China in autumn is a breathtaking spectacle of red maples, golden ginkgos, and misty mountain valleys. From late September to November, the country transforms into a vibrant canvas of fall colors, with northern regions peaking earlier and southern highlands following soon after. Whether you love hiking, photography, or cultural landmarks framed by autumn leaves, these destinations offer unforgettable seasonal beauty. Here are the top 10 places to see fall foliage in China for a stunning autumn getaway.
1. Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan
Jiuzhaigou Valley is widely regarded as the most beautiful place to see fall foliage in China. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dazzles with turquoise lakes reflecting fiery red maples, golden birches, and deep green evergreens. In October, the valleys explode into layers of yellow, orange, red, and even purple hues surrounding waterfalls and snow-dusted peaks. The crisp autumn air and fewer crowds after Golden Week make it perfect for hiking and photography. Scenic boardwalks allow easy exploration, while elevated viewpoints reveal breathtaking panoramas of mirrored lakes wrapped in brilliant autumn colors.
2. Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan), Beijing
Fragrant Hills Park is Beijing’s most famous autumn destination, known for hillsides blanketed in vivid crimson maple leaves. From mid-to-late October, the park becomes a sea of red, contrasting beautifully with historic pavilions and temple rooftops. Visitors can hike scenic trails or take a cable car to enjoy panoramic views of the fiery landscape. The park’s accessibility makes it popular with locals and tourists alike. Pair your visit with nearby ginkgo-lined avenues for a full day of golden and red autumn scenery. Weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds during peak foliage season.
3. Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers one of the most photogenic fall foliage experiences in China. Surrounded by forests of red maples and yellow ginkgos, the ancient stone wall winds across glowing autumn hills in late October. Compared to Badaling, Mutianyu is less crowded, providing a peaceful hiking experience with stunning panoramic views. The combination of historic architecture and vibrant fall colors creates unforgettable photo opportunities. Adventurous visitors can descend by toboggan, adding excitement to the experience while soaking in the breathtaking autumn scenery of northern China.
4. Mount Emei, Sichuan
Mount Emei blends spiritual heritage with spectacular autumn scenery. As one of China’s sacred Buddhist mountains, it features maple forests that turn brilliant red at elevations above 1,800 meters. In October, crisp skies and cooler temperatures enhance views from temples such as Wannian Temple and the Golden Summit. Golden and scarlet leaves drift across mountain paths, creating a serene atmosphere for hiking and reflection. The contrast of colorful foliage against misty peaks and ancient monasteries makes Mount Emei one of the best fall destinations in China for culture and nature lovers alike.
5. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), Anhui
Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain, is famous for its dramatic granite peaks, pine trees, and seas of clouds, but autumn may be its most magical season. From mid-to-late October, red maples and golden ginkgos illuminate the valleys, especially in the West Sea Canyon. The colorful foliage contrasts beautifully with jagged cliffs and drifting mist, creating classic Chinese landscape scenes. Cable cars provide convenient access to scenic viewpoints, while hiking trails offer immersive experiences among glowing forests. As a UNESCO-listed site, Huangshan remains a top destination for experiencing China’s most iconic fall scenery.
6. Miyaluo Scenic Area, Sichuan
Miyaluo Scenic Area is home to one of China’s largest red birch forests, stretching along the Zanao River in Sichuan. In early-to-mid October, rolling hills transform into endless waves of red and gold, far surpassing the scale of many other foliage spots. The vast landscape offers peaceful riverside walks, scenic drives, and fresh mountain air with relatively few tourists. Photographers love capturing reflections of crimson forests in the river’s gentle curves. For travelers seeking expansive, less crowded autumn scenery, Miyaluo is one of the best hidden gems for fall foliage in China.
7. Ditan Park Ginkgo Avenue, Beijing
Ditan Park’s famous ginkgo avenue becomes a glowing golden tunnel each autumn. In late October, rows of ancient ginkgo trees shed bright yellow leaves, carpeting pathways in shimmering gold. Located near the Lama Temple, this urban park offers easy access for visitors seeking autumn beauty without leaving Beijing’s city center. The symmetrical tree-lined paths create stunning photo opportunities, especially on sunny days. Free to enter and rich in historic atmosphere, Ditan Park provides a nostalgic glimpse of Beijing in fall, making it one of the city’s most charming foliage destinations.
8. Simatai Great Wall, Beijing
Simatai Great Wall offers a quieter and more rugged autumn experience compared to other sections. From mid-October, the surrounding mountains glow in red and gold hues, framing the dramatic, steep watchtowers of this historic wall. Adventurous hikers appreciate its wild terrain and fewer crowds, while photographers capture striking contrasts between ancient stones and colorful forests. At night, illuminated sections add a unique dimension to the autumn scenery. Simatai is perfect for travelers seeking a combination of history, adventure, and breathtaking fall foliage in northern China.
9. Four Girls Mountain, Sichuan
Four Girls Mountain, known for its snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, becomes a paradise of layered autumn colors in October. Red maples and golden shrubs blanket Changping and Longdeng Gorges, contrasting with rugged mountain backdrops. The high-altitude setting offers crisp air and stunning trekking routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike more mainstream destinations, this area provides a peaceful escape into nature. Photographers and hikers alike enjoy capturing the dramatic mix of vibrant foliage, towering peaks, and clear blue skies, making it one of China’s most scenic autumn adventure destinations.
10. Forbidden City & Jingshan Park, Beijing
Few places combine imperial history and fall foliage as beautifully as the Forbidden City and nearby Jingshan Park. In late October, golden ginkgo trees stand out against vermilion palace walls, creating picture-perfect scenes. From Jingshan Hill, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the palace rooftops surrounded by autumn colors. The mild weather and seasonal beauty make this an ideal time to explore Beijing’s historic heart. This iconic pairing of cultural heritage and vibrant foliage makes it one of the most memorable places to see autumn leaves in China.
Best Time to See Fall Foliage in China
Northern destinations like Beijing typically peak from mid-to-late October, while Sichuan’s highland valleys often shine from early to mid-October. To avoid heavy crowds, skip Golden Week (early October) and travel on weekdays. Temperatures range from 5–15°C, so pack layers for cool mornings and evenings. Booking transportation and accommodations early ensures a smooth trip during peak foliage season. Exploring these top fall foliage destinations in China guarantees unforgettable autumn landscapes filled with color, culture, and natural beauty.