China is so large that autumn colours run from late September (north and northwest) to mid-November (the Jiangnan region).
- Jiuzhaigou (Sichuan): Features blue lakes set amidst forests of golden and red foliage; the scenery is typically at its best from mid-October to early November. Daily visitor numbers are capped, and tickets must be booked in advance using a passport. As the peak season runs from early April to mid-November, joining an organized tour is recommended to ensure your visit..
- Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan, Beijing): Beijing's most famous red-leaf mountain, usually best late October to early November; very crowded at weekends.
- Mutianyu Great Wall: the wall among red forests, at the same time as the Fragrant Hills.
- Ejina poplar forests (Inner Mongolia): golden trees in the desert, usually best early to mid-October.
- Qixia Mountain (Nanjing) and Hangzhou: maples and ginkgo, usually best mid to late November, the latest of the year.
Note: avoid the National Day week (1–7 October), which is extremely crowded; peak dates shift by a few days each year.