Best Time to Visit China

The best time to visit China is in April, May, September and October. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit China as the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor exploration.

For those looking for colourful spring escapades, April and May are the best months to travel to China. From classical gardens to flower festivals, there are a lot of experiences you can indulge in.

However, if you prefer autumn hues and cooler weather, September and October would be a better fit for you. Since the Yunnan Province has the liveliest colours during these months, it makes it the ideal time to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge and experience the mystic views of the Blue Moon Valley.

Peak Season in China

The peak season in China lasts from April to May earlier in the year and from September to October in the latter half. During these months the weather is favourable for sightseeing and outdoor activities like a private tour to the Zhujiajiao Water Town with a boat from Shanghai.

The peak season also happens to overlap with major Chinese holidays like Labour Day and even National Day which allows tourists to experience the traditions and celebrations up close.

Moreover, it is the best time to visit the cities in China as the markets are always bustling with activity and give you the perfect opportunity to try some delectable street food.

Shoulder Season in China

The shoulder season in China generally ranges from early June to late August. If you prefer fewer crowds, this is the best season to visit China.

During these months, the temperatures are generally mild, which makes it a great time to visit places like the Longji Rice Terraces and the Yellow Mountains without having to worry about the crowds.

With late August marking the beginning of a short autumn season, it is also a great time to enjoy a cruise on the Li River from Guilin City to Yangshuo.

Low Season in China

The low season in China typically spans from November to March. With the weather often dropping below freezing points in Beijing and Harbin, you get the opportunity to experience the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.

Ski resorts are the first choice for local and international tourists. You can visit the Changbai Mountains and the outskirts of Beijing if you wish to indulge in some winter sports.

This season also happens to coincide with the Chinese New Year, allowing tourists to experience the traditional customs, parades and iconic fireworks that are a part of the celebration.

January in China

The northern regions of China experience freezing weather and frost in the month of January, making it the perfect time to visit Harbin, also known as the Moscow of the East.

Apart from the winter festivals, you can also indulge in winter sports or the mystic wonders of the Jilin Rime of the Yangtze River. However, if you prefer a warmer climate, you can visit Sanya, a beloved coastal destination.

Average Temperature: 10°C to 19°C

Best Places to Visit:

• The Snow Kingdom in Harbin

• Jilin Rime

• Yunnan

Things to Experience:

• World Ice and Snow Festival

• Star watching near the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

• Stroll along the beach in Sanya

• Visit the Aquariums in Sanya

February in China

China experiences extremely cold weather during February with the snow and the frost adding to the scenic beauty.

You can visit the mystic city of Xian, attend the Tang Dynasty show and witness the Lantern shows during your visit to the city. Moreover, you can also visit iconic spots like the Terracotta Warriors and the Shaanxi History Museums.

Average Temperature: - 2°C to 8°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Shaanxi History Museums

• Terracotta Warriors

• Canton Tower in Guangzhou

• Hailuogou Glacier Park

• Pingyao Ancient City

Things to Experience:

• Tang Dynasty Show

• Zigong Lantern Festival

• Dragon-Lion Dances

• Shehuo Traditional Festivity Show

China in March

March marks the beginning of spring in China, making it the best month to visit Beijing. The pleasant weather makes it the ideal time for those looking to climb the Great Wall of China.

Moreover, with spring in full bloom you can enjoy some freshly picked spring tea in Hangzhou with a relaxing walk along the West Lake. Another unmissable destination is Mount Tai where you can take a hike on the Imperial Hiking Route that is surrounded by delicate and romantic pink peach blossoms.

You can also enjoy a scenic tour of Lhasa and Nyingchi, where the untouched highlands are covered with a sea of beautiful pink peach blossoms, making it look like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Average Temperature: 4°C to 11°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Yuyuantan Park

• Yellow Mountain

• Bishan Ancient Village

• Wuyuan in Jiangxi Province

• Lingyin Temple

• Pear Garden in Jinchuan

Things to Experience:

• Spring Hike at Yellow Mountain

• Picking fresh Tea Sprouts in Longjing

• Lhasa and Nyingchi Tour in Spring

• Spring City Tour

China in April

For China, April marks the beginning of the peak tourist season in the first half of the year. With warmer temperatures, it is the ideal time for outdoor activities and spring tours.

A cruise on the Yangtze River, which is surrounded by golden fields of rapeseed flowers and mountains covered with vibrant pink peach blossoms, is an ideal getaway during this season. You can also attend the Luoyang Peony Festival to appreciate the beautiful blossoms while enjoying the city fair.

Average Temperature: 16°C to 23°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Longmen Grottoes

• Weifang

• Xishuangbanna

Things to Experience:

• Luoyang Peony Festival

• Weifang International Kite Festival

• Water-Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna

China in May

With spring in full bloom, May is the perfect month for hikes and tours in China. The Longsheng Rice Terraces shine like golden mountain steps and the Yellow Mountain is covered with spring flowers and lush greenery.

You can also take a tour through the Black Mountain and the West Sea Grand Canyon while enjoying the mystic views along the way. Another magical destination is the Huaqing Palace which leaves its visitors awestruck with its beauty.

If you are an adventurous person, you can participate in the Huashan Plank Walk which is located on Mount Hua around 7,070 feet above ground level.

Average Temperature: 12°C to 24°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Huaqing Palace

• Mount Hua

• Linger Garden

• Tongli Watertown

• Fujian Tulou

Things to Experience:

• Panda watching at the Chengdu Panda Base

• The Huashan Plank Walk

• Huangshan Tour

China in June

June marks the end of the first half of the tourist season in China. With most regions experiencing higher temperatures, there are quite a few refreshing tourist spots open for a visit.

You can enjoy the refreshing breeze over the calm waters of the Yulong River while participating in Bamboo rafting. There are also quite a few summer resorts available that offer services for exciting water sports like rafting.

If you prefer hiking, you can visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for an exciting hike in the lush greenery of Zhangjiajie. You can also visit Shangri-La to witness the Azalea Blossom in full bloom.

Average Temperature: 21°C to 32°C

Best Places to Visit:

• The Fujian Xiapu Mudflat

• Mount Xiannairi

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

• Crescent Moon Lake

Things to Experience:

• Fenghuang Ancient Town Tour

• Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

• Dunhuang Sand Festival

China in July

July is one of the hottest months in China, with temperatures reaching a scorching 34°C in some regions. Hence it is important to plan visits to regions with milder temperatures, like Guiyang and Anshun.

You can visit the infamous Jiaxiu Tower in Guiyang and enjoy a refreshing walk through Flower Creek Park. Moreover, the Huangguoshu Waterfall is a refreshing getaway from the summer heat.

Average Temperature: 22°C to 32°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Craggy Rocks

• Huangguoshu Waterfall

• Flower Creek Park

• The Dragon Palace

• Tianlong Tunpu Complex

Things to Experience:

• Impression of Lijiang

• A tour of the three gorges

• Nadam Fair

China in August

August is the last month of summer in China. Although the temperatures continue to be high in most regions, destinations around higher altitudes have pleasant weather.

You can visit the Chongsheng Temple and learn the history of Dali, which has been home to more than 25 ethnic minorities in China. Mount Fanjing in Tongren Guizhou and Axilixi near Guiyang are also great destinations with breathtaking views and pleasant climate.

The Golden Summit, located at the second peak of the majestic Mount Emei, is yet another destination that is bound to leave you speechless with its beauty.

If you enjoy alcohol, then you must visit Qingdao in time for the Beer Festival. The festival features beers from all over the world, along with a delectable spread of fresh seafood and snacks for the perfect pairing.

Average Temperature: 16°C to 20°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Enshi Shiziguan

• Weizhou Island

• The Naked Castle

• Mount Fanjing in Tongren Guizhou

• Axilixi

• Dunhuang

• Mogao Grottoes

Things to Experience:

• Hulunbuir Grassland Tour

• Wuyi Mountain Tour

• Beer Festival

China in September

September marks the beginning of autumn and the second half of the peak tourist season in China. If you want to avoid the tourist rush, this month is a great time to visit lesser-known destinations like Changbai Mountain.

You can visit the Tianchi Lake on Changbai Mountain, which has clear waters mirroring the azure skies above. The cooler climate also makes it a great time to visit the Zhangye Danxia Geopark which is known for its iconic orange-yellow hills.

September is also the month of the Mid-Autumn Festival when you can enjoy a variety of mooncakes and other traditional Chinese foods like roast duck and Hairy Crab.

Average Temperature: 16°C to 26°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Changbai Mountain

• Tianchi Lake

• Zhangye Danxia Geopark

• Taoranting Park

• Wangfujing Street

• Tiananmen Square

• Forbidden City

Things to Experience:

• Mid-Autumn Festival

• Café China Show Café Festival in Beijing

• Beijing Park Festival

• China Open Tennis Tournament

• China International Hardware Show

China in October

October marks the end of the peak tourist season in China. This is the best month to travel to China and enjoy the experiences the country has to offer with a favourable climate.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan has clear emerald lakes that shine under the autumn skies, making it the perfect time for a visit. Moreover, infamous places like the Great Wall of China are surrounded by the hues of autumn, which will leave you awestruck with their beauty.

You can also visit the dreamy lakes of Daocheng Yading that contrast the surrounding highlands with their azure green waters. If you prefer exploring cities, it is the best time to go to Shanghai and enjoy the views of the former French Concession, which brings a hint of European architecture to the city.

Average Temperature: 10°C to 20°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Daocheng Yading

• Zhujiajiao

• Jiuzhaigou Valley

• Kanas in North Xinjiang

Things to Experience:

• China National Day

• Tour of the Populus Euphratica Forest

• Hike to Yubeng Village

• Ningxia Tour

China in November

November marks the beginning of the winter season, with the temperature dropping under 0°C in most of the northern regions. This makes it the perfect time to visit the warmer regions of China.

You can visit the Wenshu Monastery in Chengdu which is surrounded by golden gingko trees and a serene atmosphere. If you happen to visit the Chengdu Panda Base, you might get to see some newborn panda infants as well.

Another popular destination is the coastal city of Xiamen. The Hulishan Fortress features a blend of Chinese and Western architecture, making it a fortress that is one of its kind. The Fujian Tulou is yet another architectural marvel that is even listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Average Temperature: -3°C to 15°C

Best Places to Visit:

• Hulishan Fortress

• Chengdu

• Dongchuan Red Land

Things to Experience:

• The spicy food in Chengdu

• The newborn Pandas in Chengdu

• Huanglong National Park Tour

China in December

Although the Decembers in China are cold and dry, there are plenty of experiences you can indulge in as a tourist. You can plan some indoor visits like the National Museum of China where you get to know more about Chinese culture in the comfort of heated indoors.

But if you don't mind a little snow, you can visit Shixin Peak in time for a golden sunrise for a perfect picture of mountains surrounded by clouds and morning mist.

You can also book a Ski resort in Harbin and enjoy a few days of skiing on the snow-clad mountains in Yabuli.

Average Temperature : -25°C to -9°C

Best Places to Visit :

• Yabuli Ski Resort

• Shixin Peak

• National Museum of China

Things to Experience :

• Spicy Hot Pot in Chengdu

• Ice and Snow World

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China’s vast and diverse landscape offers a wide range of unique experiences in every season. It is a destination that can be explored all year round. With careful consideration and organisation, you are sure to enjoy yourself to the fullest and immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Keep this article handy when planning your next trip to this fantastic country.

What are some things I must avoid when visiting China?

Do not place your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.

Do not tip in restaurants.

Do not disrespect the Chinese government.

What are some things I should do when visiting China?

Respect the elderly.

Carry cash.

Drink bottled water.

Be wary of scammers.