October is one of the most beautiful months to visit China. Temperatures are crisp and comfortable, autumn colors reach their peak, visibility is excellent, and both nature and cultural cities shine under clear skies.
From golden forests in Xinjiang, to snow peaks in Western Sichuan, to Beijing’s Great Wall in autumn, to Sanya’s warm beaches, October offers the widest range of travel experiences across the entire year.
The only exception is China’s National Day Golden Week (Oct 1–7), a peak travel holiday with large crowds and higher prices.
Traveling before or after Golden Week (Oct 8–25) gives the best combination of scenery and peace.
For complete guidance on weather, seasons, and yearly trends, refer to: Best Time to Travel to China
Quick Answer: Best Places to Visit in China in October
Top Autumn-Color Destinations
- Xinjiang: Kanas, Hemu Village, Altay
- Western Sichuan: Daocheng Yading, Siguniang Mountain
- Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong
- Beijing (Great Wall + Fragrant Hills)
- Gansu: Zhangye, Dunhuang
Best Cultural Cities
- Beijing
- Xi’an
- Chengdu
- Lhasa
Best Warm Places (Beach Weather)
- Sanya, Hainan
- Xiamen & Gulangyu
- Beidaihe (northern beaches)
Best for Families
- Jiuzhaigou
- Yunnan (Lijiang, Shangri-La, Dali)
- Beijing
- Chengdu
Destinations to Avoid
- Early October typhoon zones: Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang
- Late October cold risk: Northern Xinjiang, high-altitude Western Sichuan
What Is Weather Like in China in October?
| Region | Weather Conditions in October | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North China (Beijing, Xi’an) | ✔ Mild temperatures (10–22°C) ✔ Dry, clear skies | Ideal for outdoor sightseeing, Great Wall hikes |
| West China (Xinjiang, Sichuan, Tibet, Qinghai) | ✔ Cool days, cold nights ✔ Excellent lake visibility ✔ Peak autumn foliage | Best month for mountains, photography, and high-altitude travel |
| South China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong) | ✔ Warm, less humid ✖ Occasional early-month typhoon effects | Good for warm travel; monitor early October weather |
| East China (Shanghai, Hangzhou) | ✔ Mild, comfortable ✔ Autumn festivals begin | Great for cultural city trips and outdoor walking |
Packing Essentials
- Layers for temperature changes
- Light jacket or fleece
- Hiking/walking shoes
- Sunblock + lip balm
- Warm clothing for high-altitude destinations
Best Places to Visit in China in October
Below are the 10 best October destinations, with weather, highlights, who they suit, and suggested trip durations.
1. Xinjiang: Kanas, Hemu & Altay (China’s Most Beautiful Autumn)
Suggested trip duration: 6–9 days
Temperature: 3–16°C (cold mornings/nights)
Why October is peak season
Xinjiang’s northern forests turn into a golden paradise. Wooden villages, turquoise lakes, and birch forests create postcard-level scenery.
Highlights
- Kanas Lake (emerald waters)
- Hemu Village (photographers’ favorite)
- Altay Mountains & white birch forests
- Kazakh nomadic culture
- Sunset at Guanyu Pavilion
Best for: Photographers, couples, road trippers, culture lovers.
Note: Late October may see snow—travel earlier in the month.
2. Western Sichuan: Daocheng Yading & Siguniang (Postcard Autumn Scenery)
Suggested trip duration: 3–7 days
Temperature: -2–15°C (cold at high elevations)
Why October is the best month
Western Sichuan becomes one of China’s richest autumn-color destinations. Red, yellow, and golden forests contrast against snow-capped peaks and crystal lakes.
Highlights
- Three Holy Peaks in Yading
- Pearl Lake, Milk Lake, and Five-Color Lake
- Siguniang Valley trekking routes
- Tibetan culture and monasteries
Best for: Photographers, hikers, couples, adventure travelers.
Note: High-altitude area — walk slowly and stay warm.
3. Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong (Bright Autumn Colors + Clear Water)
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 8–18°C
Why October is perfect
Forests turn colorful, water reflects deep blues and greens, and visibility is at its best.
Highlights
- Five Flower Lake
- Nuorilang Waterfall
- Mirror Lake reflections
- Huanglong’s terraced pools
Best for: Families, seniors, couples, photographers.
4. Beijing (Golden Ginkgo Leaves + Ideal Walking Weather)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 10–20°C
Why October is excellent
Beijing enjoys its best walking weather. Ginkgo trees turn golden, and the Great Wall is stunning in autumn red and yellow.
Highlights
- Great Wall (Mutianyu/Jinshanling)
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
- Fragrant Hills (red leaves)
- Ancient hutongs
Best for: First-timers, families, seniors, culture lovers.
5. Gansu: Zhangye + Dunhuang (Dry, Comfortable & Cultural)
Suggested trip duration: 5–7 days
Temperature: 8–22°C
Why October works well
Dry, stable weather is ideal for deserts and Silk Road landscapes.
Highlights
- Mogao Caves (UNESCO)
- Crescent Lake desert oasis
- Zhangye Rainbow Mountains (deep colors)
- Jiayuguan Fortress
Best for: Culture travelers, families, photographers.
6. Yunnan: Lijiang, Shangri-La & Dali (Clear Skies + Tibetan Culture)
Suggested trip duration: 4–6 days
Temperature: 10–22°C
Why October is great
After the rainy season, Yunnan’s skies become crystal clear, offering excellent mountain views.
Highlights
- Lijiang Old Town
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Black Dragon Pool
- Shangri-La monasteries
- Grasslands & Tibetan culture
Best for: Families, couples, seniors, culture travelers.
7. Chengdu (Mild Weather + Mountain Day Trips)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 14–22°C
Why October suits Chengdu
Mild temperatures, panda activity is good, and day trips to nearby mountains are perfect.
Highlights
- Chengdu Panda Base
- Qingcheng Mountain
- Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- Mount Emei
- Historic alleys & tea houses
Best for: Families, couples, relaxed travelers, food lovers.
8. Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake (Blue-Sky Season)
Suggested trip duration: 4–7 days
Temperature: 3–18°C
Why October is one of Tibet’s best months
Dry air, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures make outdoor exploration ideal.
Highlights
- Potala Palace
- Jokhang Temple
- Barkhor Street
- Yamdrok Lake
- Namtso (early October only)
Best for: Culture travelers, photographers, couples.
9. Sanya, Hainan (Warm, Tropical & Family-Friendly)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 25–30°C
Why October is ideal
Typhoon season fades, beaches reopen, and the weather becomes warm but not sweltering.
Highlights
- Yalong Bay
- Sanya Bay
- Wuzhizhou Island
- Tropical forests & water sports
Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers.
10. Xiamen & Gulangyu Island (Warm Breeze + Low Rain)
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 20–27°C
Why October suits Xiamen
It’s warm enough for the beach but cool enough for walking. Rainfall is low.
Highlights
- Gulangyu Island (UNESCO)
- Coastal boardwalk
- Old streets and cafés
- Seafood cuisine
Best for: Couples, slow travelers, families.
Places to Avoid in October
- Early October (Typhoons Possible)
- Guangdong
- Fujian
- Zhejiang
Travel Tips for China in October
- Avoid Oct 1–7 Golden Week if possible.
- If traveling during Golden Week: book everything 4–6 weeks ahead.
- Best travel dates: Oct 8–25 for scenery + fewer crowds.
- Northern & western regions: bring warm night layers.
- Carry lip balm and moisturizer (dry autumn air).
- Start Great Wall hikes early for the best light and fewer visitors.
- Expect heavy traffic in popular parks during mid-October holidays.
What to Pack for China in October
Clothing
- Light shirts + long sleeves
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Scarf/hat for mornings
- Breathable pants
- Comfortable shoes
Weather Essentials
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Light raincoat
High-Altitude Extras
- Gloves (late October)
- Thermal layer
- Power bank (cold drains batteries faster)
Final Thoughts
October is a magical time to explore China. Whether you’re chasing golden forests in the far west, sightseeing through Beijing’s historic lanes, or relaxing on the beaches of Sanya, the weather is consistently comfortable and scenery is outstanding.
For the smoothest experience, avoid Oct 1–7, and plan your trip between Oct 8–25.
If you want a custom October travel itinerary — family-friendly, photography-focused, or adventure-based — CDEBTrip can design a private journey tailored to your style.
FAQ
1. Is China crowded during October?
Yes — the first week of October is China’s National Day Golden Week, and it’s extremely busy everywhere. Trains, flights, and hotels often sell out early. But after October 8, crowds drop quickly, and the rest of the month becomes peaceful, comfortable, and very enjoyable for travel.
2. Where can I see the best autumn colors in October?
October is peak autumn in China. Northern Xinjiang (Kanas and Hemu) is famous for golden birch forests, while Western Sichuan’s Yading and Siguniang offer stunning red and yellow valleys. Jiuzhaigou also looks beautiful in mid-October, and Beijing’s Great Wall is lined with bright autumn colors around this time. Gansu’s landscapes also take on warm harvest tones throughout the month.
3. Where is warm in October?
If you prefer warmer weather, head south. Sanya in Hainan Island is warm enough for beaches and swimming, and Xiamen or Gulangyu Island offer pleasant sea breezes without the summer humidity. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and parts of Fujian remain comfortably warm as well.
4. Is Tibet too cold in October?
Early and mid-October are actually some of the best times to visit Tibet. Days are sunny and comfortable, though nights can be chilly. Toward late October, temperatures begin to drop more noticeably, especially in higher mountain areas, but Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake remain accessible and enjoyable.
5. Can I still visit Xinjiang in late October?
Yes, but expect colder weather. Northern Xinjiang (Kanas and Hemu) may see the first snowfall after the third week of the month. If you want golden forests, it’s better to visit between October 1–15. Cities like Urumqi and regions like Turpan remain mild and dry throughout the month.
6. Can I swim in Hainan in October?
Absolutely. October is one of the best months for Sanya. The water stays warm, humidity drops, and beaches are far less crowded compared to winter, making it ideal for families and couples.
7. Does it rain in October?
Not much. October is generally one of China’s driest months. Western and northern regions stay almost completely dry. Only the southern coastal provinces may see occasional rainfall if an early-season typhoon passes nearby.
8. What should I wear for China in October?
Pack layers. Mornings and evenings can be cool, but afternoons are often warm and sunny. A light jacket or fleece is enough for most destinations, while high-altitude areas like Tibet, Western Sichuan, and Qinghai will require something warmer. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are useful everywhere.
9. Is October good for family travel?
Yes — especially after October 8. Places like Jiuzhaigou, Yunnan, Chengdu, Beijing, and Sanya are family-friendly with comfortable weather and fewer crowds. October is one of the easiest months for parents traveling with children.
10. Is October a good time to visit the Great Wall?
Yes — it’s one of the best times of the entire year. Temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and the mountains surrounding the Wall glow with autumn colors. Visiting early morning or late afternoon makes the experience even better.
