September is the start of autumn in China. Some destinations wear their best look in the season. Spanning north to south, these places embrace vibrant colors looking like a painting palette in the hands of a great painter. With natural beauty and delicious cuisines of the season, these places satisfy one's stomach and eyes in one trip. Following are China's top four September destinations. 

Red Beach, Panjin City, Liaoning Province

Located in Panjin City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, the Red Beach Scenic Area is part of the Liaohe River Delta Wetland which is home to the world's best preserved and largest wetland and reed marsh.

The scenic area is the southernmost breeding habitat for red-crowned cranes and the main breeding place for the rare species of black-headed gull in the world. The Red Beach features the red plant Suaeda which starts growing from April. Its color deepens from light red to purple eventually. The color is the brightest from September onward, as it's the month of the plant turning ripe.

Ejina Desert Poplar, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Located in Ejina Banner, Alxa League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Ejina Desert Poplar turns golden in September.

Covering an area of 26,253 square kilometers, the scenic area is a combination of poplars. A nearby riverbank was the shooting location of the renowned Chinese film "Hero" directed by Zhang Yimou. It also has a desert zone at the "Ba Dao Qiao" area. 

Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province

Nanxun Ancient Town is located in Nanxun District of Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. The town has been famous for producing silk since the Ming and Qing dynasties of China. The scenic area in Nanxun spans 34.27 square kilometers, and is home to popular sites that used to be residential properties of local influential people, attracting tourists with their well-preserved architectural styles.

Every year from mid-September to December, Yangcheng Lake crab enter the market. This year it's going to be slightly late than usual, September 23 onward. This particular variety of crab is one of the most popular in China. About an hour's drive from Yangcheng Lake, the crabs can easily be found on dinner tables in Nanxun, adding tasty flavors to the travel. 

Kanas Lake, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kanas Lake is both beautiful and mysterious. Hidden in the lap of nature, it's located in the mountains and nestled deep into the forest.

The weather in September is chilly, with temperatures varying between five and 15 degrees Celsius. It is advised to bring enough warm clothes. Near the lake is another tourist attraction, the Hemu Village. It's a popular choice among tourists to hike from the lake to the village, covering a distance of about 40 kilometers. Having appreciated the beautiful turquoise color, on your way to the village you will find a natural carpet of golden autumn leaves. 

( Cover image designed by Qu Bo )