China’s capital city, Beijing, is a fantastic travel destination that promises cultural immersion and modern delights. While it can be visited at most times of the year, there is nothing quite like Beijing in autumn. The trees begin to shed their rust-red leaves and the air is crisp but mild, it’s the perfect time for a city break to this Chinese metropolis.
In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about visiting Beijing in September. We cover the weather, the events and festivals that take place during the month and give recommendations of places to visit and things to do in Beijing in September.
So if you’re considering travelling to Beijing, read on to discover why September is the best month to visit China’s crown jewel.
September is a great time to visit Beijing as it brings some of the best weather to the capital. After the scorching summer months, the days become cooler and mild which is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. There is minimal rain at this time of year, which gives you lots of opportunities to explore the city in radiant sunshine.
Average temperatures in Beijing in September settle around 20°C, with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The mornings will be much more crisp before the afternoon sun warms up the sweeping city. As such, it is recommended that you pack a variety of clothing for your visit as you will want layers for the mornings and evenings and light clothes for the sunny afternoons.
The air quality in Beijing can be quite poor, especially in the winter months. You likely won’t have many issues when visiting Beijing in September, but it is still a good idea to pack a mask for smoggy days and to check the air quality index on days when you want to go out exploring.
When you visit Beijing in September, you get the chance to attend some amazing festivals and events which will add so much wonder to your trip. September is when the second most important festival in China takes place, the Mid-Autumn Festival.
This is a great way to experience the unique culture of Beijing and you can even attend more modern events, like the Beijing International Cultural Tourism Festival, for more insight into Chinese traditions.
Second only to Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a massive cultural celebration that takes place across China in late September. As it is informed by the lunar calendar, it can sometimes fall in October, so be sure to check the dates if you are keen on attending.
The Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated on the night of the full moon, which creates a magical atmosphere for the celebrations. The moon is an important part of the tradition, as the festival honours the myth of the mortal Huo Yi and his wife Chang’e, the goddess of the moon. Families will gather in gardens and rooftops to bask in the ghostly glow and share stories.
One of the biggest features of the festival is the sharing of mooncakes. These beautifully decorated pastries are exchanged between friends and family as a symbol of good fortune and unity. They come in a variety of flavours with fillings like lotus seed paste, red date paste and salted egg yolks.
The Summer Palace and Beihai Park are popular spots for Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Traditional activities, including cultural performances, mooncake gambling (a popular game played during the festival), and lantern displays can be found in Beijing’s parks and historic sites. The whole city comes alive with energy and it’s one of the best festivals to attend in Beijing for travellers seeking cultural enrichment.
Falling at the end of September and going into October, Beijing hosts the miraculous International Cultural Tourism Festival. It has been established since 1998 and aims to promote China’s cultural heritage and expand the tourism industry. The festival showcases Beijing’s historical, artistic and cultural treasures to both domestic and international visitors, making it perfect for any travellers who want to immerse themselves in a rich cultural offering.
The festival features a wide range of cultural performances at venues across Beijing that celebrate the city’s historical achievements. There is an opening ceremony which is the highlight of the event, featuring dance and music performances as well as cultural parades. Over the course of the festival, you can observe the processions of floats in the streets of Beijing and take part in workshops where you will learn traditional skills like calligraphy and paper cutting.
The festival is a demonstration of unity which attracts international and local visitors alike. It’s the main platform for travel businesses to promote their tours and services so you will find lots of companies offering special offers and deals, which could be the perfect compliment to your September visit.
Beijing is filled with some amazing historical sites and green spaces which are perfect for exploring on a mild September day. While many of these attractions can be visited anytime, September brings a unique atmosphere where you can enjoy the cultural wonders without worrying about large crowds or adverse weather.
The Forbidden City is a massive palatial complex set in the heart of Beijing. It was once the royal residence for the imperial family and access to the grounds was strictly forbidden, giving it its mysterious name. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top tourist attractions in Beijing, the Forbidden City is a great place to visit to learn more about Chinese imperial history.
A great way to experience the palace is on a guided tour. This will allow you to gain more context about the impressive structures and allow you to feel like you’ve stepped into the past. A tour guide is also beneficial as they can help you navigate the vast halls and ornate decorations, ensuring you see all the top features of this Beijing gem.
September is one of the best times to visit the Forbidden City as the mild weather is perfect for exploring the vast complex. The skies will be clear, providing excellent photography opportunities that will capture the beautiful architecture. There are also fewer tourists in Beijing in September, so you will have free reign of the Forbidden City and can explore at your own pace.
If you’re looking for a place in Beijing to soak up the September sun and enjoy some natural beauty, you should make a visit to Taoranting Park. This verdant oasis is nestled in the southern part of Beijing, amidst skyscrapers and bustling streets. It’s a great place to take a break from the busy city and offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the colours of autumn.
Taoranting Park is a great place for nature lovers who are feeling slightly overwhelmed by the modern cityscape of Beijing. In September, the park becomes a canvas of reds and yellows, with chrysanthemums bursting into a late bloom. As you walk the tree-lined paths and lakeside trails, you will feel a sense of serenity that is juxtaposed with the raucous atmosphere just outside the park gates.
Beyond its lush settings, Taoranting Park is also home to several historical structures, including the Wan Shou Pavilion and the Hall of Distant Fragrance. These gorgeous buildings convey more details about Beijing’s fascinating history and make the park one of the best things to do in September if you’re looking for cultural immersion. You can also take this a step further and enjoy traditional tea at one of the many teahouses in Taoranting Park, the mild September weather is perfect for enjoying a cup of ‘cha’ in the idyllic park.
The imposing wonder that is the Great Wall of China needs no introduction, it’s one of the most famous historical buildings in the world and a marvel of ancient architecture. While it can be visited at any time of year, September is one of the best times for a day trip to the Great Wall from Beijing. The weather is perfect for outdoor exploration since you won’t be dealing with unbearable heat or cold atop the magnificent structure.
As previously mentioned, September is a great time to visit Beijing as there are fewer tourists and crowds, this also holds true for the Great Wall. The world wonder becomes a lot less busy in September which means you can explore the watchtowers and crumbling sections without swathes of other visitors disturbing you. This is also a great time to take a guided tour of the Great Wall as your group will be much smaller, offering a more intimate experience of this historic marvel.
Travellers visiting Beijing in September should make the most of the good weather and hit the unrestored, wilder sections of the Great Wall. While Mutianyu and Badaling are popular sections to visit, Simitai and Jiankou are much wilder with steep slopes, ancient walls and beautiful views of the red-tipped trees. They are further out than other sections, which makes them a bit harder to reach but they are the best places to go in Beijing for hiking and connecting with nature.
There are a variety of things to do in Beijing in September which makes it one of the best months to visit. The markets will be stocked with the bounty of autumn’s harvest and the cooler evenings are perfect for attending shows and performances that showcase the vibrant arts of China.
When visiting Beijing in September, you have the opportunity to explore the dazzling night markets and Hutongs which will be brimming with vendors selling fresh street food and unique trinkets. It’s a great way to explore Beijing’s culinary scene and get a more authentic experience of daily life in the capital.
Some of the best night markets in Beijing include Wangfujing Snack Street, Guijie and Nanluoguxiang Night Market. These markets are the best places to try local delicacies like Beijing-style hot pot, candied fruits and Chinese crepes. There is a wide variety of food and snacks to choose from and we urge visitors to be adventurous and try the exotic offerings.
Tiananmen Square is a great place to visit in Beijing in September, but the fresh autumn mornings are the setting for a unique event. Every day at around 5:30 am, the square hosts a flag raising ceremony before sunrise. This is a very popular daily event that attracts swarms of tourists and locals alike and has been established since 1949.
The ceremony is conducted by the Beijing Garrison Honour Guard and begins with a procession through Tiananmen Gate accompanied by charming fanfare. After a display of military discipline as the soldiers march through the square, the flag is raised in time with the rising sun. It’s a perfect way to spend a September morning in Beijing and get a taste of Beijing’s patriotism and traditions.
One of the best things to do in Beijing is to attend an evening show. There are a variety to choose from, but we highly recommend attending the Beijing Opera or a Kung Fu performance. Typically accompanied by a traditional meal, these shows allow visitors to experience the rich artistic heritage of Beijing and try something entirely new.
Beijing Opera is a distinct performing art that combines music, dance, singing and acrobatics. It is characterised by its use of striking makeup and costumes which aid in bringing to life these fabulous performances. It is one of the best things to do in Beijing for travellers seeking an enriching cultural experience.
Likewise, Beijing is known for its thrilling Kung Fu and acrobatics shows which demonstrate the martial art with storytelling and choreography. They are performed by skilled martial artists who showcase their mastery of different forms and weapons in extremely entertaining routines. The shows often follow a story, with the protagonist overcoming obstacles and beating his opponents with adept Kung Fu skills.
Overall, September is the perfect time to visit Beijing. The city comes alive with the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the weather is perfect for exploring the massive city. Whether you spend your time diving into the historical sites or chasing cultural enrichment in the markets and opera houses, Beijing in September promises to be a trip that will stay with you for a long time.
Thinking about booking a trip to China? Check out our other travel guides for more information and inspiration.
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