When to Travel to China: A Guide for Foreign Tourists
China, a vast and diverse country, offers a plethora of travel experiences throughout the year. With its varied climates, landscapes, and cultural events, the best time to visit depends on the regions you plan to explore. This guide will help you decide when to travel to different parts of China for an unforgettable journey.
1. North China
Major Cities
Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang
Famous Attractions
Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army (Xi’an)
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Season
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Weather
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Temperature Range
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Humidity Range
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Best Time to Visit
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Precautions
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Spring (March – May)
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Dry, warming up. Chilly early/late in Mar – Apr.
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5 – 20°C
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30% – 50%
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Late Apr – May for cherry blossoms.
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Protect from wind and sand.
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Summer (June – August)
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Hot and humid. Rainy.
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25 – 35°C
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60% – 80%
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Early June to avoid peak heat.
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Stay hydrated; prepare for storms.
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Autumn (September – November)
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Mild, clear.
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10 – 25°C
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40% – 60%
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Sep – Oct for scenic beauty.
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Bring warm clothes for evenings.
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Winter (December – February)
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Cold, dry. Possible snow.
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-10 – 5°C
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20% – 40%
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For winter sports or Chinese New Year.
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Dress warmly.
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2. South China
Major Cities
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong
Famous Attractions
Victoria Harbour, Baiyun Mountain, Hainan Island beaches
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Season
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Weather
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Temperature Range
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Humidity Range
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Best Time to Visit
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Precautions
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Spring (March – May)
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Warm, humid, rainy.
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18 – 28°C
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70% – 90%
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Mar – Apr for blooming flowers.
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Bring rain gear; choose breathable clothes.
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Summer (June – August)
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Hot, rainy, typhoons possible.
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28 – 35°C
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75% – 90%
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Early June for beach trips.
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Monitor typhoon; stay hydrated.
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Autumn (September – November)
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Comfortable, less rain.
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20 – 30°C
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60% – 80%
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Oct – Nov for ancient towns.
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Bring light jackets for temperature changes.
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Winter (December – February)
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Mild.
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12 – 22°C
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60% – 80%
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Dec – Feb for warm beaches.
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Bring warm clothes for evenings.
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3. Southwest China
Major Cities
Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming
Famous Attractions
Leshan Giant Buddha, Dazu Rock Carvings, Stone Forest
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Season
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Weather
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Temperature Range
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Humidity Range
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Best Time to Visit
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Precautions
|
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Spring (March – May)
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Warm, sunny, low humidity.
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15 – 25°C
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40% – 60%
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Apr – May for Guilin scenery.
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Use sunscreen; wear a hat.
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Summer (June – August)
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Warm, rainy. Mountain areas cooler.
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20 – 32°C
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70% – 90%
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High – altitude areas to avoid heat.
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Prepare for rain; be careful on roads.
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Autumn (September – November)
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Mild, scenic.
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12 – 22°C
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50% – 70%
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Sep – Oct for Jiuzhaigou.
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Bring warm clothes for nights.
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Winter (December – February)
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Mild (except high – altitude).
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8 – 18°C
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50% – 70%
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Dec – Feb for snow – capped mountains.
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Beware of altitude sickness.
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4. Northwest China
Major Cities
Xi’an, Lanzhou, Urumqi
Famous Attractions
Mogao Caves, Qinghai Lake, Terracotta Army
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Season
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Weather
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Temperature Range
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Humidity Range
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Best Time to Visit
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Precautions
|
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Spring (March – May)
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Dry, windy, large temp. differences.
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0 – 20°C
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20% – 40%
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Late Apr – May for Silk Road cities.
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Protect from wind and sand; dress in layers.
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Summer (June – August)
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Hot, dry.
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25 – 38°C
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20% – 40%
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Early June for Qinghai – Tibet Plateau.
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Stay hydrated; protect from UV.
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Autumn (September – November)
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Mild, clear.
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8 – 20°C
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30% – 50%
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Sep – Oct for Zhangye Danxia.
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Bring warm clothes for evenings.
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Winter (December – February)
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Cold, dry. Heavy snow possible.
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-15 – 0°C
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10% – 30%
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For winter sports or scenery.
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Dress warmly; be careful on icy roads.
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5. General Precautions
- Visa and Documentation: Apply for the appropriate visa in advance. Check the latest visa requirements and application procedures.
- Local Customs and Etiquette: Learn about local customs to avoid misunderstandings. For example, use both hands when giving or receiving gifts in China.
- Health and Safety: Check health advisories before traveling and get necessary vaccinations. Carry a basic first – aid kit.
We hope this guide will help you plan your trip to China and have a wonderful travel experience. Enjoy exploring the diverse and beautiful country of China!
