Best time to visit China

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China

Best time of year to visit China

May and September through October are deemed the best times to visit China. Spring is adorable with its ubiquitous blossoming flowers and autumn unfolds fantastic Longsheng Rice Terraces. However, you'd better think twice before visiting the country in the first week of May or October, during busy Labor Day and National Day Weeks. This is the case during the Mid-Autumn Festival as well.

Summer in the Heavenly Empire is hot and humid, but it's also the perfect time for exploring Tibet or climbing Kongur Tagh.

Winter is another low season in China, as it brings biting cold and snow to virtually every part of the country. However, it's a great time in the city of Harbin with its International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. Also, remember the Chinese New Year travel madness. Try your best to travel around it!

43 THINGS TO DO IN CHINA (SEPTEMBER 19 - SEPTEMBER 28)

Qiantang River Tidal Bore

Qiantang River Tidal Bore

September 20, 2024 • nature

World's biggest tidal wave may easily sweep you into the river, and viewing platforms don't always guarantee your safety

Longsheng (Longji) Rice Terraces

Longsheng (Longji) Rice Terraces

mid-April–mid-November • nature

It took hundreds of years to construct a mountain of rice terraces which today reaches ap to 900 m above sea level

Pink Dolphin Watching

Pink Dolphin Watching

all year round • nature

Pink dolphins are so popular that they have become a mascot of Hong Kong

Panjin Red Beach

Panjin Red Beach

September–mid-November • nature

Autumn spreads a nice red carpet over 130 square kilometre beach in Panjin

Rainbow Mountains

Rainbow Mountains

June–September • nature

China's geological wonder started forming tens of millions years ago

Glass Plank Road at Tianmen Mountain

Glass Plank Road at Tianmen Mountain

September–November • activity

Would you dare to step on a glass road, built high at the mountains?

Shilin Stone Forest

Shilin Stone Forest

November–April (all year round) • nature

Wandering in the labyrinth of huge stone pillars, you'll reveal plenty of amusing natural sculptures, as well as caves, ponds, lakes, and waterfalls

Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

March–May | September–November • nature

As Chairman Mao said: 'Until you reach the Great Wall, you're no hero!'

Yellow River

Yellow River

May–October • nature

Huge strangely-coloured river is believed to be the origin of Chinese Civilisation

Shaolin Flying Monks Temple

Shaolin Flying Monks Temple

all year round • event

Did you know that impossible became truely possible? Master the art of flying with Shaolin monks

Giant Pandas

Giant Pandas

April–November • nature

Eat, play, sleep,—that's three core elements of the meaningful life for a panda

Huanglong Limestone Terraces

Huanglong Limestone Terraces

September–October • nature

Fragile beauty of limestone pools is hidden high amidst forested mountains inhabited by rare wildlife

Sheepskin Rafting

Sheepskin Rafting

May–October • activity

Chinese invented inflatable rafts long before the modern civilization—sheep were of a great use

Long Hair Village

Long Hair Village

May 1–October 31 • activity

Until recently Chinese "Rapunzels" didn't show their loose hair to anyone but to their husbands and children. Nowadays the rules are milder—married women may unveil their beauty in public

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

April–October • nature

The mission to see the famous Avatar’s site alive turned out to be more than possible

Climbing Kongur Tagh

Climbing Kongur Tagh

June–September • activity

The highest peak of the Pamirs and the Kunlun Range. Until the 20th century, this grand mountain was hidden among its similarly huge neighbours, and it was first conquered only in the 80s

Li River Hiking

Li River Hiking

April–October • activity

Are you ready to witness the most beautiful scenery?

Century Eggs

Century Eggs

all year round • food

Welcome the century eggs—an extremely weird Asian delicacy

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park

Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park

all year round (best in late October) • nature

Immerse yourself into Jiuzhai Valley—one of earth's wonderlands

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City

late August–early June • activity

Visit the world's largest wooden building complex

Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán)

Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán)

April–October • activity

The largest existing imperial garden in China will take you back to the royal luxurious yet cosy life

Outlying Islands

Outlying Islands

October–April (hiking) | May–September (beach) • activity

Get away from the urban crowds and explore the nature and culture of the Hong Kong secret islands

Hiking

Hiking

Li River: April-October | Great Wall of China: September-November | Longji Rice Terrace: mid-April and mid-June | Tiger Leaping Gorge: September-May • activity

Enter the Chinese kingdom of stunning hiking opportunities amid breathtaking landscapes

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

all year round • activity

The world's highest railway is a real masterpiece attracting travellers from all over the planet

The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)

The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)

April–early November • activity

Once a splendid royal garden and palace now lies in ruins

Xilin Gol Grassland

Xilin Gol Grassland

May–September • nature

Ride horses, live in Mongolian yurts, eat local foods, and get an unforgettable summer on the endless grassland in Inner Mongolia

Shaoxing Wupeng Boat

Shaoxing Wupeng Boat

March–September • activity

Enjoy exploring the cultural and historical water town in a black-awning boat

Lotus Market

Lotus Market

mid-June–August (all year round) • activity

A summer escape for viewing lotus, eating Chinese foods, watching folk performances, and enjoying night clubs

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

March–June | September–November (all year round) • activity

The largest ancient sacrificial complex in China

Hot Pot

Hot Pot

November–March (all year round) • food

This dish was born in the north where people fight the cold with a hot broth

Sweet Osmanthus in Bloom

Sweet Osmanthus in Bloom

late September–early October • nature

These fragrant flowers symbolize the flavor of autumn and are used in various food products

Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha

March–May | September–November • activity

World's largest Buddha was erected at the junction of three mountain rivers in order to calm down turbulent waters and save local people's lives

Yelang Valley

Yelang Valley

all year round • activity

Gaze into the forever open eyes of these giant rocky creatures!

Peking Duck

Peking Duck

all year round • food

Discover this Chinese north-eastern special dish, famous for its thin, crispy skin

Reed Flute Cave

Reed Flute Cave

all year round • nature

Traveling underground has never been so exciting!

Rice Harvest

Rice Harvest

September–November • nature

As it goes in a famous Chinese saying 'If you want to have a happy life, eat rice every day'

Houtouwan

Houtouwan

all year round • activity

No one even noticed how this once prosperous fishermen's village turned into an eerie green abandoned place

Huashan Plank Walk

Huashan Plank Walk

September–October | April–May • activity

One of the most dangerous and exciting hiking trails in China

Fried Scorpions

Fried Scorpions

all year round • food

Deep-fried scorpion skewers are a real delicacy in China

Tarim Desert Highway

Tarim Desert Highway

all year round • activity

Take a ride on the longest desert road in the world

Ming Tombs

Ming Tombs

March–May | September–October (all year round) • activity

Explore the famous Tombs of the Ming Dynasty, one of the best-preserved Imperial Chinese burial complexes

Prince Gong's Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion

mid-October–April (all year round) • activity

Beijing's largest and best-preserved Qing Dynasty princely mansion

Dumplings

Dumplings

all year round | major holidays • food

This dish has been popular in China since time immemorial

44 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Yulin Dog Meat Festival

Yulin Dog Meat Festival

out of rangeJune 21–June 30 • event

While some locals claim it's part of their culture, millions protest against the cruel festival worldwide and some people even adopt rescued dogs

Great Wall Marathon

Great Wall Marathon

out of rangeMay 18, 2024 • event

Would anyone dare to argue this route is not the world's number one in its uniqueness?

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

out of rangeDecember 23, 2022–February 28, 2023 • event

This is like a visit to the kingdom of Snow queen. Dive into this magical world of amazing sculptures made of ice and snow

Lantern Festival

Lantern Festival

out of rangeFebruary 24, 2024 • event

Dragons, butterflies, flamingos, bears, and rabbits! You'll be amazed at the shapes these various lanterns can take!

Saga Dawa Festival

Saga Dawa Festival

out of rangeMay 23, 2024 • event

One of the most important Buddhist festivals gathers pilgrims at the base of a sacred mountain

Miao Sisters' Meal Festival

Miao Sisters' Meal Festival

unconfirmedMay 4–6, 2023 • event

Feel the warmth of hearts during this Asian Valentine's day

Da Shuhua Molten Iron Fireworks

Da Shuhua Molten Iron Fireworks

out of rangeFebruary 5, 2023 • event

Witness this breathtaking alternative to a traditional firework show

Monihei Carnival

Monihei Carnival

out of rangeMay 1–May 3 • event

A story of how to get dirty and be okey with that

Temple Fairs

Temple Fairs

out of rangeFebruary 9–15, 2024 • event

Experience the traditional Spring Festival at temple fairs in Beijing

Flower Blooming at Poyang Lake

Flower Blooming at Poyang Lake

out of rangelate October–early November • nature

Once you've visited this place in the blooming time, you'll realize this world could be pink enough even without wearing pink glasses

Mass Swimming Pool

Mass Swimming Pool

out of rangeJune–August • activity

Thousands of people in China's largest swimming pool—it means the only private room you will surely have is within your rubber ring, but a cooldown and socialising is guaranteed

Hungry Ghost Festival

Hungry Ghost Festival

out of rangeAugust 30, 2023 • event

Being more than 100 years old, the Festival of Hungry Ghosts is officially listed as part of China’s ethereal cultural heritage

Dai Water Splashing Festival

Dai Water Splashing Festival

out of rangeApril 13–April 15 • event

Enjoy one of the most unusual ways to celebrate Buddha's birthday

Qingming Festival (Taqing Festival)

Qingming Festival (Taqing Festival)

out of rangeApril 4–April 5 • event

Immerse yourself into a strange combination of sadness and happiness

Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival

out of rangeSeptember 29, 2023 • event

One of the most important Chinese holidays

Happy Ice and Snow Season at Bird's Nest

Happy Ice and Snow Season at Bird's Nest

out of rangelate December-February • event

The Ice and Snow Season at Bird's Nest brings a winter wonderland to Beijing

Frozen Waterfalls in Taoyuan Xiangu

Frozen Waterfalls in Taoyuan Xiangu

out of rangelate December–February • nature

Large humanmade waterfalls attract ice climbing fans every winter

Plum Blossom Festival

Plum Blossom Festival

out of rangemid-March–mid-April • event

When the long, dry, and gloomy winter days are finally over, don't miss a chance to see Beijing decorated with fantastic pink blossom splendour

Ginkgo Avenues

Ginkgo Avenues

out of rangemid-October–mid-November • nature

Beijing is colored in a yellow palette by ginkgo trees in autumn

1400-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree

1400-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree

out of rangemid- to late November • nature

This legendary tree that has seen everything seems to be older than life itself

Red Leaves Festival at Fragrant Hill

Red Leaves Festival at Fragrant Hill

out of rangemid-October to mid-November • nature

"I see a thousand hills crimsoned through / By their serried woods deep-dyed"—Mao Zedong

Playa Maya Water Park

Playa Maya Water Park

out of rangelate June–early September • activity

The largest open-air water park in Eastern China can refresh you during the hot summer season

Laba Festival

Laba Festival

out of rangeDecember 30, 2023 • event

The combination of a Buddhist holiday and a modern festival

Wintersweet in Bloom

Wintersweet in Bloom

out of rangeJanuary–March • nature

The flower with a similar name and similar appearance to plum is not real plum

Lavender Blooming

Lavender Blooming

out of rangeMay–June • nature

The love associated flower composed a purple world in May

Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland

Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland

out of rangeSeptember 16–October 31, 2022 • activity

Have you ever seen a Haloween-styled Mickey Mouse? Have some scary fun at Disneyland in Hong Kong

Double Seventh Festival (Qixi)

Double Seventh Festival (Qixi)

out of rangeAugust 22, 2023 • event

The Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month

Longtaitou Festival

Longtaitou Festival

out of rangeMarch 1, 2025 • event

On that day people worship dragon hoping for good harvest and rains

Canola Fields in Luoping

Canola Fields in Luoping

out of rangeFebruary–March • nature

It's a sin to miss such a giant golden carpet laid out in front of you!

Qingdao International Beer Festival

Qingdao International Beer Festival

unconfirmedJuly 15-August 31, 2024 • event

Discover a festival held in honour of the nectar of the gods!

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

China's ski resorts are unfairly underestimated by the outside world

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

out of rangeFebruary 10–17, 2024 • event

The biggest holiday of the year will astonish you with colorful parades and delicious food

Sugar Figurines

Sugar Figurines

out of rangelate January–February • food

Sugar candies are blown into vivid figurines in an instant

Outdoor Ice Skating

Outdoor Ice Skating

out of rangelate December–early February • activity

Lakes in Beijing turn into natural outdoor ice rinks in winter

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

out of rangeOctober–May • activity

Explore one of the deepest gorges in the world!

Dongzhi Festival

Dongzhi Festival

out of rangeDecember 21–December 22 • event

A family-oriented celebration of winter solstice

Melting Snow at the Broken Bridge

Melting Snow at the Broken Bridge

out of rangeDecember–early March • nature

Learn a touching and beautiful love story behind its name and appreciate the misty scenery of West Lake

Tanghulu (Bingtanghulu)

Tanghulu (Bingtanghulu)

out of rangelate December–late March • food

The taste of Tanghulu and loud street cries of street vendors revive childhood memories in the minds of old Beijingers

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

out of rangeOctober–April • nature

With its distinctive seasons, diverse terrains, and various plants, Beijing is home to different bird species

Jiuniang

Jiuniang

out of rangeDecember–February • food

Rice wine with high nutritional value and health benefits

Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)

Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)

out of rangeOctober 23, 2023 • event

The combination of the ninth day and the ninth month brings good luck, and the chrysanthemum is a symbol of that day

Jasmine Tea & Harvest

Jasmine Tea & Harvest

out of rangeJuly–August • food

This sweet and bitter tea will energize and inspire you

Xiamen International Marathon

Xiamen International Marathon

out of rangeJanuary 07 • event

One of the most massive runs in China

New Year's Eve in Beijing

New Year's Eve in Beijing

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Welcome Western New Year the Eastern way in Beijing

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