10 Things to Do in Beijing in September

Beijing is a city that has a myriad of attractions to enjoy. Find out what are the best things to do in September.

Nicolas Reffray

Nicolas Reffray

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Beijing in September

Beijing in September | ©hectorlo

The capital of China is a fascinating tourist destination throughout the year, as there are many things to see and do in Beijing, but I must say that the month of September has a special charm. The weather is perfect for strolling through the parks and streets, the temperature is most pleasant and it is not the rainy season. In addition, September is an interesting month in terms of festivities and cultural events, which makes the city even more vibrant.

From coffee festivals and a tennis open, to events with the latest technology, there are many things Beijing has for you in September. In addition, you can enjoy its main attractions such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, or the Ancient Shops Quarter, accompanied by perfect weather. So without further ado, I invite you to read on to discover all that Beijing has to offer in the ninth month of the year.

1. Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival

Autumn in Beijing| ©Caitriana Nicholson
Autumn in Beijing| ©Caitriana Nicholson

If you are lucky enough to be in Beijing for the month of September, you should definitely experience the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important and traditional festivities in China.

This celebration takes place on the 15th day of the eighth Chinese lunar month, which usually falls in September. During the festival, Chinese people gather with their families to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of autumn together.

One of the most popular activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival is eating mooncakes, which are small round cakes made of rice flour filled with sweet lotus seed paste, nuts or beans. There are also other traditional foods served during the festival, such as roast duck, steamed fish and different varieties of rice.

In addition, locals often throw paper lanterns in the shape of animals and objects of Chinese culture into the night sky, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The latter makes this festival one of the best things to do in Beijing at night. I can assure you that this traditional festival will allow you to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, enjoy its cuisine and experience the beauty of autumn in the city.

2. Delight your taste buds at the China Show Café

Coffee in Beijing| ©Kyle Taylor
Coffee in Beijing| ©Kyle Taylor

Another interesting event in Beijing in September is the Café China Show Café Festival, an annual activity that takes place throughout the month in various locations in the city. This festival is a unique opportunity to taste some of the best coffees of the region and learn about the coffee culture in China. In addition, you will be able to enjoy different activities and exhibitions related to coffee, such as tastings, latte art demonstrations and coffee making workshops.

The China Coffee Show is an ideal event if you are a food lover, as you will be able to know all the details and learn in depth about the history and production methods of this beverage. And if gastronomy is something that attracts you, I recommend you to complete your experience with one of the best gastronomic tours in Beijing.

Book a gastronomic tour in tuk tuk

3. Beijing Park Festival

International Sculpture Park| ©Caitriana Nicholson
International Sculpture Park| ©Caitriana Nicholson

The Beijing Parks Festival is an annual event that takes place in the transition from summer to autumn, during the month of September. This festival aims to promote awareness of the importance of urban parks and environmental protection. During the festival, you will find that the city's parks are filled with activities and events for the whole family, making it ideal if you are visiting Beijing with children.

You can enjoy concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, educational workshops and interactive games, among other activities. In addition, there are organized walks and races in the parks. One of the highlights of the festival is the gardening contest, where you can compete to create the most beautiful and original garden. There is also a plant fair where you can buy plants and flowers to take home.

If you plan to visit Beijing in 5 days, and plan to do so in September, this is definitely one of the things you should do, as the festival is not only a celebration of nature and outdoor life, but also an opportunity for you to learn about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development.

During this event, talks and lectures on environmental issues are organized and educational activities for children and adults are held. You will also be able to see the last peak of the parks before the arrival of autumn, a perfect plan for September!

4. Attend the China Open tennis tournament

China Open ATP| ©Tim Wang
China Open ATP| ©Tim Wang

The China Open is an ATP World Tour 500 tennis event held every year in Beijing, China. This tournament is held during the month of September and brings together some of the best players in the world. This event is one of the most important on the professional tennis calendar and is often considered the prelude to the China Open.

The China Open is held at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, one of the largest tennis stadiums in the world. The center has 15 tennis courts and a capacity of 17,000 spectators. The main stadium, called Diamond Court, has a capacity of 10,000 spectators and is the venue for the most important matches of the tournament.

In addition to the tennis matches, the China Open also offers a host of activities such as competitions, tennis exhibitions and opportunities to meet some of the tournament's top players. So, if you are a tennis fan visiting Beijing in September you can't miss this event, as it offers a unique and exciting experience. And even if you are a sports lover in general, you can complete your experience with a tour of the Olympic Village in Beijing, you won't regret it.

5. See the latest technology at the China International Hardware Show

China Technology Show| ©Michael Roberts
China Technology Show| ©Michael Roberts

If the tech world is your thing, and you're always looking to learn and learn more about the hardware and tool industry, you must attend the China International Hardware Show (CIHS) in Beijing, which runs from September 19-21. This event is one of the largest trade shows of its kind in Asia, attracting a wide range of exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

During the festival you can explore the latest products, technologies and solutions in the hardware industry, from everything from electronic devices, hand tools, power tools, locks and hardware to building materials. You also have the option to participate in seminars and conferences, where industry experts share knowledge and discuss current trends.

Attending CIHS in September is an opportunity to soak up new ideas and trends in the tool and hardware industry.

6. Ideal time for a visit to the Forbidden City

Forbidden City| ©T Chu
Forbidden City| ©T Chu

September is the perfect month to visit the Forbidden City. Under the bright autumn sun, the complex looks even more magnificent and is ideal for taking the best photos. In addition, the pleasant weather ensures a comfortable trip, which means you can explore without worrying about the heat or cold.

In addition to the ideal weather conditions, visiting the Forbidden City in September has other advantages. For example, it is a less crowded month than July and August, so you can enjoy a quieter and more relaxed experience. It is also a good time to find deals and discounts on accommodation and transportation.

The Forbidden City is the largest and best-preserved complex of ancient palaces in the world, and is the embodiment of the highest level of ancient Chinese architecture. So don't miss the opportunity to discover its charms.

Book the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City and Tiananmen tour

7. Enjoy Tian'anmen Square

Tian'anmen Square| ©Michael Ranzau
Tian'anmen Square| ©Michael Ranzau

September is a perfect month to visit and discover all the things to do in Tian'anmen Square, as the weather is most pleasant. Also, as September is a less crowded month than July and August, you can enjoy the square without the crowds of tourists and without having to wait in long lines to enter the buildings that are located there.

Tian'anmen Square is an emblematic place full of history. This is the largest square in the world, located in the very center of Beijing and south of the Forbidden City. It is a testament to China's modern history, where the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China took place and where military parades are still held.

One of the best ways to enjoy Tian'anmen Square is to attend the flag-raising ceremony early in the morning. This is a very meaningful and exciting act that is well worth witnessing. After the ceremony, you can visit some of the buildings in the square, such as the Great Hall of the People and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. This tour is ideal to combine with a visit to Beijing's best museums.

Book the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Tour

8. Walk along Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing Street| ©Robin Zebrowski
Wangfujing Street| ©Robin Zebrowski

If you are looking for a culturally enriching activity to do in Beijing in September, you can't miss a walk along Wangfujing Street. This pedestrian street has a long history.

The best thing about walking along Wangfujing Street in September is that you can enjoy the pleasant and cool weather while exploring this iconic shopping street. In addition, the street is close to Tian'anmen Square, so you can include it in your itinerary without having to spend too much time traveling.

During this walk you can buy some souvenirs and local specialties to take home, such as tea, silk and other traditional Chinese items. In addition, you can also sample the delicious local food at the established restaurants along the street. Traditional dishes include the famous roast duck, boiled mutton stew and other typical snacks.

9. Stroll along the Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling Great Wall| ©Kyle Taylor
Jinshanling Great Wall| ©Kyle Taylor

The Jinshanling Great Wall is located 130 km from the city of Beijing, and is an impressive hiking destination. Compared to other popular sections of the Great Wall in Beijing, Jinshanling has maintained its original appearance and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Climbing the wall will give you an increasingly expansive and spectacular view the higher you climb.

Planning a visit here in September is ideal, thanks to its mild weather. This hiking experience in Jinshanling is an ideal activity to schedule during this month of the year and is among the best tours of the Great Wall of China.

Take the opportunity to walk along this impressive architectural marvel, the only man-made construction that can be seen from space. You can also take your time to explore the area and have a picnic. You can even continue walking from Jinshanling to the Simatai section, which is also extremely beautiful.

10. Visit Taoranting Park

Taoranting Park| ©Nikolaj Potanin
Taoranting Park| ©Nikolaj Potanin

Taoranting Park is a must-see place to visit in Beijing, especially in September. This urban park, combining ancient and modern garden art, is an oasis in the middle of the city and a place where locals often relax and enjoy their free time. By visiting this park, you can not only delight in the breathtaking views of the garden, but also experience the lifestyle of the local citizens.

In September, Taoranting Park offers a spectacular chrysanthemum display. The park is filled with colorful flowers, with all kinds of chrysanthemums, large and small, red and yellow, multi-layered or single-layered. The chrysanthemum bloom is a great opportunity to capture some stunning photos and learn more about China's flower culture.

The weather in September is also more pleasant, with cooler temperatures and less humidity than in the summer months. This makes it the perfect time to walk around and explore the park, without feeling too overwhelmed by the heat.

In addition, Taoranting Park is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic, as there are numerous green areas and tables available. There are also restaurants and food stalls offering a wide selection of local dishes to sample authentic Chinese cuisine.

What is the weather like in Beijing during September?

If you plan to visit China's capital in September, be prepared to enjoy warm and dry weather. In this month, the city experiences the transition from summer to autumn, which means that temperatures start to gradually decrease, but still remain pleasant.

During the day, temperatures can range from 22 °C to 28 °C, while at night temperatures can drop to 15 °C. However, the average temperature in September in Beijing is around 24 °C (75 °F). Days are generally sunny and occasional showers may be experienced.

What to pack when visiting Beijing in September?

Luggage| ©tookapic
Luggage| ©tookapic

In terms of clothing, it is advisable to bring light clothing during the day, such as short-sleeved shirts and shorts or skirts. It is also advisable to bring a hat and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. At night, temperatures may drop, so it is best to bring a light jacket or sweater.

As for footwear, it is best to wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes, as Beijing is a large city and there are many attractions to visit on foot. It is important to keep in mind that the weather in Beijing can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket in case of rain.

Also, if you have the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China during your trip to Beijing, it is important to keep in mind that the temperature on the Great Wall may be lower than in the city. Therefore, it is advisable to bring an extra jacket to keep you warm while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Great Wall.

Book the bus transfer to the Great Wall