Best time to visit 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!
44 THINGS TO DO IN CHINA (AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 09)
Longsheng (Longji) Rice Terraces
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 dolphins are so popular that they have become a mascot of Hong Kong
Panjin Red Beach
Autumn spreads a nice red carpet over 130 square kilometre beach in Panjin
Rainbow Mountains
China's geological wonder started forming tens of millions years ago
Glass Plank Road at Tianmen Mountain
Would you dare to step on a glass road, built high at the mountains?
Shilin Stone Forest
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
As Chairman Mao said: 'Until you reach the Great Wall, you're no hero!'
Giant Pandas
Eat, play, sleep,—that's three core elements of the meaningful life for a panda
Yellow River
Huge strangely-coloured river is believed to be the origin of Chinese Civilisation
Huanglong Limestone Terraces
Fragile beauty of limestone pools is hidden high amidst forested mountains inhabited by rare wildlife
Sheepskin Rafting
Chinese invented inflatable rafts long before the modern civilization—sheep were of a great use
Shaolin Flying Monks Temple
Did you know that impossible became truely possible? Master the art of flying with Shaolin monks
Mass Swimming Pool
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
Long Hair Village
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
The mission to see the famous Avatar’s site alive turned out to be more than possible
Climbing Kongur Tagh
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
Are you ready to witness the most beautiful scenery?
Century Eggs
Welcome the century eggs—an extremely weird Asian delicacy
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
Immerse yourself into Jiuzhai Valley—one of earth's wonderlands
The Forbidden City
Visit the world's largest wooden building complex
Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán)
The largest existing imperial garden in China will take you back to the royal luxurious yet cosy life
Outlying Islands
Get away from the urban crowds and explore the nature and culture of the Hong Kong secret islands
Hiking
Enter the Chinese kingdom of stunning hiking opportunities amid breathtaking landscapes
Qinghai-Tibet Railway
The world's highest railway is a real masterpiece attracting travellers from all over the planet
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan)
Once a splendid royal garden and palace now lies in ruins
Xilin Gol Grassland
Ride horses, live in Mongolian yurts, eat local foods, and get an unforgettable summer on the endless grassland in Inner Mongolia
Shaoxing Wupeng Boat
Enjoy exploring the cultural and historical water town in a black-awning boat
Lotus Market
A summer escape for viewing lotus, eating Chinese foods, watching folk performances, and enjoying night clubs
Temple of Heaven
The largest ancient sacrificial complex in China
Playa Maya Water Park
The largest open-air water park in Eastern China can refresh you during the hot summer season
Hot Pot
This dish was born in the north where people fight the cold with a hot broth
Leshan Giant Buddha
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
Gaze into the forever open eyes of these giant rocky creatures!
Peking Duck
Discover this Chinese north-eastern special dish, famous for its thin, crispy skin
Reed Flute Cave
Traveling underground has never been so exciting!
Rice Harvest
As it goes in a famous Chinese saying 'If you want to have a happy life, eat rice every day'
Houtouwan
No one even noticed how this once prosperous fishermen's village turned into an eerie green abandoned place
Huashan Plank Walk
One of the most dangerous and exciting hiking trails in China
Fried Scorpions
Deep-fried scorpion skewers are a real delicacy in China
Tarim Desert Highway
Take a ride on the longest desert road in the world
Ming Tombs
Explore the famous Tombs of the Ming Dynasty, one of the best-preserved Imperial Chinese burial complexes
Prince Gong's Mansion
Beijing's largest and best-preserved Qing Dynasty princely mansion
Dumplings
This dish has been popular in China since time immemorial
Jasmine Tea & Harvest
This sweet and bitter tea will energize and inspire you
43 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Yulin Dog Meat Festival
out of rangeWhile some locals claim it's part of their culture, millions protest against the cruel festival worldwide and some people even adopt rescued dogs
Qiantang River Tidal Bore
out of rangeWorld's biggest tidal wave may easily sweep you into the river, and viewing platforms don't always guarantee your safety
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
out of rangeThis is like a visit to the kingdom of Snow queen. Dive into this magical world of amazing sculptures made of ice and snow
Great Wall Marathon
out of rangeWould anyone dare to argue this route is not the world's number one in its uniqueness?
Miao Sisters' Meal Festival
unconfirmedFeel the warmth of hearts during this Asian Valentine's day
Lantern Festival
out of rangeDragons, butterflies, flamingos, bears, and rabbits! You'll be amazed at the shapes these various lanterns can take!
Saga Dawa Festival
out of rangeOne of the most important Buddhist festivals gathers pilgrims at the base of a sacred mountain
Da Shuhua Molten Iron Fireworks
out of rangeWitness this breathtaking alternative to a traditional firework show
Monihei Carnival
out of rangeA story of how to get dirty and be okey with that
Temple Fairs
out of rangeExperience the traditional Spring Festival at temple fairs in Beijing
Flower Blooming at Poyang Lake
out of rangeOnce you've visited this place in the blooming time, you'll realize this world could be pink enough even without wearing pink glasses
Hungry Ghost Festival
out of rangeBeing 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
out of rangeEnjoy one of the most unusual ways to celebrate Buddha's birthday
Qingming Festival (Taqing Festival)
out of rangeImmerse yourself into a strange combination of sadness and happiness
Frozen Waterfalls in Taoyuan Xiangu
out of rangeLarge humanmade waterfalls attract ice climbing fans every winter
Plum Blossom Festival
out of rangeWhen the long, dry, and gloomy winter days are finally over, don't miss a chance to see Beijing decorated with fantastic pink blossom splendour
Happy Ice and Snow Season at Bird's Nest
out of rangeThe Ice and Snow Season at Bird's Nest brings a winter wonderland to Beijing
Ginkgo Avenues
out of rangeBeijing is colored in a yellow palette by ginkgo trees in autumn
1400-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree
out of rangeThis legendary tree that has seen everything seems to be older than life itself
Mid-Autumn Festival
out of rangeOne of the most important Chinese holidays
Red Leaves Festival at Fragrant Hill
out of range"I see a thousand hills crimsoned through / By their serried woods deep-dyed"—Mao Zedong
Laba Festival
out of rangeThe combination of a Buddhist holiday and a modern festival
Wintersweet in Bloom
out of rangeThe flower with a similar name and similar appearance to plum is not real plum
Lavender Blooming
out of rangeThe love associated flower composed a purple world in May
Sweet Osmanthus in Bloom
out of rangeThese fragrant flowers symbolize the flavor of autumn and are used in various food products
Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland
out of rangeHave you ever seen a Haloween-styled Mickey Mouse? Have some scary fun at Disneyland in Hong Kong
Longtaitou Festival
out of rangeOn that day people worship dragon hoping for good harvest and rains
Canola Fields in Luoping
out of rangeIt's a sin to miss such a giant golden carpet laid out in front of you!
Double Seventh Festival (Qixi)
out of rangeThe Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month
Skiing and Snowboarding
out of rangeChina's ski resorts are unfairly underestimated by the outside world
Qingdao International Beer Festival
unconfirmedDiscover a festival held in honour of the nectar of the gods!
Chinese New Year
out of rangeThe biggest holiday of the year will astonish you with colorful parades and delicious food
Sugar Figurines
out of rangeSugar candies are blown into vivid figurines in an instant
Outdoor Ice Skating
out of rangeLakes in Beijing turn into natural outdoor ice rinks in winter
Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
out of rangeExplore one of the deepest gorges in the world!
Dongzhi Festival
out of rangeA family-oriented celebration of winter solstice
Melting Snow at the Broken Bridge
out of rangeLearn a touching and beautiful love story behind its name and appreciate the misty scenery of West Lake
Tanghulu (Bingtanghulu)
out of rangeThe taste of Tanghulu and loud street cries of street vendors revive childhood memories in the minds of old Beijingers
Birdwatching
out of rangeWith its distinctive seasons, diverse terrains, and various plants, Beijing is home to different bird species
Jiuniang
out of rangeRice wine with high nutritional value and health benefits
Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang)
out of rangeThe combination of the ninth day and the ninth month brings good luck, and the chrysanthemum is a symbol of that day
Xiamen International Marathon
out of rangeOne of the most massive runs in China
New Year's Eve in Beijing
out of rangeWelcome Western New Year the Eastern way in Beijing
