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China

China, where ancient wonders blend seamlessly with modern marvels. From the majestic Great Wall to the bustling streets of Shanghai, travellers are invited to be enchanted by a land of timeless beauty and vibrant culture.

What You’ll Love Most About China

Spanning thousands of miles, the iconic Great Wall of China is a breathtaking marvel of ancient engineering, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into China’s rich history
In Beijing lies the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex boasting ornate architecture, sprawling courtyards, and fascinating historical artifacts
Suzhou is home to enchanting gardens renowned for classical Chinese design, tranquil water features, and meticulously manicured landscapes
In Shanghai, experience the electric atmosphere of its futuristic skyline, with landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund offering stunning vistas and vibrant nightlife
Xi’an hosts the timeless beauty of the Terracotta Army, an awe-inspiring archaeological site featuring thousands of intricately sculpted clay warriors and horses guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor

Please note that the estimated temperature, rainfall and recommended months of when to go are based on Beijing’s weather patterns

Holiday Highlights

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

2℃J
4℃F
11℃M
20℃A
26℃M
30℃J
31℃J
30℃A
26℃S
19℃O
10℃N
3℃D

2J
3F
4M
5A
6M
9J
14J
12A
7S
6O
5N
2D

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

January

This is winter in full force, especially in the north. Beijing can be icy but atmospheric, with snow-dusted rooftops and fewer tourists at the Great Wall. January is also when Harbin dazzles visitors with its Ice and Snow Festival - a surreal spectacle of illuminated ice palaces and sculptures.

February

Still wintry across much of the country, though southern destinations like Guangzhou begin to feel milder. Chinese New Year often lands in February, filling the streets with fireworks, dragon dances, and festive markets. Cities like Xi’an and Chengdu come alive with cultural celebrations and vibrant red lanterns.

March

By March, spring begins to stir in central and eastern China. Plum blossoms appear in cities like Hangzhou and Suzhou, and outdoor strolls become pleasant again. The parks in Shanghai and Nanjing begin to fill with locals enjoying warmer days and blossoming magnolias.

April

Cherry blossoms reach their peak in many cities, and the countryside starts to shine. With highs around 20°C in places like Guilin and Wuhan, April is ideal for hikes in Zhangjiajie or a boat ride along the Li River. It’s also tea-harvest season, making it a great time to visit Hangzhou’s Longjing plantations.

May

A golden month for travel. May brings warm but comfortable conditions across much of China, with spring in full bloom and festivals like Labour Day drawing people outdoors. It’s a great time to explore Yunnan or the rice terraces of Longsheng before the summer rains begin.

June

As summer sets in, humidity starts to build - particularly in eastern cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou. June is also Dragon Boat Festival season, and cities with lakes or rivers such as Suzhou and Wuhan host boat races and street food fairs. It’s a good time to head west into cooler regions like Yunnan or Tibet.

July

Expect hot, humid weather in much of the country, especially in the lowlands. Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an can all see highs around 35°C. Coastal areas like Qingdao and the beaches of Hainan Island offer some respite, while high-altitude areas such as Lijiang or Kangding feel refreshingly cooler.

August

August continues the summer heat and high domestic tourism. It’s an ideal time to visit the grasslands of Inner Mongolia or the mountains of Sichuan. Early mornings and evenings are best for sightseeing in cities like Beijing or Xi’an, where summer crowds and warmth linger.

September

Temperatures ease and skies begin to clear, making September one of the best times to explore China. It’s harvest season across the countryside, and the Mid-Autumn Festival often falls this month, with glowing lanterns, mooncakes, and cultural events filling the streets of major cities.

October

The first week brings the National Day holiday, a popular time for domestic travel. After that, October is sublime - golden leaves line Beijing’s boulevards, and crisp, clear days are common across the country. In Yangshuo and Guilin, it’s the perfect time for river cruises beneath karst mountains.

November

Northern cities start to feel winter’s approach, with the trees turning amber and gold. November is ideal for quiet exploration in cultural hubs like Chengdu or Xi’an. Pandas in Sichuan become more active, and the chill in the air pairs perfectly with spicy hotpot or dumplings.

December

In December, snow may fall in the north, giving the Forbidden City or Temple of Heaven a magical winter glow. Meanwhile, southern spots like Hainan Island offer beach escapes with peak temperatures still in the low 20s. Holiday lights and winter markets start to pop up in major cities toward the end of the month.

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