Top 6 Places to Visit in China in June | Weather & Festivals
China in June is an ideal time for travelers seeking a balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. June not only offers beautiful scenery, but also features important festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival. Read this article to find out the top places to visit in June and the festivals worth celebrating.
Summer Palace in Beijing, China
Weather of June in China
Huanghuacheng Great Wall in Beijing
June marks the start of early summer in China, bringing generally warm to hot temperatures across most regions. If you want to enjoy China's landscapes and citie before peak heat and busy traveling season of July and August, June is a perfect time to visit.
June is the start of China's rainy season, especially in eastern and southern areas. However, the rain usually does not ruin your trip and can even make the scenery more beautiful. For example, the Li River looks especially scenic on rainy days. When it is sunny, June is also an excellent time for outdoor activities.
Top Places to Visit in June in China
Beijing
Aerial view of Forbidden City in Beijing
- Average Temperature in June: 20-33℃ / 68–91℉
- Top Places: Forbidden City, the Great Wall
June is one of the best months to visit Beijing. The city has fully transitioned into summer, with average temperatures comfortable for sightseeing, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.
Among all the attractions, the Forbidden City is the heart of Beijing's imperial history and a must-see. You can admire the royal palace and learn about Chinese history 200 years ago. Also, there are exhibitions showcasing imperial artifacts, calligraphy, and porcelain.
June is also a great time to visit the Great Wall in Beijing. We especially recommend the Mutianyu section, as cable cars are available for both the ascent and descent, making the visit much easier.
Travel Tips:
- Tickets to the Forbidden City must be reserved one week in advance. But you don't need to worry about it, as our tour packages cover everything for your Beijing trip, including attraction tickets, carefully selected hotels, private transfers, and an exclusive English-speaking guide.
- We recommend allowing at least half a day for your Great Wall visit, as it is located outside central Beijing and ususally requires about one hour drive.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Average Temperature in June: 24℃-29℃ / 75–84℉
- Top Places: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain
June is not really a peak season in Zhangjiajie, so there are fewer visitors compared with July and August, making it ideal for traveling off-peak.
If you're a fan of the movie Avatar, Zhangjiajie is a destination you won't want to miss. The mountains in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park served as the inspiration for the film's iconic Hallelujah Mountains. Here, you can enjoy nature photography and hike along scenic trails surrounded by dramatic sandstone peaks.
Another highly recommended attraction is Tianmen Mountain. Here, you can walk along the glass skywalk clinging to the cliff, and either climb the stairway or take the escalator to visit Tianmen Cave.
Travel Tips:
- It is recommended to wear comfortable and slip-resistant shoes, especially on rainy days. Since Zhangjiajie often experiences rain in June, slip-resistant shoes will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable hiking experience.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Chengdu
Pandas in Dujiangyan Panda Base, Chengdu
- Average Temperature in June: 22-30°C / 72-86°F
- Top Places: Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, Wenshu Temple, Leshan Giant Buddha
If you love pandas, Chengdu is one of the top cities to visit. It is home to the world's largest giant panda breeding base, where you can observe pandas of all ages up close, especially the newborn cubs. Starting in June, panda infants are gradually born, and you can see them in the Sun Room and Moon Room.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, June is also a great time to visit Leshan. It's ideal for taking a boat ride to enjoy panoramic views of the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Travel Tips:
- It's best to visit the giant pandas in the morning, because it's cooler and the pandas are more active and energetic at that time.
- If you want to experience cleaning the pandas' enclosures or preparing their food, we recommend participate in panda volunteer programs at Dujiangyan or other panda bases.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Xinjiang
Kanas Lake in Xinjiang
- Average Temperature in June: 20-28°C / 68-82°F
- Top Places: Nalati Grassland, Kanas Lake, Turpan
In June, most Xinjiang enjoys sunny weather and is not very hot, making it perfect for outdoor activities, photography, and more. Here are the top things to do in Xinjiang in June:
- Enjoy the view of Kanas Lake: At picturesque Kanas Lake, you can walk around and admire the lake in different colors - emerald, turquoise, and deep blue depending on light level. Or you can walk to Fish Viewing Pavilion to see the iconic panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
- Family fun at Nalati Grassland: After enjoying the endless green scenery of the grassland, you can try grass sledding, which is similar to sledding on snow. It's suitable for children because the slopes are gentle and the speed is not too fast.
- Explore Silk Road in Turpan: In June, Turpan is not too hot as it is in July and August. You can learn about the Silk Road history and Buddhism in Jiaohe Ancient City and Gaochang Ruins. Apart from that, you can visit the Flaming Mountains and admire the fiery red cliffs in the desert.
Travel Tips:
- Make sure to protect yourself from the sun (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat), as UV radiation in Xinjiang is strong.
- Xinjiang has a hot and dry climate, so we recommend staying well hydrated and drinking plenty of water during your trip.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Yunnan
An old building in Dali Ancient Town
- Average Temperature in June: 18-25℃ / 64–77℉
- Top Places: Dali Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang Ancient Town
Yunnan is home to many ethnic minority communities and also boasts abundant natural landscapes. In June, the temperatures in Yunnan are mild, making it an ideal time to visit.
Dali Ancient Town is one of the highly recommended destinations. After exploring the town's traditional architecture, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the road by Erhai Lake nearby to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Another cultural site you don't want to miss is Lijiang Ancient Town. It's a Naxi ethnic village with stone bridges and wooden houses. Here, you can learn to dance with Naxi people and learn about their stories. At night, the ancient town is brightly lit, and many bars open for business. It's a great place to relax and enjoy yourself.
June is also one of the best times to see Tiger Leaping Gorge at its most spectacular. From the viewing platforms, you can witness the river rushing with abundant water from the rainy season, with waterfalls plunging dramatically down the cliffs.
Travel Tips:
- It is recommended to hire a local guide. A professional guide will not only lead you through the travel routes, but also share Yunnan's culture, history, and unique customs, making your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Tibet
Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet
- Average Temperature in June: 10-20°C / 50-68°F
- Top Places: Potala Palace, Mount Kailash, Jokhang Temple
Tibet is the main settlement of the Tibetan people and has a unique folk culture. This is reflected in their architecture, where you can see the distinctive designs of Tibetan Buddhist temples such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Mount Kailash is considered a sacred mountain in local culture, attracting many pilgrims.
June is the start of the pilgrimage season. The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Mount Kailash all host large-scale pilgrimage activities. You can observe how devotees pray and also experience monks' rituals, prayer flags, and other cultural practices.
Travel Tips:
- The high altitude in Tibet can cause altitude sickness, so it is recommended to spend 1-2 days in Lhasa to acclimatize before traveling to other areas of Tibet.
- Foreigners need a Tibet Travel Permit to visit, and we suggest applying 1-2 weeks before departure.
Since Tibetan temples are highly religious sites, it is important to avoid wearing revealing clothing and to maintain a respectful attitude.
Significant Festival in June in China
Dragon Boat Festival
People take part in dragon boat racing
The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually falling in June.
It commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan. During the festival, you can experience the lively atmosphere by watching local dragon boat races and tasting traditional zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
Saga Dawa Festival
Saga Dawa Festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha and is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist festivals.
It is celebrated in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar (usually falling in late May to June) and lasts for 15 days. The peak celebrations usually occur in June, when the festivities are the most grand. You can participate in the celebrations at temples in Tibet, and Mount Kailash will host kora (pilgrimage circumambulation) activities.
What to Pack for a China Tour in June
By June, most parts of China have entered summer, with higher temperatures and possible rainfall in some regions. When packing, it's important to consider clothing, sun protection, and rain gear.
- Clothing: Since it is already summer, lightweight and quick-drying clothes are recommended. If you plan to visit Tibet, it's best to pack a few breathable tops and bottoms that cover your shoulders and knees, as local monasteries require modest dress and do not allow revealing clothing.
- Sun protection: Sunshine can be quite strong across China in June, so proper sun protection is essential. Sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and similar items can help protect your eyes and skin from UV exposure.
- Rain gear: June is part of China's rainy season, and some areas may experience frequent showers. Bringing a compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat is recommended for convenience while traveling.
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Start planning your personalized China itinerary with a click or simply write to trip@odynovotours.com and discover June at its best.
