When is the best time to visit China?
Generally, the best time to visit China is considered to be in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October); at these times you can expect clear skies, mild temperatures, and infrequent rainfall. Summer can be hot and humid – particularly if you are venturing south – and winter can be bitterly cold in the northern part of China, but with careful planning, you can travel almost anytime.
For western China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Xinjiang), April to October is the best time to go when the forests and flower fields are vibrant with colours and the local markets at their most busting with daily life. If you plan to trek in Tibet or the adjacent high plateaus, June to August has the warmest weather, snow-free trails and carpets of colourful alpine flowers around.
Winter in northern China (December-February) provide opportunities to visit things you would never normally be able to, such as to the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Similarly, sub-tropical Hainan Island is comfortable for travel in winter, so there’s always a warm spot in China to retreat to. Lastly, consider planning your trip around national holidays, such as Golden Week (first week of October), as this is a time when popular sites are crowded with locals and domestic tourists.Infrastructure.