8 Spectacular Autumn Landscapes in China
Autumn is one of the best times to explore China. The season brings vibrant colors to mountains, forests, and lakes, while ancient villages showcase their historic charm. From the colorful forests of Jiuzhaigou to the golden birch trees at Kanas Lake, China offers countless spots for unforgettable autumn views.
Whether you want to see maple leaves near Beijing or walk through misty valleys in Yunnan, these are the top destinations to experience the country’s autumn scenery at its best.
1. Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park 四川九寨沟国家公园
Nestled in the rugged mountains of northern Sichuan, Jiuzhaigou Valley is one of China's most spectacular national parks. Named as the nine Tibetan village, the park preserves Tibetan culture. Known for its pristine lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and vivid alpine forests.
In Autumn, the forest turn shades of gold, amber, and red, creating vibrant scenery across the valleys and around the lakes, making it one of the best times to visit for photography and sightseeing.
Top 3 Must-See Highlights of Jiuzhaigou:
Five-Flower Lake (五花海): A shallow, multicolored lake with crystal-clear water. Its autumn reflections of red, gold, and green make it a photographer's favorite.
Nuorilang Waterfall (诺日朗瀑布): One of China's widest highland waterfalls. Surrounded by golden forests, it creates a dramatic spectacle in fall.
Mirror Lake (镜海): Calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks and autumn foliage. Early mornings offer the clearest, most stunning reflections.
Best Time to Visit
From mid-October to early November: For Peak Autumn Colours
Attractions Around Jiuzhaigou:
Huanglong Scenic Area (黄龙景区)
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About 144-168km from Jiuzhaigou (2-3 hours by car)
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Known for its colorful travertine pools, limestone formations and waterfalls
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Perfect place for photos and nature lovers
2. Kanas Lake, Xinjiang 新疆喀纳斯
Hidden deep in the Altay Mountains of northern Xinjiang, Kanas Lake is one of China's most enchanting autumn destinations. The lake is famous for its ever-changing water colours, shifting from jade green to turquoise blue depending on the light and season.
In autumn, dense birch and larch forests surrounding the lake turns into a glowing tapestry of gold and amber, reflecting perfectly in the still water. Combined with snow-dusted peaks, morning mist, and the quiet rhythm of nomadic life, Kanas feels almost otherworldly.
Top 3 Must-See Highlights of Kanas Lake:
Moon Bay (月亮湾): A graceful crescent-shaped curve along the Kanas River, where emerald waters wind through forests ablaze with autumn color. The best photos are taken from the wooden viewing decks on clear mornings.
Fairy Bay (神仙湾): Known for its ethereal mist at sunrise, Fairy Bay lives up to its name with soft light, still waters, and reflections of golden trees. Making it an amazing photospot.
Fish-Viewing Platform (观鱼亭): Perched high on a ridge above the lake, this platform rewards the climb with sweeping views over the water and surrounding Altay Mountains, especially stunning in golden autumn light.
Best Time to Visit
Most Beautiful Season: mid-September to early October for peak fall foliage.
(The colors in early October is usually more intense before temperature gradually decrease)
Attractions Around Kanas Lake:
Baihaba Village (白哈巴村)
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About 40km away, 1-hour drive
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Located on the border with Kazakhstan, known for their log cabins, rivers, pristine forest and snow-capped mountains
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Famous for its stunning autumn foliage
3. Tachuan Village 安徽塔川村
Tachuan Village lies in Yixian County, Anhui, near the famous ancient village of Hongcun. The village is known for its misty hills, winding streams, terraced farmland, and classic Huizhou-style architecture. It is especially admired for its breathtaking autumn scenery.
In autumn, the village’s white walls and black-tiled roofs stand out against fiery red maples, golden ginkgo trees, and crimson tallow leaves. Morning mist often blankets the valley, turning the entire landscape into a dreamlike scene, making it a true paradise for photographers.
Highlights of Tachuan Village:
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Known as China's top autumn photography spots: Early mornings often bring layers of mist, creating a breathtaking view.
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Authentic Hui Culture and Architecture: Wander through narrow stone lanes and admire centuries-old whitewashed homes.
Best Time to Visit
Most Beautiful Season: In Autumn, late October to mid-November for its peak Autumn colors
Attractions Around Kanas Lake:
Hongcun Ancient Village
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About 2km away, 5 minutes by car or a 20-30 minute walk
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UNESCO Heritage Site, known for its numerous historical buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties
4. Fragrant Hill, Beijing 北京香山公园
Every Autumn, Beijing's Fragrant Hill Park transforms into a fiery sea of red, orange, and gold. Located about 20 km northwest of downtown Beijing, this historic imperial garden sits on the slopes of the Western Hills and is famous for its forests of smoke trees and maples.
The park combines nature, heritage, and panoramic views. A perfect retreat from the capital's bustle when the leaves turn.
Highlights of Fragrant Hill:
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Incense Burner Peak (点香炉峰): The highest point in Fragrant Hill offers breathtaking views of rolling hills covered in autumn colours. You can hike up or take a cable car to enjoy the full landscape.
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Maple and Smoke Tree Forests: The park's diverse foliage from maples to gingko and smoke trees bursts into layers of red, amber, and gold every October, creating one of Beijing's most iconic fall scenes.
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Temples and Garden Sights: Don't miss cultural landmarks such as Biyun Temple and Fragrant Hill Temple, as well as serene lakes like Jingcui and Glasses Lake that mirror the colorful trees.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-October to early November: Marks the peak of the Autumn foliage
Late October: Typically offers the most vibrant hues an comfortable weather for walking and photography.
Attractions Around Fragrant Hill:
Beijing Botanical Gardens 国家植物园:
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About 3km away, located next to Fragrant Hill
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A quieter spot for nature walks
Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪长城:
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About 85km away, an hour and a half drive
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A great extension to your trip, a UNESCO Heritage Site
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Known for being well-preserved and is often less crowded than other parts of the wall
5. Tianping Mountain, Suzhou 苏州天平山
Situated in Suzhou’s Wuzhong District, Tianping Mountain is one of East China’s best-known maple viewing spots. Only 20 km from downtown Suzhou, it is celebrated for its brilliant forests, clear springs, and peaceful scenery that attract visitors each fall.
The mountain’s history dates back centuries, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.
Highlights of Tianping Mountain:
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Ancient Maple Forests: Over 40,000 maple trees, some more than 400 years old, blanket the slopes in shades ranging from golden yellow to deep crimson. Earning Tianping its title as “the most colorful mountain in Suzhou.”
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Reflections and Water Views: Streams and ponds at the foot of the mountain beautifully reflect the autumn foliage, making it a perfect place for leisurely strolls and photography.
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Cultural Landmarks: The scenic area also houses memorial halls, pavilions, and stone inscriptions that honor Fan Zhongyan, a revered scholar from the Northern Song Dynasty, adding depth to your visit.
Best Time to Visit
Mid November: Best time to see the maple trees
Late October to early December: Offers a lovely scenery, transitioning to winter
Attractions Around Tianping Mountain:
Mudu Ancient Town (木渎古镇):
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About 4.5km away, 10 minutes drive
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A charming old water town known for its stone bridges, gardens, and canals.
Lingering Garden (留园) :
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About 13.8km away, a 30-minute drive
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One of Suzhou's UNESCO listed Classical Gardens, proividing a tranquil contrast to the wild beauty of Tianping.
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Spanning a period of almost one thousand years, from the Northen Song to the late Qing Dynasties.
6. Daocheng Yading Scenic Area 四川稻城亚丁风景区
Tucked away in western Sichuan’s Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Daocheng Yading is known as the “Last Shangri-La” for its untouched natural beauty and sacred Tibetan peaks.
Sitting at over 3,800 meters above sea level, the reserve is home to crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, and golden alpine forests that make it one of China’s most breathtaking highland destinations.
Top Highlights of Daocheng Yading:
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Golden Grasslands & Verdant Forests: The expansive grasslands and forests undergo a stunning transformation, with foliage shifting to shades of gold and red.
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Tranquil Alpine Lakes: Lakes such as Milk Lake (牛奶海) and Five-Color Lake (五色海) mirror the surrounding autumnal landscape, offering serene reflections, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
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Sacred Snow Mountains: The three towering peaks of Yading: Chenresig, Jampayang, and Chenadorje. Standing majestically against the clear autumn sky and the snow-covered summits. Offering breathtaking views and adding to the region’s natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
Prime Season for Autumn foliage: Mid-September to mid-November, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, offering comfortable conditions for exploration.
Attractions Around Daocheng Yading:
Daocheng White Pagoda 稻城白塔:
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About 106.9km, around a 2-hour drive
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Offering additional cultural and natural sites to explore tibetan culture
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Most recognizable symbol, representing peace in Tibetan Bhuddhism
7. Qixia Mountain, Nanjing 南京栖霞山
Qixia Mountain (栖霞山), northeast of Nanjing, is famous in autumn for its sea of maple trees carpeted in vibrant red and orange. Temple halls, pagodas, and walking trails weave through the forest, and features like old cliffs make the scenery even more magical against a backdrop of east China’s city lights.
Top 3 Must-See Highlights of Qixia Mountain:
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Qixia Temple (栖霞寺): One of the focal points, surrounded by maples, a place to understand the history and culture while observing the foliage
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Maple Forest Trails: Well-marked walking paths where visitors can enjoy dense maple forest and wide views of the mountains during peak foliage season.
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Thousand Buddha Cliff (千佛崖): Features ancient Buddhist carvings on a cliff face, with a scenic view of autumn colors.
Best Time to Visit
Peak foliage season: Mid-October to early November
Attractions Around Qixia Mountain:
Nanjing City Walls 南京明城墙:
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About 20km away, 35-45 minutes drive
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Known as China's best preserved ancient city walls
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Built during the early Ming Dynasty over 600 years ago
8. Tengchong, Yunnan 云南騰冲
Tengchong, a gem in western Yunnan, is renowned for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and vibrant autumn scenery. From mid-November to early December, the region's famed Ginkgo Village transforms into a golden wonderland, with over 30,000 ginkgo trees, including some over 1,300 years old, blanketing the area in beautiful yellow leaves.
Top Highlights of Tengchong:
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Ginkgo Village (银杏村): Famous for its thousands of ancient ginkgo trees, the village turns golden in autumn, making it a prime spot for photography and nature walks.
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Volcanic National Geological Park (腾冲火山带): Explore the diverse volcanic terrains, including Dakongshan and Columnar Jointing, offering unique landscapes and panoramic views.
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Rehai Hot Springs (热海温泉): Relax in the therapeutic waters of Rehai, known for their high temperatures and rich mineral content. Perfect place to unwind after exploring the area.
Best Time to Visit
Mid-November to early December: Period to witness the golden ginkgo trees, with cooling weather and clear skies
Attractions Around Tengchong:
Heshun Ancient Town (和顺古镇)
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About 36.1km away from Ginkgo Village, about a 45-minute drive
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Known as one of Yunnan's best-preserved historic towns
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Famous for its cobbled lanes, well-preserved courtyard houses and a mix of Chinese and Western architecture
Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve (高黎贡山国家级自然保护区)
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About 87km away, around 1hour and 45 minures away
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A UNESCO heritage site, known for its biologically diverse mountain range
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Home to wildlife such as red pandas and balck snub-nosed monkeys
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Perfect place to hike and see hidden waterfalls