China in October 2025: Guide to Golden Season Escapes

October is one of the best times for a China tour - plenty of sunny days and cool temperatures ideal for outdoor activities, paired with mountains and lakes dyed in their rich fall colors in the second half. From the weather in October to the best places to visit, discover China in October with this complete guide.

China's Weather in October

During this mid-autumn season, China's weather in October shows a decrease in heat, fluctuating between 10 and 25℃ (50 to 77℉). The dry, sunny days are more common to see, yet a little bit windy. Southern and eastern cities maintain their warm days about 25℃ (77℉), while the northern and western parts are much cooler (below 10℃, 50℉) and deeper in fall colors.

• Southern China in October is humid and warm, with an average temperature above 22℃ (72℉). It is ideal for discovering the charming landscapes in Guilin, Yunnan, and Zhangjiajie. Coastal cities like Guangzhou and Hong Kong may encounter occasional showers, while Sanya and Haikou at the southern end, with temperatures above 27℃ (81℉), are still suitable for a beach holiday.
• Eastern China remains mild. Average temperatures in October are around 20℃ (68℉) in Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, with gentle and humid sea breezes for relaxing sightseeing through the lively streets and idyllic towns. Huangshan Mountain is much cooler (about 12℃, 54℉) due to its high altitude, making it best for a hiking trip to capture its colorful leaves.
• Western China's average temperature gets a little chilly in October, about 15℃ (59℉) during daytime, yet quickly drops below 0℃ (32℉) at night. The weather is dry and windy in Xinjiang and Tibet, with brighter sunshine making the early autumn leaves there much charming to see. Snow falls in the second half around the mountain area, so pack yourself thick before your journey to the west.
• In Northern China, cities like Beijing and Xian enjoy crisp weather in October, with temperatures hovering about 18℃ (64℉), perfect for exploring their history against the clear sky. The temperature rapidly drops in Harbin and Jilin below 10℃ (50℉), paired with monthly dry winds and common snowfall at the end of October. Take care to stay hydrated and warm when traveling to Northern China in October.

Forbidden City

Crowds & Costs

There is a rapid increase in visitors and travel costs during the National Day holiday in early October (October 1 to 8, 2025). Prices for hotel and flight tickets can reach their peak, seats and rooms are quickly sold out, and almost all the attractions are packed with tourists.

However, once the Chinese Golden Week is over, everything drops back to its normal range, even lower - you can enjoy a budget price cheaper than in September, and attractions also return to their peace and tranquility for your ideal photo shot - just skip the early holiday week and make your mid or late October journey!

Best Places to Travel in October

Guilin

For your trip to China in October, the typical karst landform in Guilin offers idyllic autumn scenery. It is a journey paired with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus. One of the best ways to catch those variously shaped limestone mountains is a boat cruise to Yangshuo, followed by a bamboo raft drift with endless color reflecting on the Yulong River. Also, never miss the Longji Rice Terraces in their golden outfits, since October is one of the best times to take a minority village hike and experience the paddy harvest farm work.

Longji Rice Terraces

Beijing

Beijing can be the top place to visit in China in October, when the crisp weather and colorful leaves are well-matched by its ancient glory. Golden ginkgo against the red walls of the Forbidden City, and the most colorful Fragrant Hills Park is bustling with its annual Red Leaf Festival. You can rent a bike or wander through those twisting Hutong alleyways like locals, and if possible, leave at least one day for the Mutianyu Great Wall hike, where colorful leaves spread along the mountain to the end of your view.

Zhangjiajie

The clear and pleasant weather of October makes for excellent hiking conditions through Zhangjiajie's unique evergreen rock pillar landscape. Imagine a morning stroll around Yuanjiajie, capturing the real-life Avatar mountains among clouds and mist. For something exciting, there is also a huge glass bridge that crosses the Grand Canyon for a "skywalk". Not to mention Tianmen Mountain (with a direct cable car tramway for your quick visit), which requires a 999-step hike to reach the famous Heaven's Cave.

Tibet

October is the last ideal window for your Tibet exploration. The extraordinarily blue sky gives a clear vision of highland beauty. You can start from Lhasa, capture the sacred Potala Palace glowing in the soft morning light, and join the nomad family's local life by horse riding and butter making. For more cultural and natural experiences, join the Mount Kailash pilgrimage to encounter chanting monks and pilgrims, or head to Everest Base Camp to see the snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and meadows at the top of the world.

What to Do in October

Join the Harvest Fun

The autumn of October is about harvest and food. Make your Alipay and WeChat ready for some seasonal snacks like osmanthus cake and mooncakes in pumpkin flavor, or the freshly made hairy crab with osmanthus wine to your dinner table. Family visitors with kids can also participate in some interesting farm work, from persimmon and pomelo picking in Guilin to chestnut gathering around Beijing. If you are looking for a special ingredient of autumn flavor, mushroom picking is also available during your visit to Yunnan.

Adventure Outdoor with Fall Colors

From mountain hikes to valley treks, China in October is suitable for all kinds of outdoor adventures. The colorful Huangshan is another option for your fall foliage hike, ideal for a night stay to catch the glorious sunrise. While Jiuzhaigou balances the valley, lake sights, and wild animal watching. Or, take advantage of the excellent weather to explore somewhere further: deep into the desert of Inner Mongolia to find the Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest rooted in the yellow sand; down to the canyon of Yunnan to witness the roaring water of Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Cruise the Yangtze River

To enjoy both the nature and history, the Yangtze River cruise is one of the top things to do during your October trip to China - a leisurely sightseeing without moving your toes, even a lie down with fruity drinks and crab to enjoy all the layers of autumn leaves covering the banks of the Three Gorges section (from Chongqing to Yichang). You can take a panoramic view of White Emperor City, surrounded by mountains and gurgling rivers, or follow the hiking tradition of the Double Ninth Festival for a simple step up to the wooden cliffside Shibaozhai Temple.

Events & Festivals

Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival)

Celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar (October 29, 2025). It is a traditional festival about hiking and chrysanthemum watching, enjoying some flower cakes and chrysanthemum wine, and wearing zhuyu (cornus officinalis) flowers. Nowadays, more and more people take it as a "Height Ascending Festival" for hiking, making it one of the easiest customs to join.

Sichuan Autumn Leaf Ecotourism Festival

In late October, the forests of Heishui County, Sichuan, enter the best viewing period, and the Autumn Leaf Ecotourism Festival opens (usually on the 18th to 27th of October) to share the mesmerizing forests and rich Tibetan culture with the world. You can ride a cable car over the forests and glaciers, stay in a Tibetan village, and enjoy the Kasidawen Dance, as well as delicacies such as air-dried yak meat, Tibetan pork, and Tibetan wine.

China Travel Tips in October

Moisturize Your Skin

The weather is generally dry in October, so bring moisturizer and water with you, especially if you are traveling to windy and high-altitude areas.

Preparations for Traveling to Plateaus

In October, plateaus (such as western Sichuan) are not too cold during the day, but the climate is more changeable, so please prepare cold-proof and rain-proof items in advance; and prepare sunscreen items, as ultraviolet rays are strong in plateaus.

Precautions for Hiking and Camping

Hiking and camping are popular in October, but please take precautions against insects, snakes, etc. Take a first-aid kit with you when you go into the wilderness, and it's a good idea to travel in a group.

Traveling to China in October? Check Out These Great Itineraries

Classic China Tour for First-Time Visitors: a 10-day trip to discover the Golden Triangle of China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian), also including a visit to Guilin to admire its stunning natural beauty with river cruises.

Ethnic Trip to China: from Guilin's Miao and Dong villages to Bai and Naxi people in Yunnan, as well as the Tibetan nomad experiences in Lhasa, explores the ethnic cultures of China in the Southern and Western parts.

China Family Tour With Giant Panda: enjoy your family fun in China, combining the historic highlights in Beijing, Xian, and the stunning nature in Guilin and Chengdu, and most importantly, an encounter with giant pandas!