What Overseas Chinese Should See in Guizhou from September to November: A Month-by-Month Autumn Guide

Last week, Ms. Lin from Singapore contacted me. She wants to bring her parents back to Guizhou in late 9 for 6–7 days. Her biggest dilemma is: When's the best time to visit? Are the rice terraces golden yet? Is Fanjing Mountain worth the trip?

This is the most common question we receive each autumn. Many travelers fly over ten hours from overseas, but miss the timing: terraces are still green, ginkgo trees haven't turned yellow—resulting in a wasted trip. With a decade of experience running ground tours in Guizhou, here's exactly what to expect by month.

Visit the terraces in 9; Xiaohuokong's waters are at their clearest.

Jiabang Rice Terraces lie in the Moon Mountain range of Congjiang County. The rice begins turning golden in late 8, reaching peak golden hues from mid-9 to early 10. Rolling golden waves cover the terraced slopes, with stilt houses scattered among the fields. Morning mist drifts across the landscape, making the scene feel unlike anywhere else in China. It's a 5–6 hour drive from Guiyang; the winding roads may cause motion sickness, so prepare medication in advance. A combined ticket for all viewing platforms costs 60 CNY. We recommend staying overnight at Jiajia Village to catch the sunrise.

9 is also a great time to visit Xiaoqikong. During the summer vacation, the water tends to be yellowish-green, but by 9, after the flood season ends, the water becomes clear. You can capture the emerald blue of Wolongtan without any filters. The ticket costs 130 and includes the sightseeing bus.

MeituShuo ReminderThere may still be scattered showers in mountainous areas during the first 9 days of the month; carry a foldable umbrella. The temperature difference between day and night at Jiabang Terraced Fields is significant; mornings can drop to 10°C, so bring a light jacket.

10 is the best month for photos at Fanjing Mountain and Wanfenglin.

10 temperatures range from 15 to 22°C with plenty of sunshine and clear air, making it the most comfortable month of the year.

Fanjingshan is ablaze with autumn colors right now, with the Red Cloud Golden Summit peeking through the sea of clouds. The chances of seeing this phenomenon are much higher in autumn than in summer. Tickets cost 100 and the cable car is 140. Real-name reservation is required in advance; same-day tickets are rarely available. We recommend arriving before 7 to catch the sunrise over the clouds. Bring a windbreaker for the summit.

Wanfenglin in Xingyi offers golden rice paddies from 9 to 10 against a backdrop of over 20,000 karst cone peaks. Visitor numbers drop significantly after National Day, making it ideal for a relaxing 2–3 day stay.

Avoid These PitfallsCrowded accommodations during the National Day holiday from 10 to 7 see prices double. Avoid the rush if possible; visiting after the holiday offers a much better experience.

11 Month: Ginkgo trees cover the mountains; best value during the off-season.

Tuo'le Village in Panzhou, Liupanshui, features over 1200 thousand-year-old ginkgo trees that turn golden by early 11. Take a taxi from Panzhou High-Speed Rail Station for about 20 minutes. In Guiyang, the plane trees and ginkgoes around Huaxi and Jiaxiu Pavilion are also turning yellow, making it perfect for a leisurely city stroll on your return day.

MeituShuo ReminderFor seasonal destinations like Tuole Village and Jiabang Rice Terraces, accommodations fill up quickly during peak viewing periods. Book 3 to 7 days in advance instead of waiting until you arrive.

How to schedule from 5 to 7 days

Mid-to-late 9: Classic itinerary combining Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xiaoqikong, Jiabang Rice Terraces, and Zhaoxing Dong Village. Add Mount Fanjing if time permits.

Day 1 Gu'an Jiaxiu Pavilion, stay in Guiyang

Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall, stay in Anshun

Day 3: Libo Xiaoqikong, Stay in Libo

Day 4: Sunset at Congjiang Jiabang Rice Terraces, stay in Jiache Village

Day 5: Visit the Dong Village of Zhaoxing after sunrise; stay in Zhaoxing.

Day 6: Trek through Tang'an Rice Terraces; return to Guiyang or head to Mount Fanjing.

In 10, swap Jiabang for Wanfenglin or Tuole; in 11, focus on ginkgo trees with classic attractions.

How to choose a charter car

Autumn attractions in Guizhou are scattered, and Jiabang Terraces have no public transport. Charter a 5-seater van for groups under 4 at 500-600 per day (fuel and tolls included). Charter a 7-seater business van for 5-7 people at 800-1000 per day.

Avoid These PitfallsThe winding, steep roads of the Jiabang Terraces require a local driver familiar with this route. Our drivers are based in Qiandongnan and know every sharp turn by heart.

Say a few words

Visit Guizhou in autumn: few crowds, stunning views, great weather. Share your group size and trip duration, and we'll craft a relaxed itinerary featuring exclusive autumn scenery.

Read more

• How much does Guizhou car rental cost? 2026 latest rates + how to choose a vehicle

• How to plan a 5-day trip to Guizhou on your first visit

• Guizhou Fanjingshan Itinerary: How to Plan a One-Day vs. Two-Day Trip

Chat with us on WeChat first:18285125548 (Phone / WeChat)Free route planning for you. No deposit required upfront.