.

 

Golden Autumn, Harvest Joy & Photography Paradise

 

Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, Gansu

 

 

Seasonal Highlight

 

September offers the best travel weather in Dunhuang—sunny and pleasant. Explore the Mogao Caves’ ancient murals, visit the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Spring, and immerse yourself in the cultural legacy of the Silk Road.

 

 

Why Visit in September

 

Avoid the summer crowds while admiring the artistic treasures of Mogao, try sand sliding and camel riding on the dunes, witness stunning desert sunsets, and taste local dishes like donkey meat noodles.

 

 

 

Kanas Lake, Xinjiang

 

 

Seasonal Highlight

 

September is the “Golden Autumn” season in Kanas. Birch forests turn gold, the lake glows emerald, and sights like the Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Sleeping Dragon Bay, and Kanas Lake create an unforgettable autumn palette.

 

 

Why Visit in September

 

This is the prime time for photography. Hike to Hemu Village, see smoke rising from Tuvan settlements, and experience the serene beauty of this “fairyland on earth.”

 

 

 

Panjin Red Beach, Liaoning

 

 

Seasonal Highlight

 

In September, the suaeda salsa plants turn vibrant red, contrasting beautifully with golden rice fields—a scene known as “China’s Most Beautiful Red Beach.” It’s also the season for river crabs.

 

 

Why Visit in September

 

Walk along the Red Beach National Scenic Corridor at sunrise or sunset for amazing photos, savor Panjin river crabs, and explore the surrounding reed marshes.

 

 

 

Longji (Dragon’s Back) Terraces, Guangxi

 

 

Seasonal Highlight

 

September brings the rice harvest, turning the terraces into a golden “sculpture of the earth,” especially breathtaking when viewed from villages like JinKeng Dazhai.

 

 

Why Visit in September

 

Admire the terraces from Ping’an Village and Jinkeng Dazhai, hike to viewpoints like “Nine Dragons and Five Tigers” and “Seven Stars Around the Moon,” and experience Yao and Zhuang ethnic cultures.

 

 

 

Xiapu Mudflats, Fujian

 

 

Seasonal Highlight

 

September is the ideal photography season here. Changing tides create mesmerizing “light-and-shadow magic,” and the beginning of seaweed farming adds cultural charm to the landscape.

 

 

Why Visit in September

 

Capture the golden light on the mudflats at sunrise or sunset from spots like Beiqu, Xiaohao, and Dongbi, enjoy the beauty of “China’s Most Beautiful Mudflats,” and taste fresh local seafood.

 

 

Nyingchi, Tibet

 

 

Seasonal Highlight

 

September brings deepening autumn colors to Nyingchi. Maple leaves along the Nyang River turn red against snow-capped mountains and valleys—a scene often called “Tibet’s Jiangnan,” with clear, sunny weather.

 

 

Why Visit in September

 

Drive along the stunning “China’s Most Beautiful Highway” (G318), enjoy Nyingchi’s autumn scenery, visit the Luolang Forest Sea and Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, and experience Tibetan culture.

 

 

 

Arxan (Aershan), Inner Mongolia

 

 

Seasonal Highlight

 

In September, Arxan’s forests turn golden, complementing its hot springs, lakes, and volcanic landscapes—earning it the nickname “Little Switzerland of China.”

 

 

Why Visit in September

 

Explore the Arxan National Forest Park, visit Tianchi (Heaven Lake), Azalea Lake, and Stone Forest, relax in hot springs, and taste local forest cuisine.