Best Places to Visit in May in China
May is the beginning of China's summer, which is full of vitality: Many natural scenic areas are transformed by oceans of flowers and mountains are covered with exuberant trees and plants.
May is neither too hot nor too cold, making it an ideal season to travel around China.
It's perhaps better, however, to avoid travelling around China during the International Labor Day holiday, the first week of May; especially May 1st to May 3rd, some of the dates to avoid traveling in China.
1. The Great Wall — One of China's Ancient Wonders
- Temperature: 14°C–26°C (57°F–79°F)
- Read more on Beijing weather in May.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall should be in your destinations list when you travel around Beijing. It's like an ancient and huge Chinese dragon stretching itself out imperiously over the sinuous mountains. Coaches and trains are available from the city center to the foot of the Great Wall , taking about 2 hours each way.
The Great Wall is the pride of ancient Chinese workmanship, having been built by thousands of laborers. Visiting the most popular parts of the Great Wall, including Badaling and Mutianyu, you can see countless city wall platforms and towers.
May is a good time to go to the Great Wall because the temperature is not too high.
Two special ways to visit the Great Wall:
- Enjoy a bird's-eye view by taking a helicopter (about 15 minutes)
- Take a sidecar to the foot of a wild part of the Great Wall (such as Huanghuacheng) and celebrate with a glass of champagne and some French bread
Recommended tours: 3-Day Beijing Discovery Tour
2. Shangri-La — a Colorful Palette to Feast the Eyes
- Temperature: 1°C–22°C (34°F–72°F)
- Read more on Shangri-La weather.
Songzanlin Lamasery in Shangri-La
Located at the border between Yunnan Province and Tibet, the fabulous natural scenery in Shangri-La makes you think of heaven. Shangri-La in spring is light green and in summer is awash with color. Snowy mountains, dense forests, green grasslands and pastoral villages make it a peaceful and tranquil place. May — especially the end of May — is the best time to appreciate flower blossoms in Shangri-La.
In addition to its amazing natural scenery, its hosting of ethnic culture is a major reason to visit Shangri-La. The main ethnic group there is Tibetan, mainly living in Zhongdian. Still today, the Tibetan people in the area maintain their traditional lifestyle and culture.
Recommended tour: 8-Day Shangri-La Exploration Tour
3. Guilin — a Magnificent Chinese Painting
- Temperature: 21°C–28°C (69°F–82°F)
- Read more on Guilin weather in May.
The Li River
The Li River is more charming under the warm sunshine in May. You can survey the natural scenery along the river from the top level of a cruise ship, . May is the golden time for bamboo rafting on the Yulong River and cycling in the countryside in Yangshuo.
Strolling around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes in the soft breeze at night is also recommended.
May is the time for irrigating the Longji Terraced Fields. Seen from the tops of the mountains, the fields look like layer upon layer of exquisite mirrors.
Recommended tours: 3-Day Essence of Guilin and Li River Tour
4. Zhangjiajie — the Typical Sandstone Landform
- Temperature: 18°C–29°C (64°F–84°F)
- Read more on Zhangjiajie weather in May.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Because Zhangjiajie is a mountainous area, the climate there is changeable. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding geological and tourism features. The mountainous scenery in Zhangjiajie is unique and fabulous, and is even more charming and poetic under the misty rain and fog.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with its photogenic peaks and cooler weather, is a perfect summer resort for avoiding the sweltering heat and enjoying the fresh air.
Recommended tours: 4-Day Essence of Zhangjiajie Tour
5. Luoyang — Attend the Grand Peony Fair
Peony in Luoyang
- Temperature: 15°C–28°C (59°F–83°F)
- Read more on Luoyang weather.
In addition to its world-famous historical relics, Luoyang has a beautiful and elegant celebration: the annual Peony Fair (mainly held in Luoyang Wangcheng Park and the National Peony Garden). It begins in April and lasts for one month, running into the first five days of May and attracting thousands of travelers and photographers every year.
Tour with China Highlights
If you cannot find a satisfactory ready-made tour on our website, you can contact us to tailor-make an May tour for you.
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- Best Places to Go to See Flowers in Beijing
- China Weather in May — Travel Tips for May
- Best Places to Travel in Early Summer
