China in October

Autumn sees Northern China start to cool and lows are well below zero Celsius (32 °F) in November as the nation’s foliage bursts into color. The rain for the most part stops with precipitation in Beijing dropping to an average of just 12mm per month in October and November. The 'ice city’ of Harbin in the northeast sees a cold autumn, with highs around zero Celsius (32 °F) and lows of minus 10 °C (14 °F), many choosing this time to visit many of the ski resorts just outside the city.

This is a great time to explore Central China, the intensity of the summer heat wanes and most areas see average temperatures of around 25 °C (77 °F) and lows a balmy 15°C (59 °F). Unlike in the north, central China allows you to leave those warm winter jackets at home during the autumn.

It is cool and dry in Southern China, and for many October to December is the best time to visit. The gentle coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian Province has average highs of 23 °C in November and precipitation of 31 mm per day; Nanning in Guangxi Autonomous Region with highs around 24 °C and just 11 mm precipitation per month; Guangzhou (Canton) in Guangdong Province with highs around 25 °C (73 °F) and precipitation around 11 mm; or Kunming in Yunnan Province with highs of 18 °C (64 °F) and precipitation of 13 mm.

Northwest China’s autumns are cool and dry. In Kashgar, Xinjiang province, one of the westernmost city’s in China, October temperatures vary from 5 to 20 °C (41-68 °F) but by December that range falls rapidly to about minus 7 to 2 °C ( 19-35 °F) and winter clothing is needed once more.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic China

Get a real feel for China on this luxury 10-day tour that whisks you through Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Stay at some of the country’s most prestigious hotels while taking in key sights, from the Temple of Heaven, to the Great Wall of China, to the Terracotta Warriors, Yu Gardens, and more.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,800
See Itinerary

A Journey Across the Rooftop of the World: Beijing to Lhasa by Train

Stroll along one of the world’s wonders, the Great Wall of China, when you embark on this 8-day luxury train journey through Beijing and Lhasa. It’s a step back in time with ancient sites and breathtaking natural features, and a thrilling trip along the world’s highest train journey to the Tibetan Plateau.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,800
See Itinerary

China's Natural Wonders: National Parks and Pandas

Journey through China’s most picturesque landscapes on this exciting 13-day luxury journey. You’ll hike through the stunning Yellow Mountain and Jiuzhaigou National Park, tour Tibetan villages of the Zharu Valley, and play with Pandas in Chengdu, while staying at luxury hotels like Amanfayun or Banyan Tree.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $18,800
See Itinerary

China's Silk Road

Journey across China’s ancient trade route, meandering from Shanghai, to Xian, Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Kashgar. You’ll stay in hotels fit for aristocrats as you learn about what life was like for traders at sites like the Bund, the Terracotta Warriors, the City of Sands, White Horse Pagoda, the Grand Bazaar, and more. 

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,600
See Itinerary

Colors of Northwest China: Zhangye Danxia & Jiayuguan

Travel through the remote, stunning corners of Northwest China on this colorful journey that will take you from Beijing to undiscovered Zhangye Danxia and Jiayuguan. Your camera will be challenged to capture the real life epic beauty at sites like Jiayuguan Fortress, the Danxia landforms, Bingguo Rock area, and more.

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
See Itinerary

Datong to Pingyao

Step back into China’s indelible past on this insightful 4-day journey through Datong and Pingyao. This luxury tour will take you to ancient monasteries and UNESCO-listed sites, including the Yungang grottoes, Shanhua Monastery, and the Nine Dragon Screen, while staying at the luxurious boutique Jing’s Residence.

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
See Itinerary

Discover Cantonese Culture From Hong Kong To Conghua

Soak up the culture, history, sights and sounds of Canton on this six-day exploration of southern China’s most stylish province. From the bright lights, art galleries and markets of Hong Kong, immerse yourself in beautiful Conghua, where golf, hot springs and historic artifacts await amid gorgeous mountain scenery.

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,600
See Itinerary

Exploring the Yangtze

Meander in luxury down Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze, on this phenomenal 4-day boat journey that passes by some of China’s most stunning landscapes and fascinating cities, moving from Chongqing, past the Three Gorges Dam Project, and on to Xiling Gorge, being rocked to sleep at night aboard your cruise ship.

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
See Itinerary

Nomadic Travels through Qinghai Province: Xining to Guide

Experience a mesmerizing eight-day journey through China’s Qinghai Province. You’ll take in such epic sights as Qinhai Lake, the Yellow River and Dredzong Monastery, while interacting with local noamds and learning about their traditions.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,800
See Itinerary

Riding the Dragon's Back: Adventures in Guilin & Longsheng

Spend 5 days touring the stunning, vibrant landscapes of Southern China on this luxury journey through Yangshuo, Ping An, Xiaozhai, and Guilin. You’ll explore Guilin City, capture the limestone karsts of the Li River, visit picturesque rice terraces, and spend a night at the remarkable Li-An Lodge.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,200
See Itinerary

Recommended Festivals For China in October

Lusheng Reed Pipe Festival

Celebrated in many different places - In Lusheng it is September (biggest one)

This is a popular four-day festival celebrated by the Miao ethnic minority of Guizhou. The Lusheng reed pipe dates back to the Tang dynasty and, as a symbol of Miao history, is played throughout the festival at ceremonies and performances of traditional dances. There are horse races on the third day and bullfighting on the fourth.

Location Lusheng, China

Mid-Autumn Festival

September

This three-day festival includes a one-day public holiday and is celebrated throughout China. Traditionally observed to give thanks to the moon for the harvest, nowadays it is often referred to as Moon Cake Festival and families celebrate together, eating cakes, sending up lanterns to the full moon and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Location Countrywide, China

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