Best Time to Visit China in 2026: Seasons & Top Places

As one of the world's largest countries by land area, China has a wide range of climates, with weather varying greatly from region to region. As a result, China can be visited year-round, the best time depends on where you plan to go and the type of experience you are looking for. To help you plan, we have prepared this guide to help you determine the best time to visit China.

The Forbidden City in Beijing

When Is the Best Time to Visit China

The Great Wall in Beijing, China

Overall, the best times to visit China are spring (especially April to May) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

June and November are also good choices. As shoulder seasons, these months are less crowded than the peak summer and autumn periods, while the weather and scenery remain pleasant.

July and August are China's summer holiday months, so popular attractions can be very crowded, and many destinations experience their hottest temperatures of the year.

For the winter season (December to March), you can take advantage of attractive discounts and enjoy beautiful snow scenery, such as the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin. In contrast, southern China is not very cold in winter, and many areas still stay green with trees keeping their leaves.

That said, no matter when you travel, we can customize your trip to suit the season, helping you enjoy comfortable travel conditions, avoid crowds where possible, and experience China at its best.

Visit China in Spring (March to May)

West Lake, Spring in Hangzhou

Spring is one of the best seasons to visit China. From March to May, temperatures gradually warm up, usually ranging from 10-23°C (50-73°F), creating comfortable conditions for sightseeing. Across the country, most cities come alive with fresh greenery and blooming flowers.

Suggested Cities in Spring

In addition to classic destinations such as Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, southern China is especially rewarding in spring. Places like Guilin, Hangzhou, Zhangjiajie, and Yunnan are at their most scenic during this season.

In Beijing, spring is ideal for hiking the Great Wall, visiting the Temple of Heaven, and exploring the Summer Palace, where blossoms and fresh greenery enhance the historic landscapes.

In Xi'an, you can tour the Terracotta Warriors in pleasant weather, avoiding the intense heat and heavy crowds of summer, or enjoy dramatic mountain scenery at Mount Huashan.

In Shanghai, cherry blossoms and magnolias begin to bloom, especially in parks such as Gucun Forest Park. It is also a wonderful time to stroll along the Bund or take a relaxing day trip to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao.

The south of China becomes greener and shine with seasonal flowers. Guilin's Li River looks like a traditional Chinese ink painting in spring mist, while Luoping in Yunnan is famous for its vast rapeseed flower fields. When millions of yellow blossoms bloom at once, the landscape transforms into a spectacular golden sea. 

Events and Festivals

• Qingming Festival: This festival falls around April 5 each year in China and usually comes with a three-day public holiday. During this period, transportation networks and major tourist attractions are often more crowded than usual.
• Luoyang Peony Festival: The Culture Festival is held from April to May, when peony flowers burst into bloom. You can admire different kinds of peony flowers and partake in many exhibitions in Luoyang.
• Water Splash Festival: It is a Chinese ethnic minority festival celebrated by the Dai people in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, in mid-April every year. Dai people believe pouring water on people will wash away their bad luck. You can join them and have lots of fun.

Visit China in Summer (June to August)

Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

In summer, most cities in China experience high temperatures, if you plan to visit China during this season, June is an excellent choice.The weather in June is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 21-26°C (70-79°F), and tourist attractions are usually less crowded.

July and August tend to be much busier, and temperatures rise across the country. Southern cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou are particularly hot and humid, with daytime temperatures typically between 29-33°C (84-91°F), it will be a little muggy during this time, as rainfall often happen in Summer.

Cooler Destinations for Summer Travel

To escape the summer heat, we recommend visiting cooler regions such as Guizhou, Tibet, and Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan.

Guizhou is widely regarded as one of China's top summer retreats. In summer, Guiyang (the provincial capital) enjoys an average temperature of around 25°C (77°F). Traveling in Guizhou allows you to experience authentic ethnic minority cultures, including Miao and Dong villages, while also admiring splendid natural landscapes such as Mount Fanjing, Huangguoshu Waterfall, and scenic terraced fields.

Further west, Tibet is at its most accessible during summer. The weather is generally stable, with average temperatures ranging from 11°C to 25°C (52-77°F), and the skies are often brilliant blue. Highlights include the sacred Potala Palace, as well as breathtaking views of the Yamdrok Lake, and Mount Everest Base Camp.

If you love natural scenery, adorable giant pandas, and spicy flavors, Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou should be on your list. In Chengdu, you can enjoy authentic Sichuan hotpot and visit the famous Giant Panda Research Base. Continue on to Jiuzhaigou Valley to explore its crystal-clear lakes and colorful forests.

Events and Festivals:

• Dragon Boat Festival: It falls on the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar, usually in early June. During this time, people across China celebrate by eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and watching or taking part in exciting dragon boat races.
• Summer Holiday in China: July and August mark the summer vacation for students in China. During these two months, many families travel with their children, so hotel and flight prices are usually higher than normal. Popular attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall are also more crowded during this period.

Visit China in Autumn (September to November)

Longji Terraced Fields in Autumn,Guilin

Autumn is thought to be the most pleasant time to visit China. Nearly all popular cities look their best at this time of year. It is warmer than spring and cooler than summer, and it provides ideal conditions for people to enjoy outdoor activities.

Top Photography Destinations for Autumn

Zhangjiajie transforms into a colorful wonderland in autumn. With average temperatures ranging from 15-22°C (59-72°F), the weather is ideal for hiking and photography. In addition, waiting times at major attractions such as the Bailong Elevator and Tianmen Mountain Cableway are noticeably shorter than in peak summer, making sightseeing more relaxed and enjoyable.

Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin are particularly photogenic from late September to early October, the entire hillsides will turn golden during this time. However, the National Day holiday from October 1-7 is the most crowded period, so planning ahead or visiting outside this window is recommended.

Farther northwest, Kanas in Xinjiang offers breathtaking alpine scenery in autumn, with forests, lakes, and snow-capped peaks creating dramatic contrasts. Nearby, the Tarim Poplar Forest National Park is famous for its golden autumn colors and was named one of “China's Ten Most Beautiful Forest Parks” by China National Geography magazine.

Events and Festivals:

• Mid-Autumn Festival: One of the most important traditional festivals in China, it falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in late September or early October. It is an excellent opportunity to experience local traditions, such as mooncake making and tasting.
• National Day Holiday: China's National Day holiday runs from October 1 to 7. During this period, hotel prices reach their highest levels, and major attractions are at their most crowded. If possible, it is advisable to avoid traveling in China during this time.

Visit China in Winter (November to February)

Harbin in Winter

Winter in China looks very different in the north and the south. In the north, temperatures are often below freezing, and heavy snow covers the land. In the south, the weather stays much warmer, and many trees remain green. Cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen usually have winter temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F), making them pleasant places to visit during winter..

Suggested Cities in Winter

Traveling in winter also means more affordable hotel prices. Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Zhangjiajie are chosen by around 90% of first-time visitors to China. If your schedule is flexible, consider adding these destinations to your trip.

For a fairytale winter experience, Harbin is a must-see. Located in northern China, it is famous for the world-renowned Ice and Snow Festival, where you can stroll past glowing ice castles and admire massive snow sculptures. You can also head to Yabuli Ski Resort or Changbai Mountain, both offering ski slopes suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

On the opposite end of the temperature scale, you can explore the Greater Bay Area, which includes Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, etc. Here, you can visit scenic parks, enjoy Cantonese cuisine, and experience festive light displays without heavy winter clothing.

Meanwhile, Taiwan provides a refreshing winter getaway that blends nature, culture, and street food. You can hike misty mountain trails, relax in natural hot springs in Beitou or Jiaoxi, and explore Taipei's lively night markets. Even in January, temperatures are generally mild, making Taiwan a comfortable and well-rounded winter destination.

For more information and recommended places, please refer to: China in Winter

Events and Festivals

• Spring Festival: The Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday in China, usually falling in late January or early February. During this time, you can also see festive celebrations in public squares and parks, with activities such as performances, lantern displays, and local gatherings.
• Harbin Ice and Snow Festival:It is the largest ice and snow festival in the world, usually running from late December to early February. At the Ice and Snow World Park, you can admire beautifully crafted ice buildings and sculptures, as well as enjoy fun activities such as the famous 500-meter-long Super Ice Slide and a variety of cultural performances.

Plan Your China Tour with Us

In short, China is a great destination to visit any time of the year. If you have questions about traveling in China, feel free to reach out. You can email us at trip@odynovotours.com or click to request a customized tour. Our travel experts will help you plan a stress-free and unforgettable China experience.