Best Places to Visit in China in August & Weather Tips

August is one of the hottest months in China, but it's also an excellent time to see nature in full bloom, enjoy some of China's higher-elevation destinations, and take advantage of indoor attractions. With a bit of preparation and a smart itinerary to avoid the crowds and beat the heat, you can have a fabulous vacation. This guide tells you everything you need to know about traveling in China during August.

Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan

The Weather in China in August

August is a great time to visit most parts of China, and you can expect sunny skies and gorgeous scenery. Be aware that some of the most popular cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, can get quite hot, with temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F). If you prefer cooler weather, consider focusing on the western regions of the country, like Yunnan, Guizhou, Tibet, etc.

City	Average High	Average Low
Beijing	30°C (86°F)	21°C (70°F)
Shanghai	33°C (91°F)	25°C (77°F)
Xi'an	32°C (90°F)	22°C (72°F)
Jiuzhaigou Valley	22°C (72°F)	12°C (54°F)
Yunnan	24°C (75°F)	13°C (55°F)
Tibet	21°C (70°F)	8°C (46°F)
Qinghai Lake	18°C (64°F)	6°C (43°F)
Zhangjiajie	34°C (93°F)	22°C (72°F)

Top Places to Visit in August

Zhangjiajie

Take a cable car in Zhangjiajie National Park

August is an excellent time to see Zhangjiajie's famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, when the peaks are shrouded in mist. It's also a bit cooler than the rest of China, making outdoor excursions doable even during the middle part of the day. You can hike the trails around Zhangjiajie National Forest Park or take the ultra-fast Bailong elevator straight to the Avatar Mountains themselves. If you want to visit an utterly otherworldly spot and enjoy nature, Zhangjiajie is right for you.

Tibet

Drepung Monastery in Tibet

Tibet's higher elevation means that it will naturally be cooler than the rest of China, and you might even need a light jacket or sweater in the evening. It's full of epic hiking trails and ancient cities like Lhasa, where you can visit the historic Potala Palace and Jakhang Temple. If you're keen for some adventure, don't mind a bit of chill, and want to see a totally different side of China's culture and history, Tibet is a smart place to visit.

Yunnan

Traditional houses in Dali Ancient Town

Southwest China's Yunnan is one of the country's more off-the-beaten-path destinations, and it's an excellent spot to visit if you love nature and want to experience unique ethnic minority culture.

Yunnan is also full of fascinating ancient towns, like Dali, which sits on Erhai Lake and is home to the Three Pagodas, ancient structures that are over 1,000 years old.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

A waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan

Jiuzhaigou Valley tends to be cooler in August, making it an excellent choice for those who want to experience the impressive seasonal scenery and avoid the heat. It's a nature lover's dream, with fantastic destinations like Five-Flower Lake, a multi-colored lake perfect for photographing, and Pearl Shoal Waterfall. If you love hiking and want to get some gorgeous pictures, Jiuzhaigou Valley should be on your travel itinerary.

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake stands at 3,205 meters above sea level, and temperatures here are much cooler than other destinations. This spot is a magnificent place for hiking and biking, enjoying the golden fields of rapeseed flowers, and birdwatching. You can also go boating on the crystal-clear lake waters or explore the area by horseback. If you love nature and wildlife and want to see some of China's native creatures in their element, consider putting Qinghai Lake into your travel plans.

Practical Tips for Visiting China in August

Usnisa Pagoda on Niushoushan in Nanjing

If you want to stay comfortable and safe traveling in China during August, packing smart is the first step. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a very light waterproof top layer for rainy weather. Sun hats, glasses, and umbrellas are good supplies to have on hand. Remember to bring strong SPF, especially if you're traveling at higher altitudes, and take cooling breaks indoors.

Between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM is the hottest part of the day in August. If you’re visiting destinations like Tibet, Guizhou, and Zhangjiajie and plan to go sightseeing around midday, be sure to stay well hydrated to avoid heatstroke. Also, here are some tips to help make your trip smoother. 

• School holidays are in August, and many families will be vacationing, so book your accommodations and train tickets early.
• Try to visit popular attractions earlier; there will be fewer crowds, and the heat is not as intense in the first part of the day.
• There may be rainy days in some regions in China in August, so bring your umbrella. Plus, you can also use it as sun protection during the hottest part of the day.
• Be careful hiking in Zhangjiajie on rainy days, as it can make paths slippery. Bring hiking poles and shoes with good tread.
• Let us help you customize the tailor-made vacation of your dreams. We can answer any questions and put together an itinerary that works for you.

August Is an Excellent Time to Enjoy Nature in China

Your first step to a fantastic August vacation in China starts with visiting our contact page or emailing us at trip@odynovotours.com. See the stunning Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, experience the wonders of Tibet, and enjoy the incredible nature of China with a personalized plan today.