Must-go budget trips in September-October! 8 cities directly reachable by high-speed rail, guaranteeing your golden autumn romance

Must-go budget trips in September-October! 8 cities directly reachable by high-speed rail, guaranteeing your golden autumn romance September brings the autumn breeze, October deepens the autumn mood—it's the perfect time to go out and enjoy the fall colors! These 8 cities are directly accessible by high-speed rail and offer affordable expenses. Each autumn scene has its own charm. Your spontaneous golden autumn trip starts here— 【Beijing】 Best viewing period: Late September to late October | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★★★ The autumn "paradise" described by Lao She hides the richest Beijing-style autumn atmosphere. The red walls of the Forbidden City reflect the ginkgo trees, Jingshan Park’s central axis overlooks the city’s golden hues, and the ginkgo tunnel at Ditan Park creates an immersive vibe. Budget tip: Get a park annual pass to enjoy multiple attractions, have an affordable meal at a university cafeteria, maximizing cost performance. 【Xi’an】 Best viewing period: Mid-September to mid-October | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★★☆ The ancient city’s autumn is a collision of Qin bricks, Han tiles, and golden hues. Ginkgo leaves cover the steps near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the millennium-old ginkgo at the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple is stunning, and cycling around the city wall blends history with autumn. Take the bus directly to the Terracotta Warriors to save on taxi fares; street snacks cost just a dozen yuan per person for a satisfying meal. 【Nanjing】 Best viewing period: Early October to early November | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★★★ Fallen phoenix tree leaves cover the ground, ginkgo trees dye the Golden Tomb City, and Nanjing’s autumn comes with a cinematic filter. The autumn palette of the Ming Xiaoling Stone Elephant Road, the gradually reddening maple leaves on Qixia Mountain, and the Republic of China-style autumn scenery on Yihe Road all make for great photos. Buy a one-day subway pass to explore the whole city, and unlock affordable delicious meals at university cafeterias. 【Hangzhou】 Best viewing period: Late September to late October | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★★★ Autumn in Hangzhou is filled with the fragrance of osmanthus wrapping around the softness of West Lake. Enjoy West Lake for free and watch the shimmering waves, walk the stone paths and listen to the streams at Jiuxi Smoke Trees, and find peace at Lingyin Temple. The bus circle around the lake is very convenient, and staying near a university dormitory saves money and lets you feel the youthful vibe. 【Suzhou】 Best viewing period: Early October to early November | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★★★ Autumn in the gardens hides the delicate elegance of Jiangnan. The lotus pond in the Humble Administrator’s Garden reflects withered lotus and ginkgo leaves, ancient ginkgo trees cover the courtyard of Dinghui Temple, and the phoenix tree avenue on Daoqian Street is extremely romantic. You can visit the Suzhou Museum for free by reservation, take the subway to nearby ancient towns, and enjoy high cost-performance Suzhou-style street snacks. 【Wuyuan】 Best viewing period: Mid to late October to early November | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★☆ This is the top spot for "sun-drying autumn," where autumn in Wuyuan looks like a colorful oil painting. At Huangling, drying racks are full of chili peppers and corn; morning mist wraps around red maples in Shicheng; the autumn scenery of Jiangling terraced fields is layered and distinct—photography lovers must not miss it. Accommodation prices in the county are affordable, and buses go directly to all scenic spots, making it easy to explore the autumn countryside. 【Changsha】 Best viewing period: Mid-September to mid-October | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★★★ Autumn in Changsha is a blend of vitality and poetry. Maple leaves on Yuelu Mountain turn red, sunsets at Orange Isle are super healing, and Wenheyou offers free photo opportunities for vintage-style shots. With the subway and shared bikes, you can easily tour the whole city. Street food streets cost about 50 yuan per person, allowing you to eat from morning till night without repeating dishes. 【Huangshan】 Best viewing period: Early to late October | High-speed rail convenience: ★★★★☆ Autumn in Huangshan is a feast of strange pines, sea of clouds, and red leaves. The autumn scenery of the West Sea Grand Canyon is magnificent, the morning mist in Hongcun wraps white walls and black tiles, and Tunxi Old Street is full of autumnal life. Tickets are valid for three days, very cost-effective; mountain top beds are economical; shuttle buses between scenic spots are convenient and save money. Budget travel tips - Autumn temperatures vary greatly; remember to bring a light jacket for layering to adapt to temperature changes; - Buy high-speed rail tickets in advance, especially during holidays, to avoid missing tickets and delaying your trip; - Bring your ID card and student ID (if any), as some attractions offer discounts; - Bring your own water bottle to be eco-friendly and save on water expenses; - Travel early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds and enjoy unique autumn scenery at dawn or dusk. Golden autumn is short—don’t miss this wonderful season. Take this guide and go meet your own autumn romance!