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China in November: Weather, Top Places to Visit & Highlights

China's climate ranges from tropical to subarctic because of its extremely vast land with board grasslands in the north, mountains in the south, plains in the east, and deserts and high plateaus in the west. It's hard to describe China's climate in a few words because there is a big difference between different palace with different terrain and altitude. However, it's certain that November is a good time to travel many destinations of China. Just check the following weather guide to learn more about the weather and top-recommended places to visit in China in November.

China Temperature in November China Temperatures in November (Click to Enlarge)

China Weather in November

As the last month of autumn, it enjoys a mild temperature in early and middle periods, and the temperature always begins to drop in the late period. The average temperature of the whole country is about 4°C. The temperature of some northern cities may be lower than 0°C, but the temperature of some southern cities are higher than 20°C. Here, we have some major provincial cities and popular scenic cities listed according to their locations with detailed weather info offered for your reference.

Area Cities
(Provinces/Municipalities)
Weather & Climate
Northern China Beijing, Xian(Shaanxi), Shandong, Luoyang(Henan), Pingyao(Shanxi) and other places Avg Temperature: -2°C~13°C
This area belongs to temperate and continental monsoon climate with crisp, cool, clear days in November usually. It becomes cold in the late period of this month and the temperature inland cities (like Beijing, Xian, Luoyang…) varies widely from day to night. The highest temperature of Beijing is more than 11°C and the lowest temperature is below 0°C. Rainfall is limited and there are about 5 rainy days in the whole month.
Eastern China Shanghai, Huangshan(Anhui), Hangzhou(Zhejiang), Suzhou(Jiangsu) and other places Avg Temperature: 11°C~20°C
This area belongs to subtropical monsoon climate with mid temperature, plenty sunshine, high visibility and some rainfall in November. The average temperature of the cities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River shares a big similarity. Compared with north areas, it is still warm in southeastern China. There are about 9 days in this month the humidity is around 73%. It gets cool and a little chilly at high altitudes of Yellow Mountain and snow may occur in late November. Sunrise time of Yellow Mountain is about 06:20~06:45 and sunset time is about 17:20~17:00.
Southern China Guilin(Guangxi), Zhangjiajie(Hunan) and other places Avg Temperature: 9°C~20°C
Guilin and Zhangjiajie also belong to subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. It is windy, humid and partly cloudy in November. The weather is mild and gradually getting cold day by day. The lowest weather is always more or less than 10°C, making it a very nice time to enjoy the beautiful scenery in a comfortable weather.
Southwestern China Chengdu (Sichuan), Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing< and other places Avg Temperature: 7°C~21°C
Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces belong to the subtropical monsoon climate zone, while the higher altitude areas belong to the alpine plateau climate zone. It is generally pleasantly cool, cloudy, comfortable. Most cities eastern Sichuan have an average temperature of about 12°C and it quite colder in western Sichuan. Guizhou and Central Yunnan (Kunming and Dali) has a warm and comfortable weather. It is much colder in Yuanyang and Shangri-La.
Northwestern China Gansu, Xinjiang, Ningxia and other places Avg Temperature: -13°C~11°C
Sunny, Cold, Dry: This region has a wild climate ranging from subtropical humid monsoon climate to alpine cold climate and dry climate. It is always sunny, cold and dry in November. Usually, it is much colder in the early morning and night. There are very little rainfall in these places. Remember to bring moisturizer to protect your skin from the dry air.
Southern Coastal China Hong Kong, Guangzhou (Guangdong), Shenzhen, Macau, Hainan, Xiamen and other places Avg Temperature: Most of the region belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate zone, partially belonging to the tropical monsoon climate zone. It is still warm in November and you can travel to these destinations comfortably. There are plenty sunny days and quite a few rainy days. The average humidity is more than 60% and the air is quite fresh.
Northeastern China Harbin (Heilongjiang), Jilin, Shenyang (Liaoning) and other places Avg Temperature: -9°C~6°C
Cold, Windy, Dry: Most of northeastern China belongs to the temperate monsoon climate zone. The temperature decreases rapidly. It is freezing and precipitation usually occurs not very often. If you want to enjoy ice and snow scenery in November, don't hesitate to visit northeastern China but keeping warm is the most important thing.
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Qinghai, Tibet Avg Temperature: -3°C ~18°C
Variable, Cold, Sunny, Windy, Dry: Most areas of Qinghai and Tibet are located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, belonging to the plateau mountain climate zone. It becomes cold with possible snow especially at night. Lhasa is still suitable to visit but some places like Mount Kailash and Namtso Lake are not recommended because of the dangerous road condition. Traveling Tibet, it is necessary to bring sun cream, hat and sunglasses to protect your skin from the strong ultraviolet ray.
Inner-Mongolia Inner Mongolia Avg Temperature: -3°C~4°C
Inner Mongolia enjoys a monsoon climate with regional variations. The temperature difference between day and night is large in desert areas and small in grassland area. It is much colder in grassland area it is available to see ice and snow views. The weather is milder in the middle and western part.

What to Wear in China in November

Because of the different weather conditions, you need to pack differently according to the places you want to visit. Generally, long shirts and pants are enough if you plan to visit warmer cities, like Guangzhou, Xiamen, Kunming, etc. Light sweaters and windbreakers are needed if you want visit some places with cities with mild temperature, like Chengdu, Chongqing, Huangshan, etc. Thick sweater and down coat are needed for a tour to Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, etc. If you want to visit some cold cities like Harbin, you have to prepare down jacket and snow boots and wool sweaters.

8 Best Places to Visit in November in China

No.1: Beijing

- Walk along the Manmade wonder - Great Wall with in Colorful Forest

Beijing is well-deserved No.1 tourist destination for foreign travelers because of its numerous cultural wonders. However, its nature is not inferior in any respect. If you want to see the best nature of Beijing, November is one of the best months. Just as other great travel months (April, May, September and October), November is such a comfortable month with a moderate temperature. However, it will be less crowded and more cost-effective to travel Beijing in November than other popular travel months.

Great Wall is what you can't miss in Beijing. If you visit different sections of the Great Wall in early November, you are able to enjoy the amazing vista of the mountains which are blanketed by dark red, golden and orange colors. It is a perfect time to take some nice shot and stretch your legs as well. The best recommended sections of Great Wall for photography and hiking are Badaling Great Wall and Mutianyu Great Wall. Besides Great Wall, Xiangshan Park (Fragrant Hills Park) is an ideal place to admire autumn foliage as well. The best time for leaves starts from late September to early November. In late November, the temperature becomes lower and you may get a striking view of the Great Wall covered with snow.

China in November Magnificent Badaling Great Wall
China in November Summer Palace in November

No.2: Huangshan

- Visit the Most Beautiful Mountain and Villages

Known as the most spectacular mountain in China, Yellow Mountain is suitable to visit in all the months. Undoubtedly, Yellow Mountain is a good place is strongly recommended to travelers who are planning a China tour in November. In the early November, Yellow Mountain takes on its most splendid color – a perfect hue of red, golden and scarlet. But Yellow Mountain's beauty is much more than the alluring colors, but also the dramatic granite peaks, the featured Huangshan pine trees, the sea of rolling cloud, the unique rock formations, etc. In late November, it is also possible to get an inspiring scene of the rimes.

Yellow Mountain is the biggest highlight of Huangshan, but there is still a lot of things to do in Huangshan. Lots of white-walled and gray-tiled villages deserve an half day's visit, such as UNESCO-recognized Hongcun Village - the ancient village in Chinese paintings and Xidi Village – a famous village with 300 ancient dwellings, Nanping Village - Museum of Chinese Ancient Ancestral Hall, Bishan Village - a rustic utopia world hidden in field, etc. If you prefer colorful autumn scenery, you can't miss Tachuan Village which captures the interests of lots of photographers. Late October to late November is the best time to enjoy the breathtaking autumn scenery of Tachuan Village.

China in November Sea of Cloud in Yellow Mountain
China in November Painting-like Hongcun Village

No.3: Wuyuan

- Shot the Amazing Oil Picture

Have you ever seen a Chinese landscape painting that describes the stunning scenery of towering peaks in mist, whitewashed villages with gray tiles, remote mountain hollows and terraced fields grown with tea, rapeseed or rice. Visiting the villages in Wuyuan is just like walking into such a beautiful painting. When autumn comes, especially October ~ early November, this painting becomes more enchanting.

There is unbelievably impressive autumn scenery to delight you: red maples shrouded in morning mist with a village nestled at the bottom of a valley. Most recommended villages include Huangling Village, Likeng Village, Shicheng Village, Wangkou Village and Xiaoqi Village. Huangling Village is also famous for crops-drying that locals dry their crops corn and hot pepper, on the roofs, creating a spectacular visual-feasting experience for visitors. Without a doubt, Wuyuan is the favorite destination for shutterbugs who want to catch the best autumn colors. More than autumn view, it is also interest to see numerous mandarin ducks migrate from the north in November. Yuanyang Lake (Mandarin Ducks Lake) is the best place to see the mandarin ducks.

China in November Wuyuan in November
China in November Wuyuan in November

No.4: Yangtze River Cruise

- Enjoy a relaxing trip along China's Mother River

The Yangtze River is the longest river and the mother river of China. Taking a cruse is the best way to explore the highlights of Yangtze River. You will get a luxury holiday in the comfortable cruise as well as a wonderful shore excursion experience. There are lots of natural sights and cultural sites distributed along its two banks.

Among the numerous attractions along the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges is one of the biggest highlights. November is the best time to savor the various kinds of red leaves. There are red trees in the mountains along hundreds mile of Yangtze River , but the best area is Wushan Mountain, especially in Three Gorges, Fairy Lady Peak and Lesser Three Gorges. As your cruise pass by, you will get amazed by the beautiful “red clouds” floating above the Yangtze River. The splendid autumn colors together with the magnificent gorges creates a marvelous vista of China's unique nature.

China in November Amazing Yangtze River Cruise

No.5: Jiuzhai Valley

- Meet a Fairytale Land in Sichuan

Jiuzhaigou Valley, with bluer-than-blue crystal lakes, layered popping waterfalls and forest-covered peaks, is a fairyland-like place listed in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. It is believed that the waterscape of Jiuzhai Valley is incomparable in the world. Its authentic and aesthetic beauty attracts travelers to visit in an endless stream. Despite the Ms 7.0 earthquake struck Jiuzhaigou Valley in 2017, the miraculous nature of Jiuzhaigou Valley recovered to its best soon. Huanglong National Park (about 110 km away) is always traveled with jiuzhai Valley. It features with plentiful different shaped and colorful calcified ponds caves and waterfalls.

For the best experience in Jiuzhaigou, we suggest you travel in October or early November when it presents its most breathtaking appearance in colors of golden, little green, grey, white… Compared with October – China's most popular travel month, it will be less crowded in November.

China in November Jiuzhaigou Valley Landscape China in November Huanglong National Park

No.6: Yunnan

- Walk into the South of Colorful Clouds

Yunnan is a dream place offering a diversity of both people and landscape. There are lots of attractive destinations in Yunnan. In November, we strongly suggest you travel Kunming, Dali and Lijaing, which all house the hugely various splendors.

Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, enjoys a year-round spring-like climate. Even in the end of November, it is still warmer and comfortable in Kunming. Visiting Dongchuan Red Land allows you to get the God's Magic Palette with bright scarlet orange green, white and purple. November is one of the best months to take incredible pictures of Dongchuan Red Land. Besides, Yuanyang Rice Terraces are also loved by photographers. Lijiang is most famous for Lijiang Old City - one of the Four Best-preserved Ancient City in China. Traveling Yunnan in autumn (September ~ November), you get a big chance to enjoy the magnificent peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. If you are seeking for the inner peace, Lugu Lake is a wonderful choice. Located between Kunming and Lijiang, Dali I a romantic city with interesting Bai nationality culture. Both mountains and lakes can be savored in Dali. Shaxi Ancient Town is also recommended if you are interested culture exploring.

China in November Lijiang Old City China in November Panoramic View of Dongchuan Red Land

No.7: Xiamen and Earth Buildings

- Be Awed at the Beautiful Coastal City

Want to visit the incredible islands and beaches in November? Xiamen is an ideal choice. Reputed as "Garden on the Sea" and "Exhibition of the World's Architecture", Xiamen is beautiful city with fabulous coastal view. Just wandering the exotic alleys, delicate gardens or golden beaches in Gulangyu Island, you will feel fully relaxed.

Besides, you won't miss the marvelous Tulou ( Earthen Buildings) – the mysterious castle-like buildings in gigantic size and unique circles or square shape. 46 of the them were listed as a cluster of World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESECO. Besides the architectural charm, the natural view around the Tulou are attractive as well. The local people will pick fresh persimmons in autumn and dry them under the sunshine. So you can enjoys rows and rows of persimmons drying in the open space in front of the Tulou buildings which is really interesting.

China in November Featured Villas in Gulangyu Island

No.8: Chengdu

- The Most Beautiful Pink Sea of Peach Blossoms on the untouched Highland

Chengdu is known as the Land of Abundance with laid-back living pace. It is a top destination to travel in November as well as in any other months. Most foreign friends travel to Chengdu for Giant Panda – the most adorable creature in the world. There are about 120 pandas living in Chengdu Panda Base and you easily see them eating bamboos rolling on grass, climbing trees and playing with their toys. If you visit Chengdu Panda Base in November, you are able to see many newborn panda infants.

In addition to the lovely pandas, you really get a lot of things to do in Chengdu. Chengdu is a city of gingkoes. There are various parks to enjoy the spectacular golden gingko trees in November, such as Renmin Park, Wenshu Temple, Qingyang Palace, Wuhou Temple, etc. If you have courage to try spicy food, Chengdu is also a nice place offering a large variety of dishes and snacks.

China in November Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu

How to Plan a China Autumn Tour

Choose A Destination According to Your Interest: It is comfortable to travel to most destinations in China in autumn, so you just need to choose a destination according to your interest. If you want to explore more about China’s history and culture, Beijing, Xian, Shanxi, Shandong and Gansu are all recommended. If you want to view or photograph the best autumn colors, we suggest you go to Jiuzhai Valley, Kanas, Western Sichuan, Wuyuan, Dongchuan Red Earth and some other forests or mountains or grasslands with colorful autumn views. If you want to stretch your legs and enjoy natural landscape at the same time, Yellow Mountain, Zhangjiajie, Mount Emei and some other mountains are perfect. If you want a relaxing journey with some autumn landscape, we advise you take a Yangtze River Cruise and visit some beautiful cities like Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xiamen, Chengdu, etc.

Try to Avoid Traveling in China’s Golden Week: China’s Golden Week usually starts from the first day to the seventh or eighth day in October. It is the longest national holiday in China and most tourist destinations will be crowded with domestic travelers. If you have to travel in these days, we suggest you visit some remoter areas in Yunnan, Western Sichuan, Guizhou, Tibet, etc. and avoid Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Jiuzhai Valley, etc.

Pack and Dress According to the Climate in Destinations: Generally, the weather of autumn is mild and comfortable, warmer in September and cooler in November. Because of the vast land, there is a large temperature difference between two cities in northern China and southern China. If you go to Kanas in September, you need to prepare sweaters and down coat. If you go to Haikou in November, T-shirt is enough.

Top Recommended China Autumn Tours:

☞ 6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High-speed Train Tour
☞ 5 Days Yellow Mountain Autumn Landscape Tour with Shaiqiu Experience
☞ 6 Days Western Sichuan Autumn Sightseeing Tour
☞ 9 Days Kanas Lake Fairyland Tour

China Guilin Tour with China Discovery Our Customers Traveled Longji, Guilin in September Travel Yunnan with China Discovery Our Customers Enjoyed a Family Holiday in Dali in September Travel Huangshan with China Discovery Our Customers Visited Yellow Mountain in October

Travel China in November with China Discovery

Want to enjoy a worry-free china tour in November? Just travel with China Discovery! China Discovery is a leading travel agency offering private China tour packages with great flexibility, comfort and personalized services for decades. We have got 1,460+ good reviews on TripAdvisor.com, and 4,050+ China travel reviews from the customers. Before your travel, our experienced travel expert communicate with you one-to-one and organize everything (accommodation, transfer, itinerary…) well. In your trip, our local travel guide will accompany you all the way and introduce the highlights of every place to you. Private transfer service allows you to enjoy a comfortable and safety trip. All the experience can be tailor-made according to your group size, travel time, physical condition, personal interest, travel budget and other needs. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help!

Recommended Tours

Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Mount Wuyi Joyous Jiuqu Stream Rafting
5 Days Xiamen, Fujian Tulou & Mount Wuyi Discovery Tour

Xiamen / Nanjing Tulou / Yongding Tulou / Xiamen / Wuyishan

Xinduqiao Town Countryside Scenery in Autumn
6 Days Western Sichuan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

Chengdu / Wolong / Mount Siguniang / Danba / Tagong / Xinduqiao / Kangding / Chengdu

Shaiqiu (Crops Drying) in Yangchan Village
5 Days Yellow Mountain Autumn Landscape Tour with Shaiqiu Experience

Yellow Mountain - Hongcun - Jiusha - Yangchan - Huangshan

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