8 most beautiful destinations in China for autumn sightseeing

Travel tips:

Best Time to visit: September to April

Admission: 10 yuan

Travel tips:

Best time to visit: middle October to late November

Admission: 15 yuan; 35 yuan during Maple Festival (around mid-Oct. to Nov.)

Situated in the south of the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Daocheng County is often referred to as "the last pure land in our blue planet." At an average elevation of 3,800 meters, Daocheng is renowned for its magnificent mountains, white glaciers, broad valleys, lush pastures and picturesque lakes. Forests, grasslands and creeks can also be found in the grand valley, fringed by splendid snowcapped mountain peaks. After September, the area goes into colorful autumn, attracting hundreds of visitors to travel and hike there and enjoy some of the quietest and purest natural scenery on Earth.

Travel tips:

Best time to visit: all year round

Admission: 150 yuan; 70 yuan for students

Opening Hours: 07:00-18:30

Xi’an, located in northwest China, is known as one of the four ancient capitals of the world, together with Athens, Cairo and Rome. Home to the Terracotta Army, the city has a long history of more than 3,100 years, including 1,100 years as the capital city for 13 dynasties. When travelling in Xi’an, you can not only visit Terracotta Army, City Wall and the Beilin Stone Sculpture Museum, but also can have a taste of the culture from Tang Dynasty in Tang Paradise Recreational Area and Huaqing Palace. While appreciating Xi’an’s history and culture, don’t forget to try some distinctive local snacks. Yang Rou Pao Mo (unleavened bread in mutton stew), mutton kebabs and cold rice noodles are among the most popular regional food.

Travel tips:

Admission:

Daming Palace Site: 60 yuan

City Wall: 40 yuan

Tang Paradise: 90 yuan

Drum Tower and Bell Tower: 40 yuan

Beilin Museum: 45 yuan

Huaqing Palace: 40 yuan

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: 50 yuan

Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and Terracotta Army: 110 yuan

Zhangjiajie, located in the northwestern part of Hunan Province, is about 265 kilometers to Changsha, the provincial capital. Most scenic spots in the area are situated in the northern part of the city, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan, Tianmen Mountain, Huanglong Cave, Baofeng Lake, and Suoxi Valley. They are known for their beautiful forests, odd-shaped rocks, exquisite canyons, limestone caves, and jaw-dropping panoramic views. The hills present different views to visitors with the changing of the seasons. In October, colorful leaves, sheer cliffs and secluded valleys wow visitors.

Travel tips:

Best time to visit: April to October

Admission:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: 245 yuan

Wulingyuan: 245 yuan

Tianmen Mountain: 260 yuan

Nyingchi, or Linzhi in Chinese, lies in the southeast part of Tibet Autonomous Region. Located near the lower reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River, it is blessed with a semi-humid climate and fascinating scenery. With a large number of river valleys and alpine gorges, Nyingchi is also called the "Switzerland of Tibet". When travelling there, you will be amazed by the lofty snow-capped mountain peaks, well-preserved original forests, cypresses that can grow up to thirty meters, and numerous colorful grasses. Travelers can also take part in various activities, such as mountain hiking, rock climbing and white water rafting, and experience the unique local customs of the Menba and Luoba people.

Travel tips:

Best time to visit: May and October

Admission:

Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon: 150 yuan for adults; 70 yuan for kids

Giant Cypress Forest: 10 yuan

Gangxiang Nature Reserve: free

Basongcuo Lake: 100 yuan

Located in northwest Yunnan Province, Shangri-La is a Tibetan county of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, featuring spectacular landscapes and a mixture of ethnic cultures. Set in tranquil grasslands surrounded by snow-covered peaks, gorges, lakes and virgin forests, the county’s attractions include the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Temple, Bita Lake Nature Reserve and Baishui Terrace (White Water Terrace). Shangri-la is at its most beautiful in May and October. In October, when leaves turn yellow and red, the area astounds visitors with its stunning vistas. Tourists can also experience the lifestyle, culture and cuisine of 13 different local ethnic groups.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: May and October

Admission:

Tiger Leaping Gorge: 50 yuan

Songzanlin Temple: 85 yuan

Bita Lake: 30 yuan

Baishui Terrace: 30yuan

Ejin Banner (Ejina Qi in Chinese), located in Alxa League, is located in the westernmost part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It borders east to Alxa Right Banner, southwest to the famous Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu Province, and north to Mongolia. Ejin Banner has one of the three extensive Euphrates Poplar tree forests in the world, with a total forest area of 30,000 hectares. In 1992, the Ejin Banner Euphrates Poplar Forest Nature Reserve was established there. Every October, when leaves turn yellow, the whole area becomes a sea of golden leaves, attracting thousands of tourists and photographers who flock to enjoy the amazing autumn scenery. more photos>>

Travel Tips:

Best Time to visit: late September to middle October.

Admission:

Heishui Ancient City: 50 yuan

Badaoqiao Desert: 30 yuan

Euphrates Poplar Forest Nature Reserve: 15 yuan

Strange Forest: 50 yuan

Tawangfu: 20 yuan

Tel: +86-483-6521823 (Ejin Banner Tourism Bureau)