China, Asia

Beijing in October

Beautiful after the first week. Golden Week (October 1 to 7) is the single most crowded week of the year; the rest of the month is superb, with fall color at Fragrant Hills late in the month.

BestCrisp and clear, highs near 66F (19C)

Great Wall Mutianyu, Beijing — BeijingPhoto: Velatrix, CC0

The straight answer

October is one of the best months of the year to visit Beijing. Beautiful after the first week. Golden Week (October 1 to 7) is the single most crowded week of the year; the rest of the month is superb, with fall color at Fragrant Hills late in the month.

Weather: Crisp and clear, highs near 66F (19C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What October is like in Beijing

October is crisp and clear, with highs near 66F (19C). The first week is Golden Week, October 1 to 7, the single most crowded week of the year, when every major sight is overwhelmed. After that, the month is superb. Fall color arrives at Fragrant Hills late in the month.

It suits families, couples, and photographers who come after the holiday week, when prices ease and lines shrink. Avoid October 1 to 7 unless you truly enjoy crowds and have booked everything. If you want warmer days, September is the alternative.

Make the most of October

What is especially good about Beijing this month.

Fall color at Fragrant Hills

Late in the month, the hills west of the city turn red and gold. Go on a weekday.

Crisp days after Golden Week

From October 8, sights calm down and the weather is ideal for long days outdoors.

Mid-Autumn Festival, some years

In some years the festival falls in early October and merges with Golden Week.

What to pack for October

Warm layers for cool mornings
A light jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen

Our timing tip

Arrive after October 7, and plan Fragrant Hills for the last week of the month when color peaks.

Book Beijing for October.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Beijing
Opens a hotel search for Beijing in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for October
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Beijing
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Beijing
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Beijing for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in October

Mid-Autumn Festival

September or early October, varies by lunar calendar

Mooncakes and moon viewing. A public holiday that can merge with Golden Week in some years.

National Day Golden Week

October 1 to 7 every year

The busiest travel week in China. Tiananmen Square hosts a flag ceremony, but crowds at every major sight are overwhelming.

Things to do in Beijing

Full guide

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Tickets are sold online in advance with real-name registration and a daily cap; it is closed most Mondays. Book early for holiday weeks.

Tickets and tours →

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling

Mutianyu has a cable car and toboggan; Jinshanling is farther but wilder. Leave early to beat tour buses.

Tickets and tours →

Temple of Heaven

Go in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing cards in the park.

Tickets and tours →

Summer Palace

A vast imperial garden around Kunming Lake. Spring blossoms and fall color are best; winter brings skating on the lake.

Tickets and tours →

Jingshan Park

The short climb gives the classic view straight down over the Forbidden City's golden roofs.

Tickets and tours →

Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

An active Tibetan Buddhist temple with a giant sandalwood Buddha. Busy during Chinese New Year.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Never plan big sights for October 1 to 7, the first days of May, or the week around Chinese New Year. Shift the whole trip a week either way.
Book Palace Museum tickets the moment they open, and enter at the first time slot through the Meridian Gate. Walk straight to the back courtyards and work forward.
Skip Badaling, the closest Great Wall section and the most crowded. Mutianyu or Jinshanling on a weekday morning is a very different experience.
Midweek is noticeably quieter than weekends at every major site because domestic tourism dominates.

Know before you go

The Palace Museum and many other museums close on Mondays, except during national holidays. Check before you plan the day.
During the first days of Chinese New Year, many small restaurants and family businesses close; big sights, hotels, and malls stay open.
Many sites now require advance online booking with passport details, and daily visitor caps can sell out on weekends and holidays.
Outdoor sites like the Great Wall run shorter hours in winter. Some remote sections close in heavy snow or high wind.