China in September

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

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

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

China's Natural Wonders: National Parks and Pandas

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

China's Silk Road

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

Colors of Northwest China: Zhangye Danxia & Jiayuguan

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

Datong to Pingyao

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

Exploring the Yangtze

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

Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
See Itinerary

Nomadic Travels through Qinghai Province: Xining to Guide

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

Recommended Festivals For China in September

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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