Best Places to Photograph Autumn in Yunnan

Written by Clementine | Updated October 29,2025

Many images may come to your mind when you close your eyes and think for a second about the autumn destinations. The colorful leaves and woods reflecting in sparkling lakes in Jiuzhai Valley, the gorgeous scenery of Kanas Lake in a riot of colors, the red maple leaves “blossoming” at Xiangshan Park in Beijing…

And don’t forget Yunnan, a diverse land where you can soak up all the shades of autumn and spectacular autumn landscapes. Below are some destinations in Yunnan that look dazzling in the glow of autumn.

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• Dongchuan Red Land
• Xiaocaoba Scenic Area
• Pudacuo National Park
• Yila Grassland of Napa Lake
• Songzanlin Monastery
• Baishuitai
• Meili Snow Mountain
• Ginkgo Village in Tengchong
• Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• What’s the Weather Like in Yunnan in Autumn?
• Why Autumn is Perfect for Photography
• FAQs about Best Places to Photograph Autumn in Yunnan
• Plan Your Yunnan Tour with China Xian Tour

Dongchuan Red Land

The words wonderful, incredible, amazing are not enough to describe the beauty of Dongchuan Red Land. September to November is the good time to photo the red fields, when some of the fields are turned over for new crops, and other fields are planted with highland barley, wheat, and other crops, unknown wildflowers in full blossom make the fields more colorful. From afar, the area is a collage of various crop colors, red earth, blue sky, and white clouds.

• Location: Hongtudi Town, Dongchuan District, Kunming City
• How to Get to: First, take a bus to Dongchuan at Kunming North Bus Station and then transfer to a local taxi to get there.
• Tickets: free for core tourist area, Luoxiagou (Sunset Valley): CNY 40
• Famous Scenic Spots: Luoxiagou (Sunset Valley), Damakan (Sunrise Village), Yuepuao (Music Hollow)

Xiaocaoba Scenic Area

A hidden paradise nestled in Yiliang county, Xiaocaoba Scenic Area is described as a natural reserve covered by dense virgin forests, steep peaks, deep valleys, wandering mountain streams and cascading waterfalls.

When autumn comes, Xiaocaoba is in its most dreamy season with gorgeous colors in every corner. Wandering around the tranquil valley and roaring waterfalls, you will see the forests, peaks, and valleys all dyed in layers of red, gold or orange. The scene is especially amazing when the red leaves reflect sunset light with rosy clouds of dusk.

• Location: Xiaocaoba Town, Yiliang County, Zhaotong City
• How to Get to: Bus line 5 connects it with the downtown Yiliang County.
• Tickets:CNY 58

Pudacuo National Park

A superb park located around Shangri-La, Pudacuo is described as the place closest to heaven with minority villages, verdant forests, crystal lakes, and gorgeous meadow views.

In autumn, the colorful scenery is more confident to take your breath away. With crisp blue sky, crystal clear water, golden leaves, yellow grassland… Pudacuo is more simple, primitive, and mysterious in autumn, just like a paradise on earth.

• Location: Hongpo Village, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
• How to Get to: Shangri-La Coach Station operates the direct bus to the park.
• Tickets: CNY 138

Yila Grassland of Napa Lake

For those who like natural and wide scenes, Yila Grassland is no doubt your ideal choice. Autumn is the dry season when the water recedes and the area becomes a grassland instead of wetland, making it the best time to see herds of sheep and cattle.

As you see the endless grassland expanding under rolling snow-capped mountains, local Tibetans burning incense at the white pagoda, and the starry milky way in the night sky, you can’t help marvel at Yila Grassland’s beauty.

• Location: Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
• How to Get to: Bus line 12 line A travels between NapaLake and Hongtaiyang Square near Dukezong Ancient City.
• Tickets: free

Songzanlin Monastery

Built after Potala Palace in Lhasa, Songzanlin Monastery is a rewarding place to encounter the profound religious culture and many precious Tibetan Buddhist relics. Combining the most essential features of Tibetan religious architectures, the buildings in the monastery are all magnificent and colorful, with gilded copper tiles.

A far view from the high buildings here will bring you some wonderful views of the holy lakes, vast meadows, and eagles hovering in the sky if you are lucky.

• Location: 3,Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
• How to Get to: Bus line 12 line B and bus line 16 can arrive there directly.
• Tickets: CNY 115

Baishuitai

Hidden on the flanks of Haba Snow Mountain, Baishuitai (aka White Water Terrace) with a large, white mineral deposit in the form of terraced pools is the largest sinter terraces in China which are comparable to Pamukkale in Turkey.

A wandering here in the morning, you will see low fog just like a blanket covering the whole area, adding more mystery to the place.

You can’t stop being amazed at nature’s beauty while absorbing aqua blue water, white rock, terraced formation, and looking out at the verdant valley.

If the water in Jiuzhaigou was created by God overturning the paint tray, then the water in Baishuitai was filtered by God, and the color changes while looking from different angles and distances.

• Location: Baidi Village, Sanba Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
• How to Get to: Tourists can take a bus to Sanba Town at Shangri-La Coach Station, which departs at 09:00 and 14:00, respectively. And then take a local van or walk to the scenic area.
• Tickets: CNY 30

Meili Snow Mountain

It is said that only the devoted and lucky guys can capture the surreal sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain. The amazing moment offers nothing short of dramatic views when the first ray of sunrise dyed the main peak Kavagbo into gold. Everyone will be shocked by such kind of golden views.

Visiting Meili Snow Mountain in autumn makes it easier to encounter the marvelous sunrise view.

• Location: Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
• How to Get to:Shangri-La Coach Station has shuttle buses to Deqin County every day.
• Tickets: free

Ginkgo Village in Tengchong

Ginkgo Village is an ancient village nestled in Tengchong, which features vast natural ginkgo forests with over 30,000 ginkgo trees and dozens of rural houses built by volcanic stones.

With the arrival of autumn, the ubiquitous golden ginkgo leaves turn the idyllic village into a yellow fairyland, intoxicating crowds of tourists from all over the country. You can’t take bad pictures in such a beautiful landscape.

• Location: Gudong Town, Tengchong City, Baoshan City
• How to Get to: Tourists can take a bus to Gudong Town from Tengchong Ximen Bus Station, and then take a bus to the village. Or charter a bus at the Tengchong Tourist Bus Station or Ximen Bus Station.
• Tickets: CNY 20 – 40
• Peak Time: Mid- November – early December
• Best Viewing Spots: Chenjiazhai Village, Ginkgo Square

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are often regarded as the hidden gems built on the remote cliffs of the Ailao Mountains, and one of the largest and most spectacular rice terraces in the world.

Before harvest in autumn, the terraces boast a view of breathtaking beauty as the whole fields are blanketed with golden rice, and the cool autumn wind blowing and waving the crops.

• Location: Ailao Mountain,Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture
• How to Get to: The most convenient way is to take a bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Yuanyangand then transfer to a local bus or taxi to the terraces.
• Tickets: CNY 70
• Best Viewing Spots: Sunrise: Duoyishu; Sunset: Bada and Laohuzui; Cloud sea: Laohuzui

Autumn in Yunnan is a combination of striking red or golden leaves, waving crops, overwhelmingly peaceful villages, tranquil waters, yellow grasslands. Delight yourself by embracing the autumn breeze in Yunnan, all the destinations don their yellow, red, blue, and green for your picture-perfect and romantic trip.

What’s the Weather Like in Yunnan in Autumn?

It is widely accepted that Autumn (September–November) is the best season to travel to Yunnan. Tourists will have a trip blended with comfortable weather, vivid landscapes, and cultural festivals. While temperatures vary dramatically across its mountains, plateaus, still, valleys, the dry, stable conditions and golden light create unparalleled opportunities for photography and outdoor adventures. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Regional Weather Guide

Kunming & Central Yunnan

• Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F).
• Conditions: Sunny days dominate the weather, with sporadic light rain (avg. 5 rainy days/month). Humidity drops to 60–70%, greatly enhancing visibility.
• Key Shots: Golden ginkgo trees at Cuihu Park (late Nov), migratory black-headed gulls at Dianchi Lake (Oct–Mar).
• Tips: Mornings can be misty; wait until 9 AM for clear skies.

Dali & Lijiang

• Temperature: 10–20°C (50–68°F).
• Conditions: Crisp air, minimal rainfall. Erhai Lake mirrors fiery foliage, while Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s peaks glisten under cobalt skies.
• Golden Hour: 4–6 PM casts warm hues on Lijiang Old Town’s cobblestone alleys.

Shangri-La & Northwest Yunnan

• Temperature: 5–15°C (41–59°F).
• Conditions: Frosty mornings (near 0°C in Nov), sunny afternoons. Low oxygen at 3,300m altitude; acclimatize slowly.
• Don’t Miss: Pudacuo National Park’s golden birch forests (Oct) and Songzanlin Monastery’s prayer flags fluttering in autumn winds.

Yuanyang & Southeastern Yunnan

• Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F).
• Conditions: Humid but rain-free. Yuanyang Rice Terraces glow amber before November harvests.
• Photography Hack: Shoot at Duoyishu Village at dawn—mist rises from terraces as sunlight hits.
• Tengchong & Western Yunnan
• Temperature: 12–22°C (54–72°F).
• Conditions: Dry and breezy. Ginkgo Village (Oct–Nov) transforms into a golden carpet; leaves fall in mid-November.

Why Autumn is Perfect for Photography

• Soft Light: Low-angle sunlight from Sept–Nov will add a sense of depth to landscapes.
• Vivid Colors: Contrasting hues—red maple at Xiaocaoba, turquoise waters at Baishuitai, golden rice in Yuanyang.
• Clear Skies: Post-monsoon air (75% clear days) can ensure sharp mountain vistas, e.g., Meili Snow Mountain’s sunrise.
• Cultural Moments: Harvest festivals (Hani Rice Terrace Festival in Oct) offer vibrant ethnic portraits.

FAQs about Best Places to Photograph Autumn in Yunnan

Is October a good time to visit Yunnan?

Yes. The rainy season just ends in most regions in October, making it suitable for outdoor activities and photography.

When is the absolute best time for peak autumn colors in Yunnan, and does it vary by region (e.g., Shangri-La vs. Tengchong)?

From early September to mid and late December, different regions offer unique autumn scenery one after another. At the beginning of autumn during September – October, the scenery in Lijiang is rich in colors with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop and the rice fields by the Erhai Lake in Dali turn into a golden sea. In late September, head to Shangri-La, where the Pudacuo National Park is dyed with various colors. While to see the golden ginkgo in Tengchong, it is advised to visit there during Mid-November – early December. Yuanyang Rice Terraces also enters the irrigation period from November after the rice is harvested. So you can take photos of “the mirror of sky”. Dongchuan Red Land is suitable to see the “colorful palette” in the whole autumn from September to December.

What is the typical day and night temperature range in Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La during the autumn months (September to November)?

The temperatures during daytime and evening in Kunming are 20 – 25℃ and 10 – 15 ℃, respectively. And in Lijiang, it is 20 ℃ in daytime and 10℃ in the evening. The typical day and night temperature ranges in Shangri-La are 5 – 15 ℃ and 0 – 5 ℃, respectively.

What type of clothing is recommended for the dramatic temperature shifts between day, night, and altitude changes (especially near Shangri-La)?

It is better to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt made of quick-drying fabric in the innermost layer. It can keep your skin dry. To keep warm, a fleece, thin down coat or woollen sweater is suitable to be the middle layer. Even if you are not in activity, these clothes can keep your body heat. The outer layer is a protection layer, so it should be water-proof, wind-proof and breathable. Usually, tourists will choose a windbreaker or down jacket.

Plan Your Yunnan Tour with China Xian Tour

As is known to all, some tourist cities in Yunnan are located in the high plateau area, such as Shangri-La. So the altitude sickness is of great concern for every traveler. If you have no experience in dealing with it, travelling with China Xian Tour will make you feel at ease. Because our local guide will tell you the things you should pay attention to before the tour and take care of you during the entire tour. If you have any problem, he will tackle it immediately. So your safety can be guaranteed. Besides, our trip is a tailored trip, so all your needs can be met. Do not hesitate to contact us.