China in September 2025: Embrace the Golden Autumn

If you're thinking about jetting off to a China tour in September, get ready for the maze of possibilities awaiting you in this incredible country. Soaking up the cooler and clearer weather, you just spend your day in diverse natural landscapes and colorful city experiences: mountains, water, food streets, ancient highlights, etc. Just beguile the eyes.

Weather in September

September just bids farewell to summer and marks the beginning of the fall season with temperatures averaging from 16 to 26°C. There are more sunny days this month. Without the hassle of extreme heat or chilly winds, you can enjoy mildly warm weather conditions across most regions in China.

North China

North China boasts cool and clear weather, with pleasant temperatures hovering around 15-25 °C. It remains hot in the early months and gradually cools off. With less rainfall and bright sunshine, it is a good time to discover the charm of ancient architecture in Beijing, Xi'an, and Luoyang without breaking a sweat.

South China

Hovering around 22-31 °C, the weather in South China is slightly warmer than in the north. It is perfect to take in scenic rivers in Guilin and picturesque rice terraces in Yunnan. Zhangjiajie and Jiuzhaigou are pleasantly cool for their green coverage. While Guangzhou and Hong Kong could be a bit hot and rainy because of the monsoon.

Guilin Li River

East China

East China enjoys comparatively warm temperatures (21-28 °C) and moderate humidity. With more sunny days, popular cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan are ideal destinations to visit lush classic gardens and mountains. Shanghai and Nanjing provide excellent fascination for city immersion and cinnamon flower viewing.

West China

West China tends to be cooler and drier due to its high level of location. Temperatures in this region range from 7 to 21°C. Major destinations like Tibet, Qinghai, and Xinjiang are popular for mind-refreshing in the hug of holy snow-capped mountains and pure lakes owing to the nice sunshine and clear sky.

The Best Places to Visit in September

Dalian

September is one of the best times to visit Dalian. Facing the sea on three sides, the city is perfect for a seaside trip. It is mildly cool and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine. Sunbathing or fishing at the beach is a nice escape from the heat in downtown. Sea waters are favorable for swimming and playing. From September on, you may happen to see the heart-shaking sea fish migrate on your cruise. Additionally, come to experience the local international Garments Festival and sample tasty seafood.

Shanghai

The clear weather of September is conducive to Shanghai's city views. Enjoy the comfortable breeze on the bund, take a cruise on the Huangpu River, or get an aerial perspective of a glittering forest of skyscrapers on the top of the Shanghai Tower. For an ancient atmosphere, it is nice to head to Zhujiajiao and Wuzhen, known for picturesque highlights, entwining canals, delicate bridges, and Ming Dynasty architecture. Golden osmanthus flowers are in full bloom at this time. You can catch a blooming sight at the Park of Sweet Osmanthus in the lovely fragrance.

Huangshan

September brings Huangshan significant coolness and less rainfall, a prime time to explore the autumnal mystery. It seems the hottest thing to do is hike the Yellow Mountains, the iconic attraction of the city. You can admire its fading green color and seek out dots of opening fall scenery. Huangshan has beautiful mountainous landscapes to offer, allowing you to savor peculiar-looking rocks and pine trees and the mystical seas of clouds all day. You are more likely to trek across the clouds and shoot the glorious sunrise than during other times.

Huangshan

Yunnan

It is hard to pick just one place in Yunnan because the province has so many worth-visiting destinations in September, including Lijiang, Shangri-La, Yuanyang, and so on. Most places are visited by fewer crowds after the summer vacation peak. You can stay around the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang to wait for its beautiful snow cap. Shangri-La is vibrant with Tibetan religion and offers to experience exotic ethnic lifestyles and customs. Or meet the harvest season in Yuanyang with its stunning layers of rice terraces turning a glorious golden color, extending far away from the hills.

What to Do in September

A Magical Encounter of the Avatar Landscapes

In September, Zhangjiajie enjoys the cool and clear weather after the summer heat and rainfall, which brings you a greater possibility to capture the green mountainous landscapes and fantastic sandstones. There are thousands of peculiar pillar-like stones and hundreds of meandering streams decorating the area. You can embark on a remarkable adventure with one of our rejuvenating routines while just enjoying the coolness. It is unmissable to walk across the 430-meter-high Glass Bridge, getting an overwhelming panorama of the Avatar-inspiring sandstone landscape and forest landform.

Zhangjiajie

Cruise the Li River With the Fragrance of Osmanthus

Guilin is adorned with osmanthus trees that grace every street and corner, transforming the city into a lush green haven reminiscent of a verdant forest. Visiting Guilin in September coincides with the blooming season of these golden starlets, adding a delightful scent to your journey. Whether strolling through the city's shady lanes amidst occasional floral showers or taking a tranquil cruise along the Li River to see its poetic hills and rock formations, the pleasant sunny days of autumn offer an ideal opportunity to explore Guilin's distinctive charm.

Incredible Contact With Giant Pandas

Visiting giant pandas is an indispensable part of traveling in China, especially in the breeding month of September. You can go to the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center and take advantage of the golden time to catch a glimpse of newborns or baby pandas. If conditions permit, you may have a rare chance to touch these lovely angles. Besides the baby pandas, the grown pandas are likewise adorable. You can record fabulous moments when they are eating bamboo branches, climbing trees, and playing on the outdoor playground.

Festivals and Events

Mid-Autumn Festival

An important time for family and friend reunions, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (September 17, 2024) when the full moon is significantly visible in the sky. You can participate in moon worship and savor delectable mooncakes while admiring the bright full moon as locals do. It would be a festive moment to make your festival lantern and carry it along beautiful lantern-lit streets. You can also visit public lantern displays and take pictures of hundreds of lit lanterns released into the night sky for an amazing sight.

Xi'an Ancient Culture and Art Festival

September in Xi'an, a world-amazing ancient capital, is the month of cultural highlights. And the Ancient Culture and Art Festival beckons most. It takes place in mid-September for three nights. The bash includes gong and drum beating, imperial fireworks displays, large-scale art performances, and other brilliant festive programs. You can get a glimpse into local folk dances, Shehuo and Yangger, accompanied by thunderous drum beats. In the evening, you'll be treated to spectacular fireworks along the City Wall and vibrant forms of customs like the Tang Dynasty's cockfights and martial arts. The festival definitely brings you the sparkles of Xi'an-Chinese culture.

Crowds and Cost

September is a particularly off-peak period to enjoy favorable weather conditions. You can enjoy big promotions during the back-to-school season. However, September is during the peak season from spring to late fall in China, many attractions may be competitively quiet to visit, some popular spots remain bustling because of their comfortable weather.

It should be noted that there will be an increase in tourists in the run-up to National Day (the first week of October) at the end of September, which means overcrowding and a higher level of consumption.

China Travel Tips in September

Dress Yourself Wisely

Despite the warm conditions (the northern part is cooler than in the south), temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day, likely to drop a lot in the early morning and the evening. So make sure to wrap up warm and wear more layers of clothing during these times. Don't forget a sturdy pair of walking shoes for all your urban and rural adventures.

Make A Reservation Several Months in Advance

Although China sees moderate crowds during the peak travel season in September, it is advisable to book hotels as early as possible. Especially at the end of the month for the upcoming national holiday, booking will be extremely tricky, and prices tend to soar. If you want to enjoy high-quality and affordable accommodation, make a reservation at least 3 months in advance.

Visit Pandas in the Early Morning

September is the first month of the fall season when most giant pandas in Chengdu give birth to their cubs and are at their most vibrant. If you're seeking a hard-won peek into these lovely animals, pay a visit as early as possible to capture the most vibrant and joyous moment. That's because most giant pandas are active from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center

Travel to China in September With Odynovo

So are you considering a sneak peek into the wonders of China this September? Whether you're marveling at picturesque natural wonders, feasting on delectable delicacies, or simply soaking in the tranquility of ancient towns, big thrills and adventure are guaranteed to await you.