Where is best to go from August to October? See if any are on your itinerary
1. Heishui, Sichuan
In August, Heishui is lush and cool, with dense forests and a pleasant climate, perfect for summer escapes and relaxation. From September to October, the colorful forests of Naizigou gradually change, with eighty miles of mountains turning golden and red, creating a stunning autumn landscape. The Dagu Glacier is snow-covered year-round, offering breathtaking views of snowy mountains and colorful forests together. With few visitors and pristine scenery, this is the most healing and untouched hidden autumn gem in western Sichuan.
2. Kuandian, Liaoning
From August to September, Kuandian’s forests are fresh and tranquil, with rich greenery ideal for vacations. In October, golden autumn arrives, and the red leaves bloom one after another in Tianqiaogou, with maple trees covering the hillsides. The clear waters of Xuanwu Lake reflect the red maples, creating a perfect harmony of mountains and water. The banks of the Yalu River are quiet and gentle, with crisp autumn air and pristine scenery, making it a rare peaceful and scenic spot for autumn viewing in Northeast China.
3. Xinchang, Zhejiang
From August to October, Xinchang enjoys comfortable temperatures and beautiful landscapes year-round, with autumn bringing extra poetic charm. As a core area of the Tang poetry route, the nineteen peaks of Chuan Yan feature stunning Danxia formations, with clear mountains, clean waters, and a serene atmosphere. The ancient Dafu Temple is quiet and full of Zen spirit. During the autumn harvest, the countryside is peaceful, and the ancient villages and landscapes are gentle and healing, perfect for slow travel and hiking to experience the elegant and soft autumn charm of Jiangnan.
4. Youyang, Chongqing
In early autumn, August in Youyang offers cool mountain forests and lush greenery, ideal for summer relief. From September to October, autumn winds sweep through the Wuling Mountains, coloring the layers of hills with soft and elegant autumn hues. The ancient town of Gongtan stands by the river, with the gentle flow of the Wu River and the leisurely charm of stilted buildings. With mountains and water intertwined and quiet old alleys, it’s free from crowds, perfect for slow strolls through the ancient town and quietly enjoying the gentle, lasting autumn scenery of the mountain city.
5. Mile, Yunnan
From August to October, Mile has a mild and comfortable climate, avoiding the hot and humid rainy season of southern Yunnan. The autumn light in Taiping Lake Forest Park is gentle and warm, with fresh and healing flower seas and lawns. The Dongfengyun red brick architecture has a strong exotic style, perfect for taking high-quality photos. With few people and a relaxed pace, it’s ideal for a short early autumn leisure trip, photo shoots, and a laid-back vacation.
6. Xinzhou, Shanxi
From August to September, Xinzhou has clear skies, fresh air, and open, bright mountain fields. In October, the deep autumn atmosphere is at its peak, with the Yanmen Pass section of the Great Wall sprawling across the vast mountains, the ancient pass majestic and grand, fully displaying the heroic spirit of the frontier. The autumn sky is clear and vast, with broad views and a solemn, grand landscape. You can both explore the thousand-year history of the border pass and admire the magnificent northern autumn mountain scenery.
7. Cangnan, Zhejiang
In August, the sea breeze in Cangnan is cool and healing, with a magnificent 168-km golden coastline. From September to October, autumn winds sweep the coast, easing the summer heat, with clear and transparent seawater and fresh, gentle mountain and sea scenery. The coastal fishing villages are simple and authentic, with winding roads along the sea, offering a healing and less crowded experience. It’s perfect for autumn sea viewing, breezes, and self-driving tours to enjoy the gentle coastal autumn scenery.
8. Sunan, Gansu
In August, the grasslands of Sunan are lush, cool, and comfortable, with stunning Danxia landscapes. From September to October, autumn arrives, and the Kangle grasslands gradually turn yellow, paired with the bright red Binggou Danxia and distant snowy mountains, creating a breathtaking color contrast. The northwest autumn sky is high and clear, with clean, transparent air and grand, majestic scenery. With few cars and beautiful views, it’s an excellent destination for autumn self-driving and deep exploration in northwest China.