Its the season to visit Beijing. A month ago would have been unbearably hot. By December, it will be too cold.
Autumn is also the time of year when the skies clear - or, at least, as much as they can in a city that is growing at breakneck speed.
Thanks to China Southern Airlines, the Marriott Beijing West and the Hilton Beijing, you can visit the city in the utmost comfort. Hong Kong's Four Seas Travel agency has arranged a special package that is impossible to beat. Fly in business class and stay in an executive room at either of the two five-star hotels for just $5,680.
It is not just about price, however. A key attraction of the trip is the new business class seats on China Southern's new Airbus A330, which flies the Hong Kong-Beijing route. A fully reclining seat makes the three-hour trip a real pleasure. You can watch a film, read a book, or just do what most Hong Kong business travellers would probably do - take a well-earned nap.
The reason why the weather is so important in planning a trip to Beijing should be obvious, but it is only when you walk into the Forbidden City that you realise just how important it is. The massive former palace of China's emperors, which was occupied until 1911, takes some walking. In summer or winter, it would be unbearable.
It is well worth the effort, though, as there is no place quite like it in Asia. Bangkok's palace may be more aesthetically sumptuous, and Angkor Wat may be more intricately designed, but none can stand next to the Forbidden City as a symbol of historical grandeur.
Beijing has many other historical landmarks that are worth visiting, and can be packed into a weekend's itinerary if necessary.