Planning · 20 Sept 2026
When to visit China, region by region
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the sweet spots for most of the country, especially Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Zhangjiajie.
Summer is hot and humid in the south and east, but it’s the best time for the high, dry Northwest: the Silk Road, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. Winter is for Harbin’s ice festival and for Yunnan’s mild, sunny days.
Wherever you go, avoid the three national holiday peaks: Chinese New Year, 1–5 May and 1–7 October. Everyone in China travels then.