November is when Chengdu transitions from late autumn into early winter. The average temperature is about 12°C–15°C, so it feels a bit chilly. Cloudy days are common, rainfall decreases, and the temperature difference between days and nights is noticeable.
Crowds are getting smaller than in October, and accordingly, hotel and other travel costs become more affordable. Nearby scenic areas like Jiuzhaigou are still in good condition.
Overall, November is a good time for travel. This guide will give you all the things to know about traveling to Chengdu in the early winter months, including the best places to visit, a recommended itinerary, and packing list.
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- Is November a Good Time to Visit Chengdu?
- Best Places to Visit in Chengdu in November
- Recommended Chengdu Itineraries for November
- What to Wear in Chengdu in November? What to Pack?
- Chengdu Travel Tips for November
- Travel to Chengdu with China Xian Tour
Is November a Good Time to Visit Chengdu?
Of course, yes! November is the best shoulder season to travel to Chengdu, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower travel costs.
Weather Condition
Winter hasn’t fully arrived, and the temperature goes relatively low. Air is still rather humid, days are usually cloudy and start with morning fog. Early mornings and late nights are chilly, but daytime enjoys more comfortable weather. The average monthly temperature is about 12°C–15°C, and it drops to only 5–8°C by the end of November.
Quick Look at the Weather in November in Chengdu
Weather in Chengdu in November |
Details |
Average Temperature |
12–15°C (54–59°F) |
Daytime Temperature |
16–18°C (61–64°F) |
Nighttime Temperature |
8–10°C (46–50°F) |
Early November |
18°C (64°F)
Comfortable weather |
Mid-November |
14–17°C (57–63°F)
Cooler mornings and evenings |
Late November |
12–15°C (54–59°F).
Even cooler. Snow is possible in the nearby mountains |
Best For |
Autumn foliage, outdoor sightseeing, and photography |
Travel Experience
November’s weather is extremely suitable for outdoor activities, such as citywalks or sightseeing. Popular attractions like Kuanzhai Alley still see a constant visitor flow, however, it’s not as crowded as in other popular travel periods.
Travel Cost
The cost of transportation and accommodation is significantly lower than in peak season. With fewer visitors, you’ll also get a wider selection of flights and hotels. A four-day and three-night itinerary would only cost around RMB 1,500–3,000/USD 211–423. This estimations covers costs of domestic flights/ high-speed train but not international flights.
Seasonal Scenery
November is the peak season to see ginkgo trees in places like Wenshu Monastery and Qingyang Temple, which is also Chengdu’s city tree. Golden leaves blanket the city, creating a beautiful autumn scenery.
Nearby destinations like Jiuzhaigou and Mount Emei also have spectacular fall foliage. When traveling to these natural sites, you may even catch the season’s first snowfall.
Best Places to Visit in Chengdu in November
November is a good time to visit Chengdu and its surrounding areas. You’ll encounter ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, snow mountains and autumn landscapes. Spend just one week, and you’ll get to explore some of the most classic autumn-to-winter scenery around this beautiful city.
1. Wenshu Monastery — Chengdu’s Best Ginkgo Season
Wenshu Monastery has centuries-old ginkgo trees. They reach their peak viewing period in mid to late November.
The golden ginkgo leaves create a stunning contrast with the temple’s red walls and traditional grey-tiled roofs. Many people would visit the site just for this autumn scene. It is recommended to arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid the crowds and take pictures with the soft lighting.
2. People’s Park — Chrysanthemum Exhibition and Local Slow Life
The chrysanthemum exhibition held in the People’s Park keeps on going in November (exact dates may vary each year). There are hundreds of chrysanthemum displays in the park and you can appreciate their beauty while also experiencing Chengdu’s most representative “slow-paced” lifestyle.
Find a seat at Heming Teahouse and sip a bowl of traditional tea. Either trying ear cleaning service or walk around the lake to relax your mind. Here, you’ll see the comfortable daily life of locals. For first-time visitors, this is one of the best places to understand Chengdu’s culture.
3. Jiuzhaigou Valley — Golden Autumn Forests Meet Early Snow
Early November is still a perfect time to see Jiuzhaigou’s colorful autumn forests. The lakes are at their clearest turquoise-blue of the year. Golden forests reflect on the water, creating rich layers of color and scenery.
From late November, higher-altitude areas may start to see snowfall. So this is a rare time when autumn colors, snow-capped mountains, and alpine lakes all exist at the same time. It’s one of the most loved travel seasons for photographers.
4. Xiling Snow Mountain — Half Autumn Colors, Half Snow
From early to mid-November, Xiling Snow Mountain is at its most beautiful.
At elevations above 2,000 meters, trees begin to turn red. While the mid-mountain areas are covered in colorful forests, the summit may already have early snow. This is how the mountain shows the famous “half autumn colors, half snow” landscape.
The winter ski season in Xiling Snow Mountain also gradually begins in November. Ski resorts open depending on weather conditions. It is one of the closest snow-viewing destinations to Chengdu.
5. Dujiangyan — The Clearest River Views of the Year
After the rainy season ends, sediment in the Min River decreases significantly.
Now the water in the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is at its clearest and bluest of the year. When taking photos, you can capture striking contrasts between the ancient engineering structures and the lively water flow.
It is comfortable to walk through landmarks such as Yuzui, Feishayan, and Baopingkou in November’s pleasant days.
Recommended Chengdu Itineraries for November
Chengdu in November is quite suitable for sightseeing, so we’d recommend trips last for 3–7 days. If you have limited time, you can mainly focus on Chengdu city. If you have a more flexible itinerary, combine it with 1–2 nearby destinations for a more complete experience.
3-Day Classic Chengdu Itinerary
This itinerary covers basically all highlights in Chengdu, such as pandas, cultural landmarks, and relaxed local lifestyle experiences. It’s designed for first-time visitors.
Day 1: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding + Wenshu Monastery + Kuanzhai Alley
Day 2: People’s Park + Wuhou Shrine + Jinli Ancient Street + hot pot dinner
Day 3: Dujiangyan Irrigation System + Mount Qingcheng
Recommended Tour:
Get up close with adorable giant pandas at the breeding center, savor fiery Sichuan cuisine, and explore Chengdu's laid-back teahouse culture and ancient streets.
5-Day Chengdu + Jiuzhaigou Itinerary
If you’re traveling for autumn scenery photography, pick this one. Jiuzhaigou still retains beautiful late autumn colors in early November.
Day 1–2: Giant Panda Base, Jinsha Site Museum, People’s Park, Kuanzhai Alley
Day 3: High-speed train to Jiuzhaigou area, half-day visit to Huanglong Scenic Area
Day 4: Full-day Jiuzhaigou Valley exploration
Day 5: Return to Chengdu
Recommended Tour:
Journey from Chengdu to the stunning Jiuzhaigou Valley with its turquoise lakes and waterfalls, then marvel at Huanglong's golden travertine terraces cascading down snow-capped mountain slopes.
6–7 Day Chengdu + Xiling Snow Mountain + Dujiangyan Itinerary
If you want to more clearly experience the transition from autumn to early winter, you may find this itinerary particularly suitable:
Chengdu city + Dujiangyan + Mount Qingcheng + Xiling Snow Mountain
Day 1-Day 5 can be planned the same as above
Day 6: Xiling Snow Mountain
Day 7: Mount Emei
It allows you to enjoy both autumn landscapes and a chance to see early snow in higher-altitude areas.
Recommended Tour:
Hit the slopes at Xiling Ski Resort just 110 kilometers from Chengdu, then ride a cable car to Sun Moon Platform for spectacular sunset and sea of clouds views.
What to Wear in Chengdu in November? What to Pack?
November brings humid cold to Chengdu and it’s called “basin-style chill”. This explains why people often feel colder than the actual temperature. Instead of wearing a single heavy coat, layering outfit is more practical, which can help you withstand the large day-to-night temperature difference.
Clothing Suggestions for Chengdu in November
Time |
In Chengdu City |
For Jiuzhaigou / Xiling Snow Mountain |
Daytime |
Long-sleeve T-shirt
Sweatshirt Knit sweater Light jacket Thin down jacket (late November) |
Lightweight down jacket
Thermal underwear Scarf Gloves Wool hat Hiking shoes |
Evening / Night |
Down vest
Light down jacket Fleece jacket |
Warm insulated jacket
Layered thermal clothing |
Shoes |
Comfortable sneakers
Ankle boots |
Non-slip hiking shoes |
In late November, mountain areas may experience snowfall. Temperatures can drop close to 0°C in early mornings and evenings.
Must-Pack Items for Your Trip
- Foldable umbrella: Usually, it’ll be light rain. No need to bring a large umbrella.
- Travel-size moisturizer and lip balm: Indoor heating can make your skin feel dry.
- Power bank: You may take a lot of photos, and that drains your battery quickly.
- Thermal flask: It feels good to keep yourself warm in the damp weather with a cup of hot water.
- Hand warmers: Great for keeping your waist or feet warm if you’re sensitive to the cold.
Chengdu Travel Tips for November
November is Chengdu’s shoulder travel season. Lower travel costs plus unique late autumn and early winter scenery can make your trip full of unforgettable moments. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Travel Tips
- Jiuzhaigou may experience snowfall from mid to late November. Some high-altitude roads can be temporarily affected and even closed. If you’re traveling to Jiuzhaigou during this period, check the latest scenic area notices about three days before your trip.
- Xiling Snow Mountain’s snow season also comes in mid to late November, and many locals also go to view the snowscape. Booking tickets online in advance often costs less than buying them on site.
- No public holidays fall in November, so flights are about 30% cheaper than during the National Day holiday (in early October). Hotels and guesthouses around Chunxi Road and Kuanzhai Alley are also easier to book. Consider making a reservation 1–2 weeks in advance to see more choices.
- Cloudy days are common in November. Even without rain, the humidity remains high. It’ll be useful to bring a waterproof jacket.
Food Recommendations
- The much cooler weather makes it perfect to enjoy Chengdu’s comforting and spicy local dishes. Hot pot, chuanchuan, and maocai are all highly recommended.
- From late November, Jianyang mutton soup also becomes available and is always a popular choice for warming up.
- For snacks, there are some typical ones that we really recommend you try, such as sweet fried glutinous rice balls and egg pancakes. Or you may spend an afternoon at an old teahouse in People’s Park to enjoy a bowl of covered-bowl tea paired with sunflower seeds.
Christmas Decorations
As Christmas is approaching, shopping areas such as SM Plaza, MixC, and Taikoo Li begin putting up Christmas decorations. They are good places to take festive photos, as the decorations are beautiful with much fewer crowds than in December.
Travel to Chengdu with China Xian Tour
If you don’t mind cloudy skies and the occasional damp chill, November is a perfect time for you to visit Chengdu. The colorful autumn landscapes and the chance to see the first snow in mountain areas like Jiuzhaigou can create an exceptional experience.
To make your trip even easier, China Xian Tour offers customized Chengdu tours. We’ll fulfill all your expectations of Chengdu. Our professional guide, as well as private transfer service, can make sure you explore all the highlights smoothly and pleasantly. With us, you will get a truly rewarding and memorable Chengdu tour.
