Dates to Avoid When Planning a China Tour in 2013
If you are planning a 2013 China tour some dates that are useful to know are dates to avoid, such as "Golden Week" and other times when flights to Asia and within China are very expensive. Here is the lowdown (ordered by the size) to help you plan your vacation.
Tourist Peak 1: the "Golden Week" of National Day Holiday
Period: September 20 – October 10 in 2013
Crowds at Tian'anmen Gate during "the Golden Week"
Almost all Chinese people will have a seven-day holiday at the beginning of October, because of the celebration of Chinese National Day. Generally speaking most Chinese people will take this government-given opportunity to travel to domestic cities, causing crowds everywhere and very busy traffic. Hotel and transport prices are increased, leading to high-budget travel during this period.
In 2013 the tourist peak of Chinese National Holiday will last from September 23 to October 14. China Highlights suggests you avoid this period when planning a tour of China in 2013 (and consider avioding a similar period in future years).
With crowds everywhere, traffic will be very busy, and you will spend longer on the road. Booking of hotels and flights can be very difficult (early confirmation is highly recommended if you decide to travel during this period). Hotels are much more expensive. You may need to wait in line for about one hour to enter the popular attractions, and may need to wait for a long time at restaurants. Traveling during this period is a matter needing thorough preparation.
You might notice that the National Day ends at October 7, but we include the following week in this peak period. The transport networks are most crowded during the period from September 23 to October 7, though they are less crowded in the week following "the Golden Week", when hotels charge peak prices.
Tourist Peak 2: Labor Day Holiday
Period: April 26 – May 4 in 2013
As with Chinese National Day holiday, the Labor Day holiday period should be avoided when planning a tour of China in 2013 (and consider avoiding a similar period in future years).
Though the holiday only lasts three days (from April 29 to May 1 in 2013), the tourist peak will last from April 26 to May 4. The crowds at attractions, high travel costs, long waiting times, and busy transportation during this period may make your tour to China frustrating.
The Spring Festival Rush with Congested Transportation
Period: January 26 – March 6 in 2013
Congested Transportation During the Spring Festival Rush
In China there is a period of time with congested transportation everywhere, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other big tourist cities — this is the Spring Festival rush.
The Spring Festival rush lasts 40 days, and in 2013 it lasts from January 26 to March 6. However, there are five days that are recommended for traveling between domestic cities during these 40 days: the first five days of the new year (February 10 – 14 in 2013). During these days, most Chinese people will stay at home for family time and the Spring Festival celebration, which lightens the pressure on transportation and presents you with possiblely easier-than-usual travel conditions. Remember that cheap flight tickets are available during these five days!
In 2013 one of the most congested period on China's transport will be January 26 – February 8, when people are homeward bound. Another busy time will be February 15 – March 6, when millions of migrant workers and college students rush back to their work places and colleges. So traveling in China during these periods is likely to be challenge.
Possible Closure of Tibet
Period: Februay 9 – March 31 in 2013
The Celebration of Tibetan New Year
According to past years’ trends, Tibet is likely to be closed to foreign travelers during the Tibetan New Year period. In 2012, the first day of Tibetan New Year fell on February 22, and Tibet was closed from February 20 to March 31 (check out the news). In 2013, the first day of Tibetan New Year is February 11, so it is forecasted that Tibet will be unavailable to foreign travelers from February 9 to March 31.
Other Useful Articles
- Five Recommended China Destinations for 2013
-
China Weather Guide: helping you to plan a 2013 Chine Tour
- Top 5 Tips for a First Trip to China
- Best of China: the Best Places to Visit and Top Things to Do in China
- More Themed Articles about Traveling in China
China Highlights
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Hi Maureen, you can fly to Guilin from HK, after the tour in Guilin, take train or air to Guiyang. When would you like to start the tour, please? Do you need us to propose an itinerary for you? How long will you stay in China? Besides these places, any other places or attractions you would like to visit?
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-04-25Hi Chandrasekhar, if there is no time constraint, I suggest that you avoid the Labor Day holiday, because it is really crowded.
We are a travel agency and have been in this field since 1959. We are specializing in private tours. If you need any tour service, please feel free to contact me.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-04-22Hi Paulo, I recommend the Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Guilin, Sanya, Shenzhen, Hongkong & Macau to you. It is not so cold as in the north. And the natural scenery is rather beautiful.
We will arrange private car with driver and tour guide to escort you in every city, so it is safe even you travel alone.
You can check air tickets via here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-flights/
Here for trains: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/
And here for hotels: http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-01-14
Hello, thank you for your inquiry.
Please kindly note all foreign visitors require a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet. If you are working in China, a certificate from your Chinese company is also required. According to the latest policy of Tibetan Tourism Bureau, Tibet permits will only be issued to groups of 5 people or more in a group with the same nationality, staying in same hotels, arriving and departing in/from Lhasa on the same day from the same departure city. We haven't received any news about if the policy will change by June. If not, it stands little chance for us to find other group of exactly the same itinerary on the same dates like yours. You many check if there are other friends to join you.
Nora Ou Replied on 2013-01-05
Hi Gary, May is an amazing time to visit China. But do avoid the Labor Day Holiday( May1-3) when it is very crowded. For beautiful natural places, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Guilin, Yangshuo, the Yangtze River, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La are all perfect places to go. If you would like to travel by train in some cities, the bullet train is comfortable, others are not suggested.
We are specializing in tailor-making private tours since 1959. We are very glad to assist planning your China tour. In order to give you an accurate quotation please help me with below the information:
1. Number of people in your group/any kids and how old?
2. Outbound city?
3. Your choice for the rest 9 days?
4. Places or attractions that you want to visit?
5. Class of Hotel: 3 / 4 / 5 star?
6. Estimative total budget per person?
After getting further information from you, we will send you a proposal.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-24
