Are you thinking about visiting China this autumn but unsure where to go? Then keep on reading as this post might give you exactly an idea!
Picture this: comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and a chance to soak in the beauty of southeastern China without breaking a sweat. That's what October brings to the table. We travelled around Hunan, Hubei and Guangdong provinces in September, but trust me, October or even November is even better suited for that trip.
Whether you're traveling solo or bringing the whole fam like we did, this itinerary has something for everyone. We're talking about catching those last rays of summer sun while exploring some of China's most breathtaking sights.
The best part? This flexible plan works for trips anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks.
And here's the best part: we'll show you how you can make the trip even easier by taking advantage of the 15-days visa-free policy.
So, are you ready to dive into an autumn adventure in China? Let's get started!
Overview of the Itinerary
This autumn itinerary focuses on exploring several Chinese cities, with a special trip to the famous Zhangjiajie National Park. Here's a quick overview of the main places you'll visit:
Beijing - China's capital city
You will find Beijing appearing over and over in my recommended travel itineraries. Not only because it is the country's capital and a convenient place to fly to (and usually also the cheapest). Beijing is heart and soul of the country, when old and new seamlessly meet.
It is a place where you can enjoy a walk around the old hutong allay neighbourhoods in the morning, and hop around cool shopping district the next. To understand modern China, there is no better place to start your journey than Beijing.
Magda Sawyer
Wuhan
Wuhan got a bad reputation due to the pandemic, but I can assure you this city has plenty of to offer. Known as the city of lakes, it has plenty of green spaces to stroll around. Every neighbourhood has its own vibe, its own soul.
Magda Sawyer
Changsha
Changsha is hugely popular with the Chinese, but not so much yet with the international tourists. It is a very hip city, very young, with a lot of cool cafes and restaurants, as well as older neighbourhoods that still didn't give its way to modernity.
Visiting Changsha will give you a glimpse into China that feels more real, authentic, not touristy.
Zhangjiajie National Park & Furong Ancient Town
Zhangjiajie National Park, home to the so-called "Avatar Mountains" is the only point in this itinerary that is surprisingly popular with the international tourists. While sightseeing the park is not the easiest - orientation is relatively difficult and even out of the peak season it tends to be crowded - the views compensate for the hussle. It is done 100% "Chinese style" with lots of tourist infrastructure in the park (a KFC on top of the mountain, anyone?), so don't expect the quiet interaction with nature.
While visiting the park, it is worth to stop in one of the nearby ancient villages - Furong Ancient Village or Fenghuang Ancient Village to get a glimpse into the simple days, soak up the amazing landscapes and embrace the culture during a nighttime performance showcasing local culture and dress.
Shenzhen
If Beijing gives you a window into the country's past, Shenzhen shows you the future. It is the most modern and the richest city in China, offering you world class culture and entertainment. It is an amazing place for modern architecture lovers and foodies alike.
Surprisingly, with the abundance of kids-friendly museums, it is also a great place to travel with a family!
For an extended trip:
Hong Kong
Experience the city where East meets West and time seems to stand still, for better or worse. Visiting Hong Kong, you will be able to better understand the contrasts between Chinese and Western cultures.
Guangzhou
Another modern city in Guandong province only 1 hour away from Hong Kong. Worth a trip if you have more time to spare.
Sanya
Enjoy some beach time in the Chinese Hawaii, a place to be for the new Chinese upper classes. It is a bit far off, and the trains quickly sell out, so you might need to take a plane to get there. But
If you want to use the 15-day visa-free option, you can add Hong Kong to your trip.
For those with more time, you can:
- Travel at a slower pace
- Add Guangzhou to your itinerary
- Include Sanya if you crave some beach time
What makes this trip special:
- Wuhan and Changsha aren't typical tourist destinations, so you'll get to explore places many visitors don't see.
- Zhangjiajie National Park offers beautiful, unique scenery. Keep in mind it can be crowded.
- After Zhangjiajie, you can relax in the nearby villages of Furong and Fenghuang.
This itinerary gives you a mix of big cities, natural wonders, and smaller towns, letting you experience different sides of China in the pleasant autumn weather.
- Wuhan and Changsha - less touristy cities, great for authentic experiences
- Zhangjiajie - home to a stunning national park with unique landscapes
- Shenzhen - a modern, fast-paced city
Practical Information
Visa requirements and the 15-day visa-free option
If you are a citizens of one of those lucky countries, you can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry. Otherwise, you should follow the standard visa application procedure for China.
Best times to visit (focusing on autumn months)
- Transportation tips (flights, trains, etc.)
Detailed Itinerary
- Break this into sections by city or region
- For each location, include:
- Recommended duration of stay
- Top attractions and activities
- Local food recommendations
- Accommodation suggestions
Sample Schedules
15 days itinerary
- Beijing (3 days)
- Shenzhen (2 days)
- Changsha (3 days)
- Zhangjiaje National Park (2 days)
- Furong Ancient Town (1 day)
- Wuhan (3 days)
3-week itinerary
- Beijing (3 days)
- Wuhan (3 days)
- Changsha (3 days)
- Zhangjiaje National Park (2 days)
- Furong Ancient Town (1 day)
- Hong Kong(2 days)
- Shenzhen (3 days)
- Guangzhou (3 days)
- Beijing (2 days)
4-week itinerary
- Beijing (3 days)
- Wuhan (3 days)
- Changsha (3 days)
- Zhangjiaje National Park (2 days)
- Furong Ancient Town (1 day)
- Hong Kong(2 days)
- Shenzhen (3 days)
- Sanya (5 days)
- Guangzhou (2 days))
- Beijing (2 days)
Travel Tips
- Packing suggestions for autumn weather
- Cultural etiquette to be aware of
- Language tips (useful phrases, translation apps)
Budget Considerations
This itinerary is perfect for budget travellers. Changsha and Wuhan are not first tier cities, so your money will take you a long way there.
Hong Kong is relatively expensive, so including it in your itinerary will increase the cost of the trip - even if you save a bit on the visa.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Explore Changsha and Wuhan thoroughly - look at trip.com website for suggestions on walking tours and places to go. There is plenty there that is yet to appear on the main stream travel radar!
Conclusion
Autumn, with beautiful colours slowly starting to show, and milder temperatures in the South-East of the country, is the perfect time to visit this region.
Following this itinerary will give you a sense of adventure, and allow you to catch the last glimpses of the summer sun!
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