If you love good weather, beautiful colors, and quiet travel days, November is the perfect month to explore China. The air turns crisp and comfortable, the southwest still glows with golden autumn, and the southern coast warms up like a gentle tropical escape. With fewer tourists and stable weather, it’s a peaceful, easy month for families, solo travelers, couples, and first-timers.
For a full look at China’s seasons, also see our guide to the Best Time to Travel to China.
China Weather in November
| Region | Temperature | Weather in November | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North China (Beijing, Xi’an) | 0–12°C | Crisp early winter | Great for city sightseeing without heat or crowds |
| East China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou) | 8–16°C | Mild and pleasant | Beautiful lakeside scenery |
| South China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Hainan) | 20–28°C | Warm and sunny | Ideal for beaches and relaxed escapes |
| Southwest China (Chengdu, Yunnan) | 10–20°C | Dry, clear skies | Excellent visibility for mountains |
| West China (Xinjiang, Tibet) | Very cold | Early winter conditions | Some scenic areas closed; not recommended |
Best Places to Travel in China in November
November offers a mix of late-autumn colors, warm southern beaches, clear mountain views, and quiet city sightseeing. Below are the best destinations to visit this month—organized by scenery, weather, and travel style—to help you choose the right places for your family trip, solo adventure, or first time in China.
Best Places for Late Autumn Colors
1. Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong (Sichuan)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: -2–12°C (cold mornings, sunny afternoons)
Why November is great
Clear turquoise lakes, snow-dusted peaks, and late-autumn colors in early November. Reflections are especially sharp due to dry, calm weather.
Highlights
- Five Flower Lake reflections
- Nuorilang and Pearl Shoals
- Huanglong’s terraced pools
- Light snowfall on surrounding peaks
Best for: Families, couples, photographers, first-time visitors
Note: Best in early–mid November; late month may see snow closures in Huanglong.
2. Western Sichuan (Xinduqiao, Tagong, Danba)
Suggested trip duration: 5–7 days
Temperature: -5–10°C (large day-night difference)
Why November is great
Golden poplar forests glow against snow mountains. Blue skies and Tibetan villages create one of China’s most photogenic autumn scenes.
Highlights
- Xinduqiao “Golden Season” valleys
- Tagong grasslands & monasteries
- Danba Tibetan watchtowers
- Yala Snow Mountain viewpoints
Best for: Photographers, nature lovers, road-trip travelers
Note: Roads are clear but can freeze at night—travel with an experienced local driver.
3. Ginkgo Villages (Guizhou & Sichuan)
Suggested trip duration: 1–3 days
Temperature: 8–18°C (mild)
Why November is great
Ancient ginkgo trees turn brilliant gold, creating peaceful, village-style autumn scenes.
Highlights
- Guizhou’s Baoxing Ginkgo Village
- Sichuan’s Jiangyou Ginkgo Sea
- Stone houses under golden leaves
Best for: Families, seniors, slow travelers
Note: Weekends can be busy—visit weekdays if possible.
4. Beijing Fragrant Hills + City Walk
Suggested trip duration: 3-5 days
Temperature: 3–12°C (cool and dry)
Why November is great
Beijing has comfortable sightseeing weather in November—cool, dry, and crowd-free. Early in the month, Fragrant Hills still glows with late-autumn reds, making it the perfect time to combine classic city highlights with a short nature escape.
Highlights
- Bright red maple forests
- Cable car mountain views
- Scenic photography trails
- Great Wall (Mutianyu or Jinshanling)
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
- Hutong walking streets
Best for: Families, first-time travelers, culture lovers, casual hikers
Note: Visit Fragrant Hills in the first half of November for the best colors; air quality is generally stable before winter peaks.
Best Warm-Weather Destinations
5. Sanya, Hainan Island
Suggested trip duration: 4–7 days
Temperature: 25–28°C (warm and sunny)
Why November is ideal
Tropical sunshine, clear sea, and perfect beach weather—before December’s high-season prices.
Highlights
- Yalong Bay beaches
- Snorkeling & diving
- Tianya Haijiao
- Luxury family-friendly resorts
Best for: Families, couples, warm-weather seekers
Note: November has the most stable conditions of the year.
6. Xiamen & Gulangyu Island
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 18–25°C (pleasant coastal climate)
Why November is great
Perfect sea breeze, comfortable outdoor temperatures, and a great month for seafood.
Highlights
- Gulangyu piano island
- Coastal boardwalk
- Nanputuo Temple
- Seafood restaurants
Best for: Couples, seniors, families
Note: Book Gulangyu ferry tickets early.
7. Guangzhou & Shenzhen
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 20–27°C (warm and mild)
Why November is great
Sunny days, great food season, and comfortable nights for city walks.
Highlights
- Cantonese food streets
- Canton Tower
- Window of the World (Shenzhen)
- Shopping + theme parks
Best for: Short city breaks, food lovers, families
Note: Very low rainfall in November.
8. Yunnan (Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La)
Suggested trip duration: 6–9 days
Temperature: 8–18°C (strong sun, cool air)
Why November is best
Dry season begins. Clear blue skies and excellent mountain visibility.
Highlights
- Lijiang Old Town
- Erhai Lake cycling
- Blue Moon Valley
- Songzanlin Monastery (Shangri-La)
- High-altitude grasslands
Best for: Families, couples, seniors, culture lovers
Note: Nights can be cold in Shangri-La—pack warm layers.
Best Culture & City Destinations
9. Xi’an
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 5–14°C (comfortable)
Why November is great
Perfect weather for outdoor sites and old city walls.
Highlights
- Terracotta Warriors
- Ancient City Wall cycling
- Muslim Quarter food
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Best for: Families, seniors, history lovers
Note: Evenings get chilly—bring a jacket.
10. Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou
Suggested trip duration: 4–6 days
Temperature: 8–16°C (mild)
Why November is great
Beautiful gardens, lake views, and peak food season.
Highlights
- The Bund skyline
- Suzhou classical gardens
- West Lake in Hangzhou
- Water towns (Tongli, Wuzhen)
Best for: Families, first-timers, couples
Note: The Weather is mild—great for walking.
China Travel Tips for November
- Layer your clothing — mornings can be cold while afternoons warm up quickly, especially in southern and eastern China.
- Expect early snow in Western Sichuan and Jiuzhaigou — roads remain open, but temperatures drop fast at high altitudes.
- Southern China is sunny — sunscreen is still important in Hainan, Xiamen, and Guangdong.
- Book flights early for warm destinations like Sanya and Xiamen; November is a popular escape month.
- Shorter daylight hours — plan your outdoor activities earlier in the day to make the most of the light.
- Mountain and trekking areas are windy — pack a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes for places like Tiger Leaping Gorge, Zhangjiajie, or Yunnan.
- Carry cash or mobile payment backup — some small towns and scenic spots have limited card acceptance.
- Check opening times — some western regions begin shorter hours in late November due to colder weather.
What to Pack for China in November
- Light down jacket
- Sweaters or long-sleeve layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Windproof jacket / outer layer
- Sunscreen (needed in southern China)
- T-shirts + sandals for warm regions
- Gloves, thermals, and scarf for mountains or northern China
- Small backpack for day trips
- Lip balm + moisturizer (air gets dry)
- Travel medicine basics (altitude, cold weather, motion sickness depending on destination)
Final Thoughts
November is a fantastic time to travel across China. From warm beaches to golden valleys, clear mountain views to calm cultural cities, the month offers comfortable weather, low prices, and relaxed sightseeing—ideal for families, solo travelers, photographers, and first-time visitors.
FAQ
Is November a good month to visit China?
Yes—November is one of the best months of the year. Weather is comfortable, skies are clear, and most destinations are quiet after October’s Golden Week.
Where is warm in November?
Hainan (Sanya), Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin, and Haikou offer warm, sunny days ideal for beach trips and relaxed holidays.
Can I still see autumn colors in November?
Yes—early November is excellent for Jiuzhaigou, Western Sichuan, ginkgo forests, and parts of Beijing. Southwest China has the latest autumn season.
Is Jiuzhaigou worth visiting in November?
Definitely. Early November still has color, and later in the month you’ll see snow on the peaks with crystal-clear lakes. It’s quieter than October.
Is Zhangjiajie too cold in November?
No. Temperatures are cool but comfortable. Crisp air gives fantastic visibility for the Avatar mountains and Tianmen Skywalk.
Is November crowded in China?
No. It’s one of the calmest months of the year. Only ginkgo villages and a few autumn spots see mild weekend crowds.
Can I visit Tibet or Xinjiang in November?
It’s possible but not ideal for most travelers. Much colder, some roads close early, and daylight is short. Recommended only for experienced winter travelers.
Will it rain a lot in November?
No. November is one of the driest months nationwide—excellent for outdoor sightseeing and mountain trips.
Are tourist sites open normally in November?
Yes. Most attractions operate regular hours, though western highland regions may switch to shorter winter opening times.
What’s the best itinerary for families in November?
Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Shanghai (classic, easy, kid-friendly)
Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Qingcheng Mountain (nature + culture + pandas)
What’s the best itinerary for warm weather?
Sanya → Haikou → Xiamen (beach + island + culture)
What’s the best itinerary for nature photographers?
Jiuzhaigou → Western Sichuan → Shangri-La → Lijiang
