In the golden autumn of October, the layered forests are fully dyed, making it a good season to enjoy the red leaves, appreciate the autumn charm, and escape the cold for vacation. From the splendor of maple leaves in the north to the warmth of islands in the south, from the clarity of plateau lakes to the elegance of ancient capital cities, October in China presents a diverse and poetic travel scene. Here are 14 selected October luxury travel cities/provinces to embark on a luxurious journey that is as intoxicating as autumn.

1. Beijing

The totem of the roof mythical beast under the autumn leaves

Temperature: Minimum 8 ℃ • Maximum 18 ℃
Other recommended travel times: March/April/May/September/October/November
Highlights: Fragrant Hills are covered in red leaves like fire, Shuangqing Villa and Biyun Temple have a long ancient charm, and the peak of the incense burner overlooks the autumn scenery of the capital city.
The autumn leaves of Fragrant Hills enter their best viewing period in October, with the mountains covered in yellow cottages and maple trees shining like fire and clouds, complementing ancient temples and pavilions, forming a magnificent painting of "thousands of mountains covered in red". The peak of the incense burner overlooks the autumn scenery of Beijing city, and attractions such as Shuangqing Villa and Biyun Temple add historical charm.
High end accommodations such as Beijing Yihe Anman and Xiangshan Hotel offer private courtyards and customized services. Pair with Beijing style roast duck, Zhajiangmian, Pea puree cake and other classic food, and feel the luxury and comfort of autumn in the royal garden. October is also the golden season for stargazing and admiring the moon. You can arrange stargazing at Xianglu Peak and a night cruise to the Summer Palace.

 

2. Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhai Valley seems like God's palette has been knocked over

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 15 ℃
Highlights: Changhai and Wuhua Sea are colorful in autumn, the hiking route from Arrow Bamboo Sea to Panda Sea is like entering a fairy tale, and the layers of primitive forests are dyed.
Other recommended travel dates: June/July/August/October/November
In October, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area Valley has a rich autumn color. The lakes like the Changhai Lake and the Wuhua Lake are colorful in the autumn sun. The waterfalls are abundant in water. The primeval forests are golden and orange red, just like a fairy tale world. You can take a sightseeing bus to visit Shuzheng Qunhai and Rizegou, hike through Jianzhu Sea to Panda Sea, and experience the beauty of "returning from Jiuzhaigou without looking at the water".
High end accommodation, such as Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area Paradise Intercontinental Hotel and Jiuzhaigou Luneng Hilton, provides lake view rooms and forest bath services. Paired with Tibetan hotpot, barley wine, yak meat and other specialty foods, enjoy a luxurious vacation amidst the picturesque landscape. October is also a popular season for photography and stargazing, and professional photography teams can be arranged to capture the wonders of autumn.

 

3. Kanas, Xinjiang

The golden Kanas in autumn is embedded with the blue lake water

Temperature: Minimum 0 ℃ • Maximum 15 ℃
Highlights: The morning mist lingers in Shenxian Bay, the white birch forest in Hemu Village is golden, and the smoke from the Tuwa people's wooden houses is swirling like a dream.
Other recommended travel dates: June/July/August/September/October
The autumn scenery in Kanas reaches its peak in October, with the morning mist and autumn leaves of Shenxian Bay, Wolong Bay, and Moon Bay complementing each other like a dream. The smoke from the wooden houses in Hemu Village is lingering, and the white birch forest is golden. You can ride horses across the grassland and experience the traditional life of the Tuwa people.
High end accommodations such as Kanas Mountain Villa and Hemu Starry Sky Camp offer private observation rooms and stargazing services. Serve with Xinjiang cuisine such as hand pilaf, Roasted whole lamb, mare's milk wine, and enjoy a taste feast in the background of snow mountains. October is also the golden season for shooting Rizhao Jinshan and Starry Sky Galaxy, and professional photography teams can be arranged for guidance.

 

4. Shangri La, Yunnan

Shangri La Sutra Banner

Temperature: Minimum -2 ℃ • Maximum 15 ℃
Highlights: The autumn leaves of Pudacuo Lake are colorful, the "Little Potala Palace" of Songzanlin Temple is solemn, and the yak herds and black necked cranes dance together on the Napahai grassland.
Other recommended travel dates: May/June/September/October
In October, Shangri La has a deep autumn atmosphere, and Pudacuo National Park is home to the beautiful autumn leaves of Duhu Lake and Bitahai. During the hike, you can enjoy the clarity of the "plateau pearl". The "Little Potala Palace" of Songtsenlin Temple appears even more solemn under the autumn sun, and the Napahayila grassland is golden, where you can ride horses and wander around, encountering herds of yaks and black necked cranes.
High end accommodations such as Shangri La Songtsen Linka Hotel and Ren'an Banyan Tree offer Tibetan style homestays and starry sky camping services. Paired with Tibetan cuisine such as yak meat hotpot, butter tea, and barley cakes, enjoy a luxurious vacation in the holy land of the plateau. October is also a popular season for stargazing and avoiding the cold, where you can arrange grassland starry sky photography and temple cultural experiences.

 

5. Nanjing

Nanjing Zhongshan Mausoleum is full of autumn scenery

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Red maple trees burn like fire on Qixia Mountain, the night view of Qinhuai River at Confucius Temple shines brightly, and the autumn night stargazing at Purple Mountain Observatory.
Other recommended travel dates: February/March/April/October/November
In October, the red maple trees on Qixia Mountain in Nanjing are as hot as fire. You can hike through the "Maple Leaf Avenue" and enjoy the beautiful scenery of "frost leaves red in February flowers". The night view of the Qinhuai River at Confucius Temple is dazzling, and you can take a painted boat to enjoy the poetic atmosphere of "night mooring near Qinhuai Restaurant" and taste Jinling cuisine such as duck blood vermicelli soup and salted duck.
High end accommodation, such as the Ritz Carlton Nanjing Hotel and Banyan Tree Garden, provides private bathing pool and customized services. Paired with crab roe soup dumplings, mixed vegetables, osmanthus candy taro seedlings and other specialty snacks, enjoy a luxurious vacation in the ancient city style. October is also a popular season for stargazing and moon watching, and you can arrange a night tour of the Purple Mountain Observatory and the Old Gate East.

 

6. Hangzhou

The Three Pools of West Lake in Hangzhou are imprinted with the moon

Temperature: Minimum 12 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: The fragrance of osmanthus flowers wafts through the air, creating a picturesque scene of "Gui Yu Peng". The Three Pools of West Lake are a stunning sight on autumn nights, while Baoshi Mountain offers an excellent view of the moon.
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/May/September/October/November
In October, Hangzhou is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus flowers, and you can stroll along the osmanthus path of "Gui Yu Peng Peng", enjoy a cup of Longjing tea, and feel the poetic feeling of "osmanthus flowers falling in leisure". The West Lake has a rich autumn scenery. The wutong trees in Beishan Street and the residual lotus trees in the willow waves form the new charm of the "Ten Views of the West Lake". You can enjoy the autumn night scenery of the "Three Pools and the Moon" in the boat.
High end accommodations such as Hangzhou Xizihu Four Seasons Hotel and Fayun Anman offer private courtyards and customized services. Enjoy a luxurious holiday in Jiangnan water town with classic Hangzhou cuisine such as crab meat dumplings, Dongpo Braised Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, etc. October is also a popular season for stargazing and moon watching. You can arrange a night tour of Baoshi Mountain and Hefang Street to enjoy the moon.

 

7. Wuyuan

Huizhou style residential buildings in Huangling, Wuyuan

Temperature: Minimum 8 ℃ • Maximum 18 ℃
Highlights: Huangling Sunbathing Autumn "Earth Color Plate", Shicheng Red Maple Morning Mist Like Poetry, Huizhou Ancient Village Autumn Fairy Tale.
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/October/November
In October, the "Sunbathing Autumn" landscape of Huangling Ancient Village in Wuyuan reached its peak, with crops such as chili peppers, corn, and pumpkins laid on bamboo plaques, forming a magnificent picture of the "color palette of the earth". The red maple trees in Shicheng are starting to turn red, and you can hike through the ancient villages in the morning mist to experience the autumn fairy tale of "the most beautiful countryside in China".
High end accommodations such as Wuyuan Huangling Sunbathing Autumn Beauty Inn and Houtang Manor offer Huizhou style homestays and private courtyard services. Enjoy a luxurious vacation in the Huizhou style architecture and rural scenery, paired with specialty foods such as red carp, steam cake, and Wuyuan green tea. October is also the golden season for photography and stargazing, and professional photography teams can be arranged to capture autumn scenery.

 

8. Benxi, Liaoning

Benxi, the capital of maple leaves, is searching for autumn on the railway

Temperature: Minimum 0 ℃ • Maximum 15 ℃
Highlights: The maple leaves of Guanmen Mountain are stained with layers of forest, the stalactites of Benxi Water Cave are crystal clear, and hot springs are used for recuperation and protection from the cold.
Other recommended travel dates: April/May/June/July/August/September/October/December/January/February
In October, Benxi enters the golden season of the "Maple Leaf Capital". The maple leaves on Guanmen Mountain and Laobian Gou gradually turn red, and you can hike through the "Maple Leaf Avenue" to experience the autumn scenery of "stained forests". The autumn atmosphere of Benxi Water Cave gradually intensifies, and the stalactites inside the cave appear even more crystal clear under the autumn sun. You can explore the magical world of the underground river by boat.
High end accommodations such as Benxi Maple Leaf Hotel and Benxi Hot Spring Resort offer private courtyards and hot spring therapy services. Enjoy a luxurious vacation in the sea of maple leaves, paired with specialty foods such as Xiaoshi lamb soup, Benxi roasted bean skin, and Manchu hotpot. October is also a popular season for stargazing and avoiding the cold, and activities such as mountain top stargazing and forest bathing can be arranged.

 

9. Zhangjiajie

Climbing the 999 level ladder, looking up at Tianmen Cave

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot Peak Forest "Qiankun Column" is extremely steep, Tianmen Mountain glass walkway is breathtaking, and Huanglong Cave stalagmites are magnificent.
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/May/September/October/November
In October, the autumn is clear in Zhangjiajie, and the Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot Peak Forest is more majestic and beautiful in the autumn sun. You can take the cableway up the mountain to enjoy the "Qiankun Column", "The First Bridge in the World" and other strange peaks and rocks. The Tianmen Mountain is surrounded by clouds and mist. You can experience the thrill of the glass walkway and overlook the autumn scenery at the foot of the mountain. The autumn atmosphere of Huanglong Cave gradually intensifies, and the stalagmites and flowers inside the cave appear even more magnificent under the autumn sun.
High end accommodations such as Zhangjiajie Hetianju Resort Hotel and Jingwu Pullman Hotel offer private courtyards and customized services. Enjoy a luxurious vacation in the picturesque scenery of the peak forest, paired with unique dishes such as Tujia San Xia Guo, Rock Ear Stewed Chicken, and Ge Gen Fen. October is also a popular season for stargazing and photography, and professional photography teams can be arranged to capture the wonders of autumn.

 

10. Dunhuang

Tang Dynasty murals in Mogao Caves

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: The majestic flying murals in Mogao Grottoes, the solitary smoke of Mingsha Mountain and Yueya Spring in the desert, and the vicissitudes of Yangmen Pass and Yumen Pass.
Other recommended travel dates: June/July/August/September/October
In October, Dunhuang's autumn sky is clear and refreshing, and the Mogao Caves appear even more solemn under the autumn sun. Visitors can enjoy the "Flying Sky" murals and millennium Buddha statues, and feel the profound cultural heritage of the Silk Road. Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring appears even clearer in autumn, allowing you to ride a camel across the desert and experience the magnificence of the 'solitary smoke of the desert'. The ruins of Yangguan and Yumen Pass show even more vicissitudes under the autumn sun, and one can experience the poetic feeling of 'no old friends leaving Yangguan in the west'.
High end accommodations such as Dunhuang Villa and Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel offer private courtyards and customized services. With Dunhuang donkey meat yellow noodles, apricot skin water, desert Roasted whole lamb and other special foods, you can enjoy a luxurious holiday on the ancient Silk Road. October is also a popular season for stargazing and photography, where desert starry sky photography and Silk Road cultural experiences can be arranged.

 

11. Shenzhen

Shenzhen Bay in the early morning

Temperature: Minimum 22 ℃ • Maximum 28 ℃
Highlights: Surfing and diving at the Dapeng Peninsula beach, a small train passing through the "mountains and seas connected city" in the eastern OCT forest, and a dazzling night view of Shenzhen Bay.
Other recommended travel dates: October/November/December/January/February/March/April/May
In October, the climate in Shenzhen is pleasant, and the Dapeng Peninsula beach welcomes the best season for sightseeing, where you can experience water activities such as surfing, sailing, and diving. The Eastern Overseas Chinese Town integrates ecological tourism and entertainment, and you can take a forest train to cross the Tea Creek Valley and Grand Canyon, experiencing the charm of the "mountain and sea connected city". The night view of Shenzhen Bay Talent Park is dazzling, where you can stroll along the seaside boardwalk and enjoy the city skyline and light show.
High end accommodations such as Andaz Hotel Shenzhen Bay and InterContinental Resort Dameisha offer sea view rooms and private beach services. With Cantonese morning tea, coconut chicken, sea urchin Fried Rice and other seafood dishes, you can enjoy a luxury holiday in the coastal city. October is also a popular season for sailing and yacht sailing, and professional coaches can be arranged to guide water activities.

 

12. Sanya

Sanya Sun Bay, jelly like seawater

Temperature: Minimum 24 ℃ • Maximum 30 ℃
Highlights: Yalong Bay infinity pool provides cold shelter, Wuzhizhou Island coral reef diving, and Nanshan Temple sea Guanyin is solemn.
Other recommended travel dates: October/November/December/January/February/March
Sanya has a warm climate in October, making it an ideal place for winter vacations. The luxurious hotel clusters in Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay offer private beaches and infinity pools, while diving on Wuzhizhou Island allows for close observation of coral reefs and tropical fish populations. Nanshan Temple's Guanyin Villa on the sea is grand and majestic, where you can pray and make wishes, and experience Buddhist culture.
High end accommodations such as Atlantis Sanya Hotel and Addison Hotel offer sea view rooms and aquarium experiences. Enjoy a luxurious vacation in the blue sea and sky with seafood feast, refreshing drinks, coconut rice and other specialty foods. October is also a popular season for diving and surfing, and professional coaches can be arranged to guide water activities.

 

13. Zhangye

Zhangye Mati Mountain, antelopes, yaks, and horses leisurely graze on grass

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Colorful Danxia, colorful forests in Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, magnificent desert camel caravan crossing.
Other recommended travel dates: June/July/August/September/October
Zhangye's October Danxia autumn scenery is intoxicating, the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is stained with layers of forests, and the camel caravan walks through the desert sports park.
For high-end accommodation, Danxia Hot Spring Hotel or Desert Starry Camp are recommended, with fish noodles, Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup and other delicacies, to experience the magnificent and vast Hexi Corridor in the autumn sun.

 

14. Shanghai

Oriental Paris, a complex of international architecture, a mark of an era

Temperature: Minimum 15 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: The night scene of the Bund World Building Complex is bright, Disney's autumn theme is dreamy, and the fragrance of osmanthus in Yu Garden is reflected against the ancient buildings.
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/May/September/October/November
Shanghai's autumn in October is cool and refreshing, with a dazzling night view of the Bund. The autumn themed activities at Disneyland are dreamy and open. The ancient buildings in Yu Garden are fragrant with osmanthus, and the tea shops and restaurants are full of guests.
High end accommodation is recommended at Peace Hotel or Disney Hotel, paired with local cuisine, crab roe dumplings, and other delicacies to experience the romantic autumn atmosphere of Shanghai style culture and modern city.