When most travelers think of visiting China, they picture magnificent, showy landscapes of winter or the vibrant energy of summer festivals. But what often gets overlooked is the autumn in China, a season that quietly transforms China into a breathtaking canvas of golds, reds, and amber.
From September to November, the skies are typically clearer, the temperatures are pleasantly cool, and the air quality improves significantly compared to the summer haze.
In this article, we’ll take you beyond the usual recommendations and guide you through 4 underrated yet stunning destinations with the best China eSIM service that shine brightest in autumn.
Whether you’re looking for fiery mountain foliage, misty river valleys, or serene countryside views, these spots will give you unforgettable memories—and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Let’s dive in.
Huashan, Shaanxi
1. In Northern China: Xi’an, Shaanxi – Ginkgo Trees Turn the Ancient Capital to Gold
Once the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is a city where history breathes through every brick and alley. But come autumn, the city turns into a glowing paradise, with its centuries-old ginkgo trees. The most famous spot? Guanyin Temple, where golden, luxuriant ginkgo leaves blanket the center, creating a majestic, almost cinematic atmosphere. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Jiaotong University campus are also ideal for strolls under these radiant canopies.
Besides, you can also plan to go to Huashan, situated in north-east Xi’an. In autumn, you can enjoy the feast of maple leaves and appreciate the magnificent mountain scenery, with its steep cliffs and winding trails that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. If you are adventurous, try climbing one of the famous peaks to witness the breathtaking sunrise, or walk along the thrilling plank road in the sky for an unforgettable experience.
Of course, no trip to Xi’an is complete without visiting the Terracotta Army, one of China’s most iconic archaeological wonders. The cooler autumn temperatures make exploring the vast underground vaults much more comfortable than during the summer heat.
Terracotta Army
(kevinmcgill from Den Bosch, Netherlands, CC BY-SA 2.0
While exploring, don’t miss the chance to savor Xi’an’s signature cuisine—such as hot oil noodles or lamb stew—especially satisfying when paired with crisp autumn air. If you’re looking for a blend of cultural immersion and seasonal beauty, Xi’an in autumn checks every box.
Tips for Visiting:
Best Time to Go: Mid-to-late November, when ginkgo trees are at their most golden.
Avoid Crowds: Visit early in the morning on weekdays to enjoy peaceful scenes and better lighting for photos.
Ticket Information: For some popular attractions, such as the Shaanxi Museum, you need to buy or reserve the ticket earlier because this is a busy travel season. You can browse their official website or enter WeChat Mini Programs to buy or reserve a ticket before you go.
Stay Warm: While daytime is pleasant, nights can be chilly—pack a light down jacket or layers.
2. In Southern China: Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin, Guangxi – Golden Waves of the South
For a distinctly southern view of autumn in China, Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin, Guangxi, offer a perspective unlike any other. The rice paddies transform into cascading waves of gold as the harvest season reaches its peak. Whether viewed from above or hiked on foot, the scene is nothing short of spectacular.
This is also a chance to experience the culture of the local Zhuang and Yao minorities, who have cultivated these terraces for centuries. Stay in a hillside guesthouse to enjoy sunrise over the paddies, and don’t forget to try bamboo rice and local glutinous rice wine—both fall specialties of the region.
Autumn in Longji Rice Terraces
(Kurinurm, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
After soaking in the golden fields, head down to explore the iconic landscapes of Guilin. There, limestone karst mountains rise steeply beside winding rivers. Autumn is one of the clearest and most photogenic seasons for a Li River cruise or a bike ride through Yangshuo’s rural countryside, offering another layer of natural beauty beyond the terraces.
Tips for Visiting:
Best Time to Go: Late September to mid-October, before the harvest begins.
Getting There: Most flights to Guilin are domestic flights, which means you should get there from other major cities in China, such as Beijing or Shanghai. If you enter China from southern cities, such as Guangzhou or Shenzhen, it is recommended to go there by high-speed train, which only takes around 3 hours. Then transfer by bus or private car (about 2–3 hours) to Longji.
Pack Light: To see the best view of Longji Rice Terraces, you need to go uphill, either by walking or taking cable cars. So, taking the necessities is enough.
3. In Eastern China: Huangshan, Anhui – Where Autumn Paints the Mountains
In Autumn in China, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is already one of the most iconic landscapes, which takes on a whole new personality. Jagged granite peaks rise above a sea of clouds, while maple and pine trees erupt into vibrant reds and oranges. Early morning hikes reward visitors with surreal sunrise views over waves of colored forest.
October is the best time to visit if you’re hoping to catch peak colors without the winter chill. Beyond the mountain itself, nearby ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi offer a peaceful counterbalance, with their quiet stone bridges and golden fields.
Sunrise at Huangshan
(Serge925, CC BY-SA 3.0
Tips for Visiting:
Best Time to Go: Late October for peak foliage and lower humidity.
Overnight Stay: Stay at a mountaintop hotel to catch sunrise without rushing. Rooms fill fast—book early.
Footwear Matters: The stone stairways are steep and can get slippery; wear proper hiking shoes with grip.
Temperature Alert: There’s a noticeable temperature gap between the summit and the base—early mornings on the mountaintop can be colder than in the town below. Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket or windbreaker, especially if you plan to catch the sunrise.
4. In Western China: Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan – A Watercolor of Autumn Foliage
Tucked deep in the Min Mountains of Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou Valley looks like something out of a fairytale, and autumn is when it’s at its most magical. From late September to mid-October, the multi-hued foliage reflects off the crystal-clear alpine lakes, creating mirror-like scenes of red, yellow, and green. Think Monet with a Chinese twist.
Beyond the visual feast, Jiuzhaigou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Tibetan villages, offering cultural experiences alongside natural wonders. Do plan ahead for your trip in autumn in China.
Autumn in Mirror Lake, Jiuzhaigou
(https://unsplash.com/photos/a-river-surrounded-by-a-forest-filled-with-lots-of-trees-DkJd8Ve-0Ts, Have Made Changes)
Tips for Visiting:
Best Time to Go: October is peak foliage season. But early October is also a national holiday week, when tourists will flock to the attraction. So, book accommodations and tickets well in advance.
Plan Your Route: The park is huge; take the eco-bus to cover more ground efficiently and prioritize must-sees like Five Flower Lake and Mirror Lake.
Altitude Alert: Jiuzhaigou sits at 2,000 to 4,500 meters (6,600 to 14,800 ft.). Some people would suffer from altitude sickness. So, stay hydrated and ask for medical consulting if needed.
Getting There: Mostly, there are three ways to go to Jiuzhaigou:
- Plane: The nearest airport is Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. There is no international flight to Jiuzhaigou, with only daily domestic flights from Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an.
- Train: If you are in Chengdu or Kunming, you can also take the high-speed train to this beautiful place, which spends around 2 hours and gets off the train at Huanglongjiuzhai Station. And head to the town by transfer buses.
- Car: Alternatively, travelers can take a 7-9-hour road trip after arriving at Chengdu by plane.
China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Autumn Travelers
If you’re planning a gateway in autumn in China, the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy offers a convenient way to explore the country without the need for a traditional visa.
1. Eligibility to Apply
As of 7th August 2025, travelers from 55 countries are eligible for the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when transiting through designated ports and regions in China. The policy applies to travelers arriving from a third country and departing to another third country, excluding regions like Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. It’s important to note that entry and exit must occur through approved ports, and the stay is limited to specific provinces or cities.
Allowed Areas:
The policy covers 60 ports across 24 provinces, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. It is also eligible for the best places to admire autumn, which we mentioned above, include Xi’an, Guilin, Huangshan, and Jiuzhaigou.
Under this policy, travelers can move freely within the designated region to admire the beauty of autumn in China. For example, if you enter through Shanghai, you can explore cities within Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and other provinces across China!
For more information about visa-free, please visit the National Immigration Administration in China:
https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.html
2. Benefits
Extended Stay: Enjoy up to 10 days in China without the need for a visa.
Flexibility: Explore multiple cities within the allowed region during your stay.
Convenience: Simplifies travel logistics, especially for layovers or multi-city itineraries.
Preparation for Traveling in Autumn in China
To make the most of your autumn trip to China, consider the following preparations:
- What to Pack
Layered Clothing: Autumn temperatures can vary significantly, especially in mountainous regions like Huangshan and Jiuzhaigou. Pack layers to adjust to changing conditions.
Comfortable Footwear: For exploring areas like the Longji Rice Terraces, sturdy walking shoes are essential.
Rain Gear: While autumn is generally dry, occasional showers can occur. A compact umbrella or rain jacket can be handy.
Camera Gear: Autumn foliage provides excellent photo opportunities. Bring a good camera to capture the vibrant landscapes, leaving an indelible memory of autumn in China.
Jiuzhaigou Red Leave
(Culantor Lin, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Apps to Download
WeChat: Essential for communication and payments within China.
DiDi: Useful for booking taxis and rideshares online.
Baidu Maps/Amap: Helpful for navigation, especially in areas with limited English signage.
12306: The official platform for buying high-speed railway tickets in China.
Trip.com: For booking accommodations and other travel packages.
- Connectivity Setup
SIM Card: Consider purchasing a local physical SIM card at the Airport counter upon arrival for reliable internet access.
eSIM: If your mobile device supports eSIM, this can be an even more convenient solution. Many international eSIM providers (like RedteaGO) offer China-compatible data plans that can be downloaded and activated before you land, saving you time and avoiding the need to switch physical SIMs. It’s beneficial if you’re traveling through multiple countries or regions.
Can you use eSIM in China?
Yes, you can absolutely use eSIM in China now! Devices that support eSIM can connect to local networks through services like RedteaGO, which partners with top-tier Chinese carriers to deliver fast, stable 4G/5G connections across the country.
RedteaGO’s eSIM Package for Visitors to China
RedteaGO specializes in cross-border data solutions, offering instant, contract-free, and the best eSIM for China’s adventures. With the various packages, RedteaGO’s China eSIM service helps visitors stay connected according to your needs.
1. Unlimited Data Packages
| Package | Basic Unlimited | Premium Unlimited |
| Price (USD) | 0.70 / Day | 4.9 / Day |
| Notes | 300 M for high-speed data with unlimited 48 KB/s data | 10 GB for high-speed data with unlimited 48 KB/s data |
2. Data-Only Package
| Package | 1 GB | 5 GB | 10 GB |
| Price (USD) | 1.8 | 5.31 | 5.85 |
| Validity | 30 Days |
And now, RedteaGO is offering a special promo code exclusively for travelers, making your autumn adventure in China even more budget-friendly. Open your RedteaGO app, and redeem the promo code:
TRAVEL 2025
Now, you can easily share sunrise photos from Huangshan or navigate the winding paths of Xi’an’s ginkgo-lined parks without any connection concern! Under this promo code, you can even enjoy a 30%-off as purchasing other eSIM packages! For more information, please visit RedteaGO’s official website to learn more!
Source: Autumn in China Is Seriously Underrated: 4 Stunning Destinations to See
