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From the golden-hued trees across Beijing to the runway events that take Shanghai by storm, there are plenty of amazing reasons to tour China in November. While the temperatures start to fall slightly, the majority of China remains balmy and dry, ideal for outdoor hiking and adventuring, especially in the Yellow Mountains. November is considered firmly in the low season, so taking your holidays in China this month is a largely affordable and less crowded option without sacrificing the warmer, drier weather.

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China Weather in November

The skyline at Shenzhen at dusk during China in November.
Since the temperatures are lower in November, you should head to warmer regions such as Shenzhen.

This is the beginning of winter in China. The weather in China in November starts to see a temperature drop but generally remains mild and pleasant. While daytime temperatures in Beijing remain around 20°C (68°F), and southern temperatures can hit closer to a warm 25°C, evening temperatures move lower. The exception to the balmy temperatures in China in November lies in the west around Urumqi. Here, the temperatures in November are chilly, with daytime highs of around 2°C and overnights diving into the minus figures.

The other great thing about the weather in China in November is that it’s largely dry. The average rainfall rarely gets over 40mm except in the east, like Shanghai, where precipitation might be slightly higher but by no means soggy. This makes it an ideal month for exploring by foot!

Weather in China in November:Rainfall and Temperatures

  Avg Daily (°C/°F) Avg Nightly (°C/°F) Avg Rainfall (mm)
West China (Ürümqi) 2°C (36°F) -6°C (21°F) 19mm
North China (Beijing) 19°C (66°F) 0°C (32°F) 7mm
East China (Shanghai) 23°C (73°F) 11°C (51°F) 52mm
South China (Shenzhen) 25°C (78°F) 18°C (65°F) 35mm

Why Visit China in November

The Great Wall of China surrounded by greenery in China in November.
Since it is the low tourist season in China, you can get cheaper travel deals in November.
An aerial view of Yellow River in a canyon in Inner Mangolia.
Due to the cold weather, you can explore China with fewer tourists around you, especially in the north.

If you’re looking for the best reasons to book a trip to China in November, we’ve got you covered with all the main points!

  • Better rates: November is the low season, and many places offer much more affordable rates, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. If you’re looking for a really good bargain, the colder regions in the west are much cheaper as the temperatures take a nosedive.
  • Less crowds: Again, as November is outside of the peak season, there are fewer crowds to contend with. This means you can go to the major sites like the Forbidden City and not have to share it with swarms of people.
  • Shanghai Biennale: As one of the largest art festivals in China, the Shanghai Biennale celebrates artists from across China and beyond in a multi-week festival held all around the city.
  • Singles Day: No, this is not a dating event; it’s actually the world’s biggest shopping event, with huge sales that beat out Black Friday. Held on November 11th each year, it’s one of the biggest dates in the Chinese shopping calendar!

Where to go and what to do

A male hiker looking at the view in Yading National Park.
November is one of the best seasons for hiking in China.

If you’re looking to see some of the most beautiful rice terraces you’ve ever seen, November is the ideal time to visit Dongchuan Red Land. Now known as an Instagram hotspot, in November, the changing colors of the harvest and the surrounding foliage gave it the nickname God’s Palette.

Want a taste of hiking and adventure during your trip to China in November? Book a trip to Huangshan and head up the Yellow Mountains for world-class multi-day adventures. November is the ideal time as the temperatures are cooler, and the iconic mist settles perfectly on the mountaintops to give that mystical vibe to the views.

Looking for the best place to visit in China in November to see the final fall foliage? Well, you don’t even need to leave the capital! Beijing’s Fragrant Hills Park transforms in November with vibrant shades of red, making it one of the most beautiful places in the city.

Need Help Planning a Trip to China in November?

Morning scenery from Binfeng Bridge in Beijing with fall trees.
Beijing is the best place to get the final glimpses of fall in China.

So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in China in November, there you have it! With the changing colors all around this beautiful country and the relatively warm and dry conditions, it’s the perfect time to get out and about in nature. Add in the Shanghai Biennale and thriving Singles Day, and no matter where you go in China in November, you’re sure to have a great time!

If you need a helping hand planning your customized trip to China, why not get in touch with our in-country experts? They can put together a customized itinerary that takes your dates, needs, and interests into account.

Published by Tim Green, updated on March 29, 2024

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