The best time to visit China

November to February is China’s winter and this can be a particularly bone-chilling affair. Temperatures in the high north of the country like Harbin for example regularly drop well below zero – which is great for the popular Harbin Ice Festival in January.

Naturally, the further south you go the warmer it gets. Although southern winters aren’t as extreme as in the north, they are still cold. Winter is also the time when most tourist attractions are at their quietest. However, the annual Chinese New Year celebrations (timings vary between January and March) see hotels and transportation stretched to their capacity.

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to October, attract similar climates and are often regarded as the best times to visit China. The country begins to bloom in colour with spring seeing floral explosions in the countryside and in autumn russet hues take over the trees surrounding the Great Wall and also in some of the major cities.

Similarly to Chinese New Year, it is advisable to avoid May holiday (beginning of May) and National Day (first week in October) as once again hotels and transport will be hiked in price and very busy plus the popular attractions will be flooded with local Chinese tourists.

Summer, lasting from June to August, sees the country basking in high temperatures and long warm days. It is also when a lot of the rain comes, however be prepared for a lot of crowds to descend on the popular tourist attractions. This is when China’s children are on holiday and families and groups from the four corners of the country flock to see the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Terracotta warriors and other top sights.

Despite the hot temperatures it is still a great time to go as long as you are prepared with light clothing, lots of water and a trusty Chinese fan to help keep you cool.

Beijing is best visited during spring, from March to May, and autumn, lasting from September to October. These seasons bring temperate weather and colourful scenery, contrasting against the sweltering heat of summer and potential for snow in winter.

Steer clear of Beijing during public holidays such as the May holiday and National Day in October. These celebrations see millions of domestic tourists descend on Beijing’s top attractions.

October and November are best for visiting Shanghai, offering comfortable temperatures without the crowds and rains of the summer season. Spring, from March to May, is also a great time to explore the city, provided you avoid public holidays.

The colder temperatures of winter make city sightseeing far less enjoyable in Shanghai. Also be aware that as Shanghai is one of China’s business hubs, hotel rates tend to be lower during the weekends.

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate influenced by the monsoon. Whereas winters are mild and relatively dry, summers are hot, humid and wet – with the threat of thunderstorms and typhoons. October to early December is considered best for visiting, with pleasant and sunny weather making for good sightseeing and hiking in the area.

Shoppers should head to Hong Kong during its two sales seasons. Winter sales last from December to February and summer sales run from July to September.

In general, Xi’an has a temperate and continental monsoon climate. Winter tends to be colder and dry, with summer bringing heat and rain. Spring, from March to May and autumn, from September to October, are considered the best times to visit with cool temperatures and sunny days.

Those visiting during spring and autumn will want to avoid public holidays such as Labor Day in May and National Day during the first week of October, as these dates see attractions crowded with domestic tourists.

With its subtropical monsoon climate, Guilin is suitable for travelling year-round. It experiences high humidity throughout its four seasons, with rains arriving in early summer from May to June.

April to October is the most popular time to visit Guilin thanks to the warmer temperatures. However it's recommended to visit during the spring months of March and April or autumn, from September to November, when you will have warm temperatures without the rains.

Harbin has a continental monsoon climate, observing long, freezing winters and short but warm summers. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn are very short, with temperatures rapidly changing.

The best time to visit Harbin is during winter from December to February. Although the weather is very cold, this is the best time to enjoy Harbin’s snow sports and activities such as skiing. This period also sees Harbin’s annual International Ice and Snow Festival which is well worth a visit.

Celebrated on the 15th day of the first calendar month in the Chinese lunar year, on this day the country comes alive with celebrations ranging from dragon dances to firework displays. It's an especially colourful time to visit China as families in the cities and rural towns mark the beginning of the new year with lanterns decorating the streets.

Visit north-east China in the depths of winter to see the spectacular ice sculptures of the annual Harbin Ice Festival with our special festival tour. It's now on the of the world's biggest winter festivals kicks off each year in December and runs through until February.