Autumn transforms China into a canvas of vibrant colors, from golden forests to fiery maples. These 10 destinations, accessible by high-speed rail and renowned for their breathtaking fall scenery, are must-visits. Don’t miss out—pick a spot, plan your trip, and experience nature’s masterpiece before it fades for another year!
1. Xinjiang · Kanas Scenic Area
Nestled in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Kanas is dubbed “paradise on Earth” and “God’s backyard.” Autumn paints its forests in gold, red, and green, framing the emerald Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Dragon Bay. The Fish Viewing Platform offers panoramic views of three-quarters of the lake and distant snow-capped peaks. Visit the rustic Hemu Village and Baihaba Village to immerse in Tuva culture.
Travel Tips: Plan a 3-day deep dive. Day 1: Kanas Lake and Fish Viewing Platform; Day 2: Hemu Village for Tuva culture; Day 3: Baihaba Village (requires a border permit). Stay in scenic cabins or Jiadengyu hotels. Weather shifts fast—pack warm layers. Food is pricey, so bring snacks.
Address: Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
Ticket Price: 185 yuan (entry) + 100 yuan (shuttle bus, bundled)
2. Sichuan · Jiuzhaigou
In Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Jiuzhaigou is a “fairy-tale world” of turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant forests. Autumn’s palette—red, yellow, green—reflects in crystal-clear waters. The Y-shaped valley includes Shuzheng, Rize, and Zechawa Groves, with highlights like Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, Long Lake, and Five Color Pool.
Travel Tips: Use eco-friendly shuttle buses with designated stops. Suggested route: Start at Rize Grove’s Primitive Forest, then visit Grass Sea, Swan Sea, Arrow Bamboo Sea, Panda Sea, Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal, and Mirror Lake; lunch at Nuorilang Center; afternoon in Zechawa Grove (Long Lake, Five Color Pool), then Shuzheng Grove (Rhino Lake, Shuzheng Waterfall, Shuzheng Lakes). Enter early to dodge crowds.
Address: Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan
Ticket Price: Peak season (Apr 1–Nov 15): 169 yuan (entry) + 90 yuan (shuttle)
3. Greater Khingan Range
Spanning Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia, the Greater Khingan Range is China’s largest pristine forest, turning golden in autumn. Larch, birch, and pine create a vibrant tapestry. Must-sees include Moergele River, Ergun Wetland, Xing’an Deer Park, and Arxan National Forest Park, plus unique Oroqen and Evenki cultures.
Travel Tips: Plan an 8-day self-driving loop: Hailar → Moergele River → Ergun → Xing’an Deer Park → Moerdaoga → Shiwei/Linjiang Village → Enhe Russian Township → Heishantou → Manzhouli → Arxan → Hailar. Best time: mid-Sep to early Oct. Forest roads need caution; download offline maps. Pack windproof jackets and light down coats for chilly mornings.
Address: Northeast Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia
Ticket Price: Varies (e.g., Ergun Wetland ~65 yuan)
4. Sichuan · Daocheng Yading
In Daocheng County, Ganzi Prefecture, Daocheng Yading is the “last pure land on the blue planet.” Autumn brings golden forests, blue lakes, and towering snow peaks. Key sites include the sacred mountains Xiannairi (6,032m), Yangmaiyong (5,958m), and Xianuoduoji (5,958m), plus Milk Lake, Five Color Lake, and Pearl Lake. Luorong Pasture, featured in Passing Through Your World, is a highlight.
Travel Tips: High altitudes (2,900–6,032m) risk altitude sickness—take Rhodiola a week prior and avoid baths or exertion on arrival. Routes: Long (1 day): Visitor Center → Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Temple → Luorong Pasture → Milk Lake → Five Color Lake; Short (half-day): Visitor Center → Zhaguanbeng → Chonggu Temple → Pearl Lake. Stay in Shangri-La Town (better facilities, lower altitude) or Yading Village (closer to sites).
Address: Shangri-La Town, Daocheng County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan
Ticket Price: Peak (Apr–Nov): 146 yuan (entry) + 120 yuan (round-trip shuttle); Off-season (Dec–Mar): 120 yuan (entry)
5. Inner Mongolia · Ejina Poplar Forest
In Alxa League, Ejina’s Poplar Forest is one of the world’s three largest poplar forests. Autumn’s golden trees contrast starkly with deserts and blue skies. Poplars, known as “hero trees” for enduring “1,000 years alive, 1,000 years standing, 1,000 years undecayed,” shine across Bridge 1 to Bridge 8. Highlights: Bridge 2 (Reflection Forest), Bridge 4 (Hero Forest), Bridge 8 (Sand Sea Forest), plus Monster Tree Grove, Black City Ruins, and Juyan Lake.
Travel Tips: Best time: Sep 25–Oct 15. Plan 1–3 days. Free shuttles connect Bridges 1–8. Pack warm clothes and sunscreen for desert UV. Try Mongolian dishes like hand-pulled lamb, milk tea, or yellow-stewed lamb.
Address: 16 km east of Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia
Ticket Price: 1-day: 240 yuan; 3-day: 350 yuan (includes shuttle)
6. Sichuan · Guangwu Mountain
In Nanjiang County, Bazhong City, Guangwu Mountain is China’s “top red leaf mountain.” Autumn’s 580 sq km of crimson foliage is breathtaking. Key spots include Peach Garden, Daba, Eighteen Moon Lake, and Xiaowu Gorge, blending red leaves with karst landscapes and clear streams.
Travel Tips: Best time: mid-Oct to mid-Nov. Plan 2–3 days. Self-drive or hire a car due to spread-out sites. Shoot red leaves at dawn or dusk for soft light. Stay in Guangwu Town or local guesthouses.
Address: Guangwu Mountain Town, Nanjiang County, Bazhong City, Sichuan
Ticket Price: Peach Garden: 90 yuan; Daba: 100 yuan; Eighteen Moon Lake: 55 yuan
7. Liaoning · Benxi Guanmen Mountain
In Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Guanmen Mountain is Liaoning’s premier maple-viewing spot, nicknamed “Northeast’s Little Huangshan.” Autumn’s fiery maples contrast with green hills and waters. Key sites: Guanmen Reservoir, Red Leaf Lake, Dragon Gate Gorge, and Maple Viewing Pavilion, enriched by Manchu culture.
Travel Tips: Best time: late Sep to mid-Oct. Plan 1 day. Use shuttles to save energy. Morning shots capture misty lake vibes. Relax in Benxi’s hot springs post-tour.
Address: Xiaoshi Town, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Liaoning
Ticket Price: 90 yuan
8. Hubei · Shennongjia
In western Hubei, Shennongjia, the “Central China Roof,” boasts vast pristine forests. Autumn weaves red, yellow, and green leaves with snow peaks and cloud seas. Highlights: Shennong Peak, Dajiu Lake, Tiansheng Bridge, Guanmen Mountain, and Tianyan Scenic Area, plus rich biodiversity.
Travel Tips: Best time: Oct–Nov. Plan 3–4 days. Self-drive or hire cars for spread-out sites. Pack warm layers and rain gear for unpredictable weather. Try local wild vegetables and farm dishes.
Address: Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei
Ticket Price: 6-site pass: 269 yuan (valid 5 days)
9. Jilin · Changbai Mountain
In southeast Jilin, Changbai Mountain, “Northeast’s top peak,” dazzles in autumn with colorful forests, blue Tianchi Lake, cascading waterfalls, misty hot springs, and lush valleys. Key spots: Tianchi, Changbai Waterfall, Julong Hot Springs, Underground Forest, and Green Abyss Pool, plus Korean minority culture.
Travel Tips: Best time: mid-Sep to early Oct. Plan 2–3 days. North Slope has the most developed sites. Tianchi may close due to weather—plan flexibly. Soak in hot springs to unwind.
Address: Antu County, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin
Ticket Price: North/West Scenic Area: 105 yuan (entry) + 85 yuan (shuttle)
10. Jiangxi · Wuyuan Ancient Villages
In northeast Jiangxi, Wuyuan, “China’s most beautiful countryside,” glows with autumn’s red leaves, morning mists, and rustic charm. Key villages—Shicheng, Changxi, Huangling, Jiangling, and Xiaoqi—feature ancient residences, halls, and bridges steeped in Hui culture.
Travel Tips: Best time: Nov to early Dec. Plan 2–3 days. Shicheng and Changxi are ideal for morning mist and red leaf shots. Huangling’s “sun-drying” tradition is a must-see. Stay in village guesthouses for immersion.
Address: Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi
Ticket Price: 5-day pass: 180 yuan; Single site: 60 yuan
Autumn’s fleeting beauty waits for no one. Pick one of these stunning destinations and make unforgettable memories!
