Best time to visit China

Visiting China in February

During the cool winter weather, the Chinese warm up with a celebration of epic proportions. Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year falls between 21 January and 20 February each year and is one of the nation’s biggest public holidays. Head to the major cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong to experience the best of the festivities. Fireworks light up the sky and lanterns hang overhead, whilst down on the ground parades, fairs and sacred ceremonies enliven the streets. The Chinese exchange lucky red letters and dragon dancers shake to cacophonous percussion. It’s the perfect people-watching opportunity.

Visiting China in March

Spring is on its way, which means temperatures across China are rising. This is one of the best times to visit the north of the Yunnan Province. Here you can see the flora and fauna amidst the snow-capped mountains around Lijiang, Dali and the Tibetan region of Shangri-La. The region boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Lijiang’s charming Old Town, where ancient traditions are kept alive by the Nakhi people. Be aware that permits to visit Tibet can’t be obtained in March, so the north of Yunnan is as close as you can get.

Visiting China in April

The warm springtime temperature makes April a great month for your holiday to China, as the landscape has awoken from its winter slumber. 
Experience daily life around the banks of the mighty Yangtze River by cruising on the Yangzi Explorer, or head south of Shanghai to Hangzhou for the harvesting of the Longjing tea leaves. Here, you can visit ancient water towns such as Wuzhen, where charming traditional buildings stand on stilts in water. Be sure to visit Hangzhou’s West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it’s surrounded by beautiful blossoms at this time of year.

Visiting China in May

In this comfortable May weather, journey to the ancient sites along the Silk Road, starting in Xian with the Terracotta Army. These famous battalions of intricately-carved clay soldiers, horses and chariots are more than 2000 years old, and were once decorated with vivid pigments. End your journey at the foot of the Pamirs Mountains in Kashgar. Kashgar was once an isolated oasis on the long trade route across Asia where many caravans departed for the wider continent. Ivan Bazaar, Kashgar’s livestock market, is reputed to be one of the largest and most colourful markets in the region.

Visiting China in June

It’s the beginning of summer in China, with the mercury hitting 30-degrees celsius throughout much of the country. 

Enjoy a city break to Hong Kong for the famous Dragon Boat Festival, when decorative longboats take to the water amid the hazy heat of summer. There are three days of exciting races passing Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour – an old tradition beside a hypermodern skyline. This time of year is also perfect for exploring the rice terraces in Longji and Yunhe; the freshly irrigated paddies shimmer in the sun, appearing like a lattice of mirrors when viewed from above. 

Visiting China in July

The heat and humidity continue through July, making it the best time to enjoy the Sea of Clouds in eastern China. This atmospheric spectacle occurs amid the Huangshan mountains when moisture rising from below gathers in plumes of vapour, enveloping the forests and peaks. Hike the trails to discover Huangshan’s three other wonders – its odd pines which grow at altitude from improbable crevices, strange stones of every shape and size, and natural hot springs – ideal to relax in after a long day’s walking. Be sure to pack a mack during your visit, as the summer months are the wettest here.

Visiting China in August

August is one of the hottest and wettest months, so cool off on the Yulong River in the northeast of China. Take a traditional bamboo rafting trip, passing Yangshuo’s emerald-green karsts (jutting limestone peaks) at a relaxing clip. Ensure you book to see the Liu San Jie Impression Light Show south of Yangshuo, where the waters of the Li River set the stage and a dozen beautifully lit karst formations form a natural backdrop. Back on dry land, explore more karst formations in Guilin’s illuminated caves which are fantastically dreamlike. Finish your evening by dining alfresco in this evocative locale. 

Visiting China in September

As summer turns to autumn, the north of China cools whilst the south remains hot and sticky. 

In south-central China, discover Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province where Avatar was filmed. This breath-taking place encompasses 4,810 hectares of verdant wilderness and forms a portion of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wulingyuan. Spend at least three nights here to take in this photogenic location. Those with a head for heights should ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest lift; and walk the vast Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, which offers views of the ground 360 metres beneath you.

Visiting China in October

Whilst autumn is in full swing, the country celebrates Chinese National Day across the first week of October. It’s best to avoid travelling during this ‘golden week’ as it tends to be a chaotic time throughout the mainland. Visit after the holiday instead, heading to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Jiuzhaigou or Jiuzhai Valley National Park for the autumnal colours and picturesque hiking. This is still high season for tourism, so be sure to book any tours months in advance and to reserve your Abercrombie & Kent English-speaking guide.

Visiting China in November

There are far fewer tourists at this time, making it a wonderful month to visit if you don’t mind the cooler, crisper weather.

Encounter the sights, sounds and flavours of China’s third city, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Visit the area’s panda projects, enjoy the city’s relaxed teahouse culture, and sample the spicy Sichuan cuisine. There are fascinating sites to discover, including the enormous 8th-Century Leshan Buddha. Also, not to be missed are the Dazu Caves, home to more than 50,000 statues showcasing a fascinating mixture of Buddhist, Taoist and the Confucian imagery.

Visiting China in December

Winter’s here, and whilst the season promises cooler temperatures, it also means fewer crowds. Make the most of the sparse queues and quieter streets with a trip to Beijing. Visit the famous Forbidden City, the best-preserved imperial palace in China; Tiananmen Square, a plaza of unmatched political significance and the Temple of Heaven, a complex of striking religious structures. Then explore the lakes, gardens and decorative buildings of the Summer Palace, and make time to walk a portion of the Great Wall. Top it all off by celebrating Christmas like the locals – with a festive shopping spree.