China in May: Enjoy Warm Temperatures and Wildflowers

May comes with warm temperatures, beautiful foliage, and fewer crowds than you'll find during the summer months. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F), so it's a great time of year to go hiking and enjoy China's outdoor fun.

Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai

Is May a Good Time to Visit China?

May is one of the best months to visit China. You'll have more of the top attractions to yourself, and the weather is superb for sightseeing. Plus, there are flowers everywhere, including golden fields of rapeseed, peonies, and wildflowers in the mountains. It's fairly dry in the north, with sunny, warm weather in places like Beijing and rainier conditions in southern areas like Guangzhou, so bring an umbrella if you're planning on exploring these regions.

Keep in mind that the Labor Day holiday (May 1 to 5) is very crowded. It's best to book in advance or avoid traveling altogether during this period.

Where to Go in China in May

Shanghai

Visit Yu Garden in Shanghai

Shanghai is an exceptional place to visit during May because its major attractions are less crowded, and the weather is ideal. Visit Shanghai Disneyland during the weekdays and enjoy short lines for popular rides, or sip a cup of tea in some of Shanghai's gorgeous outdoor tea gardens. May is also an excellent time for exploring the Bund and enjoying the sprawling skyline.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie's Avatar mountains

May's ideal temperatures make it a superb time to explore the outdoors, and Zhangjiajie is a wonderful place to do just that. Zhangjiajie is a paradise for hikers, with trails running through the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountains and through the beautiful valleys of this national park. You can also ride the famous Bailong Elevator, explore the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, and relax on Baofeng Lake on a mini-cruise through the park.

Chongqing and Yangtze Cruise

Hongya Cave in Chongqing

Chongqing, in southwestern China, is an excellent place to visit during May, especially to see Ciqikou Ancient Town and Wulong Karst. Step back in time in Ciqikou Ancient Town, a Ming Dynasty-era village where you can sample tasty local food and see traditional architecture. The Wulong Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its incredible karst rock formations, is another must-visit attraction. If you're looking for something a bit more modern, Hongya Cave is the place to go. Towering a full 11 stories and built directly into the cliff face, this ultramodern shopping and eating complex is a great spot to enjoy the fresh air and take in river views.

Additionally, we recommend taking a multi-day cruise down the Yangtze River to fully experience this part of China. You'll pass through several picturesque cities and gorges, and it's a magnificent way to see the countryside.

Fanjingshan Mountain

Fanjianshan Mountain in Guizhou is one of China's most sacred Buddhist spaces and a UNESCO-recognized site that's a great place to visit during May. You'll see plenty of amazing wildflowers, including azaleas and primroses, and enjoy warm temperatures perfect for hiking to the Red Cloud Golden Summit Temple. You'll also have the chance to spot some of Fanjianshan Mountain's most famous residents: the golden monkeys.

Suzhou

Take a boat in Tongli Water Town

Visit Suzhou's exquisite Ming- and Qing-era gardens in May, when you can spend all day enjoying the blooms and manicured flower beds. This city is well-known for popular attractions like water towns and classical Chinese gardens. May is a great time to visit the Lingering Garden to enjoy lush plants and flowers in full bloom. We also suggest that you visit Zhouzhuang water town or Tongli water town, both of which are nearby.

Recommended Travel Itineraries

May is a wonderful time to visit most cities and regions in China, but with so many excellent choices, it can be a bit overwhelming. We've put together these comprehensive travel itineraries that save you time on planning. There's something for every taste and style.

• China Essence Tour with Chongqing and Yangtze Cruise: This leisurely and longer itinerary showcases China's most iconic sights at a relaxed pace. You'll see Beijing's Forbidden City, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, and Chongqing.
• Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan Tour: This tour is ideal for nature lovers and focuses on classical Chinese gardens, water towns, and natural scenery. You'll also see fantastic temples and the exciting sights of Shanghai.
• China Golden Triangle With Zhangjiajie: This itinerary is our most popular offering and perfect for first-time visitors to China. You'll see Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and the unique and spectacular Avatar Mountains.

Travel Tips

• Keep these travel tips in mind if you want to make the most of your Chinese vacation in May.
• Avoid traveling during the national holiday (May 1 to May 5) because key attractions are crowded and it's more expensive.
• Bring light layers for cooler temperatures in the morning and evening.
• If you're planning to hike Zhangjiajie, bring sturdy shoes with plenty of tread and hiking poles for the harder trails.
• Bring medicine with you if you suffer from seasonal allergies, as May is the peak blooming season in China.

May is the Best Time to Visit China

If you want beautiful temperatures, lovely fields of flowers, and some of the best hiking weather of the year, visit China in May. We can help create a trip that you'll never forget. Visit our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com today.