5 Places to Visit in September in China
Source: Chinahighlights
September is the beginning of autumn in China. In this month, the weather cools down, and there is rare rainfall, so it is a nice time for traveling around those tourist destinations without seasonal limitation. China Highlights lists five best places to visit in the cool September. If you are interested in them and plan to have a visit, you can consult us for details for free, and have us tailor-make a tour of China for you to include your favorite China highlights.
1. The Yellow Mountains
The Yellow Mountains is one of the most famous and beautiful mountainous areas in China. The peculiar-looking pine trees and rocks, the seas of clouds (which make the mountains and trees much more mystical), and the hot springs are the four highlights of the Yellow Mountains.
Though the Yellow Mountains is worth a visit all the year round, September is the most recommended moth to visit. Because the burning sun of summer has gone, autumn has added a cool mystery to the Yellow Mountains. It is easier to come across seas of clouds and see sun rises (less rain). The average temperature in the Yellow Mountains in September is 14 °C or 66 °F. The temperature difference between day and night is big, so remember to bring warm clothes.
Winter comes early in the Yellow Mountains, lasting from late October (begins to snow) to March, so the later you visit in September the more likely you are to see fall colors.
Recommended tour: 3-Day the Yellow Mountains and Hongcun Village Tour
2. Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao is a well-preserved ancient city. It was China’s financial center during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). You can see an intact picture of the development of Chinese culture, society, economy, and religious.
There you can visit the first bank of China, Rishengchang Draft Bank, a treasure-house of Chinese painted sculptures, Shuanglin Temple, and the “Imperial Palaces” of the businessmen: Wang Family Courtyard, Changjiazhuang Park, and Qiao Family Compound.
Pingyao International Photography Festival is held in this ancient city every September. The best time to visit Pingyao Ancient Town is autumn, especially in September, when the weather cools down and is comfortable.
Generally speaking, two days are enough for you to visit all the main attractions in Pingyao Ancient City. But if you want to take part in the photography festival and pay a visit to Mianshan, well-known for its picturesque landscape and its Taoist and Buddhist culture. Four days are needed.
Recommended tour: 2-Day Pingyao Highlights Tour
3. Kanas in Xinjiang, a Fairyland on Earth
If you are a shutterbug and are looking for a beautiful destination in September, Kanas in Xinjiang is the most recommended one, where there is mysterious Kanas Lake, and a beautiful ancient village, Tuvas Village. Check out Most Beautiful Ancient Villages in China.
Kanas Lake is famous for its graceful landscapes and the lake monster (it is still a mystery now). The lake shows different colors in four seasons, because its mineral composition changes.
Ancient Tuvas Village is about 2.5 kilometers from the south bank of Kanas Lake. It is has about 80 houses. These Swiss-style wooden houses are all surrounded by wooden fences, scattered among green pine trees and yellow birch trees.
In September, this valley area is at its most colorful, with red, green, or yellow trees. The emerald lake reflects the colorful trees along the bank, which makes the area more picturesque.
In September, Kanas is cold, and the temperature at night can fall to near freezing point. However, the temperature difference between day and night is very large, so clothes both for autumn and winter are needed. Most tourist routes combine Kanas and Urumqi. Check out our customizable 9-Day Kanas Lake tour.
4. Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town, a graceful town near the mountain and by the river, is renowned for its natural beauty, unique wooden buildings, and colorful ethnic customs (especially Miao Minority and Tujia Minority).
Generally speaking, Fenghuang Ancient Town is worth a visit all the year round. But, if you want to see the most beautiful Fenghuang Ancient Town, spring and autumn are recommended. However, it always drizzles in spring, which may bring some inconvenience for outdoor activities. Hence, autumn, and especially September, is the best time for visiting this beautiful ancient town.
September is the most recommended time for visiting this ancient town, especially for photographers. In September, when the flood period has passed and the dry season has not arrived, you can appreciate a more peaceful and graceful Fenghuang Ancient Town, a town surrounded by the beautiful Tuo River.
Cool weather, clear skies, less crowds (because summer holiday in China has finished), and rare rainfall will make your travel smoother.
Traveling to the town during weekends and Chinese public holidays is still not recommended, as there are more visitors, and hotels and restaurants raise their prices.
Recommended tour: 7-Day Changsha, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour
5. Beijing
Beijing has four distinct seasons: blowy spring (sometimes with sandstorms), burning hot summer, cool autumn, and chilly winter. So autumn is the peak season for travelling to Beijing, however, the most recommended month is September.
September is the best month for traveling in Beijing. The less crowded in Beijing’s attractions (because the summer holiday has gone, and the National Day holidays has not yet arrived). The low rainfall (46 mm (2 in)) and moderate temperatures (on average 14 °C (57 °F)–26 °C (79 °F)) can make your tour in Beijing more smooth and enjoyable.
Of China’s 43 World Heritage sites, six are situated in the Beijing area: the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, and the Ming Tombs. In this historical capital city, you can maximize your appreciation of Chinese culture and history. Check out top things to do in Beijing.
Recommended tour: 4-Day Essence of Beijing Tour
Editor: Vince Xie