When is the best time of year to visit China? As an experienced China travel agency, it’s a question we’re asked a lot, particularly by western travelers who are visiting China for the first time.

The challenge with knowing when is the best time to go to China is narrowing the answer down to something simple. This is because there are so many things to consider: Seasons, destinations and highlights on your bucket list, personal interests (are you fascinated by history, but not a fan of big cities), how much time you have, and of course, your budget.

In the interest of keeping things simple, we’ve put together this must-read guide on the best time to go to China. It’s perfect for anyone who’s in the ‘plan and research mode’ for a China tour.

As any good travel guide will tell you, an important principle for travel – no matter where you’re off to – is that preparation is key. So dive into our latest blog about the best time to travel to China. That way, when it comes time to book and fly, you’ll be ready to bring those travel dreams to life.

Choose your season: Deciding the best time of year to visit China

There is no one best time to go to China, however the most common advice from those who know is to plan your travel for April, May, September and October. Why? Well, these are the most enjoyable from a weather and season perspective.

Spring falls in April and May (and March), making these months ideal times to visit China. Equally appealing for seasonal travel are September and October, when it is Fall. As the months that land either side of the super busy, crowded Summer, planning your holiday to align with these times will make for comfortable travel weather.

In practical terms, it means avoiding the bitter cold of Winter, which is a feature of high traffic destinations like Beijing  or Tibet , or bypassing the searing heat of places like Turpan or even Shanghai with its more humid climate. If you’re uncomfortable in weather extremes and don’t enjoy being either too hot or cold, choosing the best season to travel is an important consideration.

Those less bothered by variations in weather might take their chances and brave the cold during the heart of winter or the enormous crowds of domestic and foreign travelers during high summer. However, if it’s your first time to China, it’s wise to factor in your tolerance for these elements as they can impact negatively on the overall enjoyment of your travel experience.

When is it not the best time to go to China?

While we’re on the subject of timing your travel, we knew it wouldn’t be right to leave out important details about when it is not the best time to go to China.

China’s vastness and diversity make it a year-round destination, but for those seeking a refined, comfortable, and crowd-free experience – especially in iconic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi’an, Tibet, Taiwan, Chengdu, and Hong Kong – timing is everything. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the least suitable months and periods for travel, factoring in weather extremes, public holidays, local festivals, and surges in domestic tourism.

1. Avoiding China’s Major Public Holidays and School Breaks

China’s public holidays and school vacations trigger mass domestic travel, leading to packed attractions, inflated prices, and logistical headaches. If you plan a China tour during this time, expect to pay more for any mode of transport, and to be competing with locals on every front. Western travelers who like their space and who aren’t familiar with the crowded nature of travel in China, may just find their travel experience is less like a holiday and more like a crash course in survival.The following periods are best avoided across all destinations:

Hong Kong observes its own set of public holidays that see significant surges in local travel and crowded attractions. These include Easter (April 18–21, 2025), Buddha’s Birthday (May 5, 2025), the Chung Yeung Festival (October 29, 2025), and Christmas (December 25–26, 2025). During these periods, popular sites, shopping areas, and transportation networks are especially busy as both residents and visitors participate in festivities and family gatherings.

Again, each individual should be clear about their tolerance for these factors and decide what’s right for them. Asking for advice from others who’ve already done a China tour, or reading reviews, is a great way to find out what does and doesn’t work.

2. Seasonal Weather Tips for Each Destinations

Different weather and seasons bring unique scenery to every city. For example, the Great Wall covered in white snow during winter is a breathtaking sight, but you must also endure the harsh cold. In contrast, the Great Wall in autumn is adorned with a golden armor of leaves, offering a completely different charm. The table below provides an overview of the weather conditions in different seasons to help you choose the best time for your visit.

City	Worst Months & Conditions
Beijing	January & February (very cold, though less crowded); March (sandstorms); July & August (hot, humid, rainy, crowded)
Shanghai	June–August (oppressive heat, humidity, heavy rain-especially June & August); December–February (cold, damp, poor air quality)
Suzhou	June–July (plum rain season, persistent rain, humidity); July & August (extreme heat, up to 38°C/100°F); January (coldest, though less crowded)
Xi’an	July & August (scorching heat up to 40°C/104°F, frequent rain); January (coldest, down to -5°C/23°F)
Tibet	February–March (closed to foreign travelers); July & August (peak tourist season, higher prices, crowds); December–February (extremely cold, some areas inaccessible)
Taiwan	June–September (typhoon season, heavy rain, high humidity); July & August (school vacation crowds)
Chengdu	July & August (hot, humid, rainy); December–February (cold, damp, though less crowded)
Hong Kong	June–September (typhoon season, intense heat, humidity, heavy rain); December–February (cooler, crowded around Christmas & Chinese New Year)

3. Other Local Festivals and Events

Each city hosts unique festivals that, while culturally rich, bring huge crowds:

1. Beijing: Strawberry Music Festival (May), one of China’s biggest music festivals.
2. Shanghai: Longhua Temple Fair (March/April), Yuyuan Lantern Festival (Jan/Feb), major music festivals (May/October), Shanghai International Film Festival (June), China International Import Expo (November), Shanghai Art Week and West Bund Art & Design Fair (November), international sports events such as the Shanghai Grand Prix (Formula 1) and ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament (various months).
3. Suzhou: Suzhou Jinji Lake Music Fountain Show (summer weekends).
4. Xi’an: Silk Road International Arts Festival (September), Ancient Culture and Art Festival (September), Xi’an International Marathon (October).
5. Tibet: Saga Dawa Festival (May/June), when pilgrims flock to Lhasa and sacred sites; Shoton Festival (August), featuring Tibetan opera and giant thangka displays.
6. Taiwan: Taipei International Book Exhibition (February), Spring Scream Music Festival (April, Kenting), Taipei Marathon (December).
7. Chengdu: Major music festivals (spring/summer), including Strawberry Music Festival and Midi Music Festival; Chengdu Panda Marathon (October).
8. Hong Kong: Hong Kong International Film Festival (March/April), Art Basel Hong Kong (March), Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Tournament (March), Cheung Chau Bun Festival (May), Clockenflap Music Festival (late November/early December).

Plan Ahead for the Festivities

These events bring incredible energy and offer a wonderful glimpse into local culture—but they also tend to attract large crowds and limited accommodations. If any of these festivals catch your interest, it’s best to plan ahead. Booking early not only secures your spot but also helps you navigate the excitement with ease and comfort.

4. Final Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Trip

1. Plan Around Major Holidays: Schedule your visit outside of Chinese public holidays and school breaks to enjoy a more relaxed and exclusive experience.
2. Check Event Calendars: Research local festival and event dates in advance-even smaller celebrations can lead to significant crowds and higher prices.
3. Monitor Weather Conditions: Pay special attention to weather forecasts, particularly during typhoon season in coastal regions like Hong Kong and Taiwan from June to September.
4. Book Early and Strategically: If you must travel during a busy period, reserve accommodations and tickets well in advance. Consider exploring lesser-known attractions or booking VIP and private tours to avoid the largest crowds.
5. Stay Flexible: Be prepared for possible changes in schedules or access to certain sites, especially during major events or adverse weather.

What’s the best time to visit China highlights?

China is definitely a country rich in bucket list highlights. Between the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, giant pandas, and some incredible natural wonders, it’s hard enough deciding what to see, let alone pinpointing the ideal time to see them all.

With a view to making your China tour planning easy, here’s our essential China highlights list we recommend to customers. The culmination of over a decade of research, design, planning and delivery of thousands of China tours, it makes an excellent guide for anyone wanting tips for the best time to travel to China, identifying what to see and when.

Destination	Highlights	Best time to visit	Hottest days	Coldest days	Winter snow
Beijing	Great Wall Forbidden City Temple of Heaven Summer Palace	May/June Late August September/October	July	January	Yes
Shanghai	The Bund	March-May	July – August	January	Rarely
Xi’an	Terracotta Army Xi’an City Wall	March – June September – November	July	Dec – January	Yes
Chengdu	Panda Bases	March – June September -November	July – August	Dec – January	Rarely
Guilin	Li River Yangshuo	April – October	July – August	January	No
Zhangjiajie	Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve	September – October	July – August	January	Yes
Hangzhou	West Lake Lingying Temple	September – October	July – August	Dec – January	Rarely

Of course, there are many more destinations in China  than those listed here, however if you’re wanting a ‘best of’ experience in select destinations, you’re guaranteed to find more than enough to impress from this list.

What’s the best time of year to visit China for festivals

Festival	Location	Duration	Time
Water Festival	Yunnan	3 days	Mid – April
Dragon Boat Festival	Throughout China	1 day	June
Naadam Festival	Inner Mongolia	5 days	July or August
Sho Dun Festival	Tibet	7 days	Mid – August
Mid – Autumn Festival	Throughout China	1 day	Mid – September
Chong Yang Festival	Throughout China	1 day	Mid – September
International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival	Harbin	2 months during winter	January – February

There are literally hundreds of festivals reflecting every conceivable interest and the 55 ethnic minority cultures in China. Be sure to do your research and ask your China travel agency to advise how you can integrate festival time into your tour itinerary.

Pandas, river cruises, the Great Wall and more: How will I know if it’s the best time to travel to China?

Clearly the decision around the timing of your China tour isn’t completely straightforward, which is why it’s worth considering a tour with a theme.

If you think a theme tour might just tick your China travel box, booking the best time to go will not only enhance your experience, there’s a better chance your vacation will make for beautiful travel memories.

Recognizing there’s a no-one-size-fits-all solution to creating the perfect tour package, we’ve devised options that meet the specific interests of our customers. Choose from tours perfect for families, iconic highlights like the Great Wall and Silk Road, or amazing natural icons such as the Yangtze River.

Explore these options for ideas.

Tour theme	Best time to go to China	Why go	When to avoid
Yangtze River cruise	April – May June – August October – November	Beautiful scenery History Minority cultures	Winter
Pandas (Chengdu)	March -May September – November	Best place in the world for seeing pandas	Good all year
Great Wall (various locations)	April – May September – October	Incredible history Bucket list experience	Good all year
Silk Road (various locations)	August – October	Incredible history Bucket list experience	Summer Winter
Tibet	May – October	Enriching culture Bucket list experience	Winter
Zhangjiajie	April October	Experience natural China	Winter

Each traveler has their own preference for holiday experiences, so before embarking on the holiday of a lifetime with a trip to China, spend time researching and asking questions to be sure that both how and when you travel meets your expectations.

If you’re contemplating a tour, why not simplify the big decisions about the best time to travel to China. Having served customers from around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, we understand it can be hard knowing what to see and when. Research, plan, and explore the options available in our selection of best China tours, or create your own custom experience with the help of travel consultants who know and care about every detail. We welcome online enquiries via direct contact  and respond within 24 hours.

Alipay is widely recognised as one of the most important payment platforms for locals in China, with more than a whopping 80 percent of transactions and payments made daily by Chinese nationals occurring through mobile apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. But what about those traveling from overseas?

While it may have been challenging in the past to sort payments as a visitor to China, with a combination of cash, cards, and international currency exchanges, today things are very different. Now if you’re traveling China as a tourist on a small group tour, or staying for an extended period, life is much simpler.

As travel restrictions have relaxed, foreigners visiting China today can shop with Alipay, regardless of whether their travels take them to the busiest shopping mall in Shanghai, the stunning peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, or the quiet country lanes that wrap around Yangshuo. 

In fact, traveling China with Alipay is almost essential, given that today it is quite literally used everywhere as a payment platform of choice by locals alongside WeChat Pay.

Just one day in China and you’ll soon discover that traveling in China is just easier when you leave cash behind. From luxury hotels and savouring Michelin star dining, to navigating high speed trains or sampling street food, virtually every payment scenario relies on Alipay. 

Like many places that have switched to digital only transactions, cash is now rarely used, even among street food and market vendors. Not surprisingly, many merchants no longer accept cash, and even if they do, getting change can be a challenge as most people don’t carry it.

With over a billion users globally, Alipay offers a safe and reliable payment option for visitors to China, ensuring a seamless and hassle free travel experience. 

If you’re about to make your way to China for that long awaited travel adventure, follow the steps below to make Alipay your payment partner on tour.

How to get started with Alipay: Three steps to easy payments in China

Getting started with Alipay is easy. International travelers can even download the Alipay app onto their smartphone before arriving in China.

Step 1: Download and register

The first thing to do is to have Alipay at your fingertips. To do that, simply:

1. Download the app to your phone from the App Store or Google Play. 
2. Use your cell phone number to register your account. You will receive a request to verify your account as shown in the screenshot below.

The good news is a Chinese mobile number is no longer required. That’s right, you can use your existing mobile number to register your Alipay account.

Step 2: Set up account and security in Alipay

The next steps involve setting up your account and security in Alipay, the key to ensuring your account remains safe. Follow these next steps to do that:

1. Navigate to “Account”. Tap the “Account” icon at the bottom right of the screen. Open Settings (tap the gear icon in the top right corner).
2. Go to “Account and Security”, then select “Account and Security” from the menu.
3. Email and Identity Information Setup. Then tap “Email Address” and follow the steps to add your email. Tap “Identity Information” and complete the verification. 

Note that if you are installing Alipay outside of China, the app automatically switches to the international version, with English as the default language.

Step 3: Add your bank card

This next step involves adding your bank card to Alipay. Follow these next steps to be able to make payments through Alipay:

1. Tap “Add now”. On the main page, find the “Bank Card” section in the middle and tap “Add Now”. 
2. Enter your card details, then enter your card number or tap “Scan Bank Card” to upload details.

Step 4: Pay with Alipay wherever you go

Now that you’re up and running, it’s time to start paying your way around China with ease. There are two ways to do this, so it’s a good idea to be familiar with both.

1. Option 1 – Tap “Scan”, then scan the merchant-presented QR code.
2. Option 2 – Tap “Pay/collect”, then present your QR code to the merchant.

How easy is that?! You are now good to go with Alipay while traveling in China.

International users should be mindful of a couple of things when it comes to payment limits. Changes announced in March 2024 means it is possible to spend up to 2,000 USD per year without registering your ID. For transactions with a cumulative value over 500 USD, however, you will be required to provide an ID to verify your Alipay account. That means having your passport or ID card handy.

Once your Alipay account is registered and verified with Alipay, your annual transaction limit is increased to 50,000USD. Single transactions are limited to 5,000 USD. If you do need to verify your account with Alipay, you will need to upload your passport and do a quick face verification.

Holiday hassle-free with Alipay

Traveling in China with Alipay really does simplify what was not so long ago a bit of a challenge. Today, you can enjoy China travel adventures without worrying about foreign exchanges, cash, and currency conversions. In fact, Alipay’s international version provides the convenience of online translation, currency conversion, as well as other services to make life easier for international travelers holidaying in China. 

So if it’s a seamless payment experience you’re after on tour in China, then Alipay is the way to go. Curious and want to learn more? Scan the code below and discover more options with Alipay.