With such a huge country, China offers a wide variety of landscapes, from urban to rural, mountain to sea.
When you choose to visit really depends on what you’re most interested in: comfortable temperatures, local festivals, or just fewer travelers.
In this post, I’ll cover the best times to visit, the most popular festivals, and provide some additional tips to get you started on planning your trip to China!
Spring (March – May)
Why Visit in Spring?
Comfortable temperatures (10°C - 25 °C) ensure it’s perfect for outdoor activities.
Flowers bloom across the country, creating stunning scenery.
Lower tourist crowds compared to summer.
Best Places to Visit in Spring
Beijing & Xi’an - Great for a visit to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors.
Hangzhou & Suzhou - Be sure to take in the scenic beauty of West Lake and explore some Chinese-style gardens.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) - Hike through mist-laden mountains and blooming rhododendrons.
Yunnan Province - Enjoy Lijiang and Dali to see the flowers in spring.
Spring Travel Tips
Pack layers as temperatures can vary.
Expect occasional rain showers, especially in southern China.
Remember to steer clear of the Qingming Festival (early April), during which cemeteries and roads tend to be very busy.
Summer (June – August)
Why Visit in Summer?
Long daylight hours allow for extended sightseeing.
Special events like the Dragon Boat Festival (June) make for memorable cultural experiences.
Perfect for high-altitude destinations where summer is mild.
Best Places to Visit in Summer
Tibet & Qinghai - Beat the heat and chill out in the Himalayan mountains.
Inner Mongolia - Enjoy wide open plains and eat horse during the Nadam (July-Aug).
Guilin & Yangshuo - Take a boat on the Li River to see the karst scenery.
Zhangjiajie - Hike the Avatar-like mountains, minus winter’s icy pain.
Summer Travel Tips
Expect extreme heat in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.
The rainy season/typhoon season affects southern coastal cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong) between July and September.
Schools are out for summer and the attractions are full.
Autumn (September – November)
Why Visit in Autumn?
Pleasant weather (15°C - 25°C), with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
There’s some gorgeous fall color, namely northern and central China.
Fewer tourists compared to summer.
Best Places to Visit in Autumn
Beijing & The Great Wall - Enjoy cool fall weather and colorful leaves.
Jiuzhaigou Valley - See stunning colorful lakes and fall foliage.
Yangtze River Cruise - It’s a great spot for river-viewing in cool weather.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountains) - The fall foliage only adds to the beauty of the mountain.
Autumn Travel Tips
The National Day Holiday occurs between October 1-7 and it is advised to book accommodations in advance.
Light jackets and sweaters are all you’ll need in most places.
Mountainous areas can be cold, so come prepared.
Winter (December – February)
Why Visit in Winter?
Less people equals cheap prices and empty sites.
Experience unique winter landscapes and seasonal activities.
Join in on the celebrations of Chinese New Year (January/February).
Best Places to Visit in Winter
Harbin - Head to the renowned Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
Beijing - Visit the Forbidden City and Great Wall with less people.
Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang) – Mild winter temperatures and off-season crowds.
Sichuan - Here you’ll find giant pandas without the crowds.
Winter Travel Tips
Northern China gets very cold (as cold as -10°C), so bring warm clothes.
Transportation will be affected by snow so allow some extra time.
The Spring Festival is around the corner, book your tickets in advance.
FAQ
1. What should I pack for China in different seasons?
Spring & Autumn: Light jackets, comfortable walking shoes.
Summer: Light clothing, sunscreen, hat, umbrella for rain.
Winter: Warm clothes, gloves, and boots in the north.
2. What festivals are celebrated in China?
Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and National Day are some of the major Chinese holidays and festivals.
3. What parts of China are good to visit at any time of year?
Southern China (especially cities like Guangzhou and Hainan) is mild and can be visited year-round.
Conclusion
When is the best time to visit China? Well, that all depends on what you’re looking for. For most people, the fall (September-November) is the best season, with great weather and stunning vistas.
If you prefer milder temps and lots of flowers, opt for the spring (March-May). Summer (summer) is full of festivals and activities, while winter sees snowy fun.
It’s really up to you! If you time your visit right though, you’re sure to have an amazing experience!