China is a vast country with diverse landscapes and cultures. It might be confusing as to how to plan a China tour. China Highlights has categorized the following destinations, attractions and things to do according to month of visit, interests, whether it is your first or second trip etc. visit to China, duration and budget, view our top 10 China Tours now.
Places to Visit by Month
1. January and February
The freezing weather in North China gives rise to various winter activities, such as skiing and ice and snow festivals, while on the warm southernmost Hainan Island, people enjoy sunshine and beaches.
Chinese new year2. March, April and May
It is one of the best times to visit China, when the weather gets warmer, flowers bloom, grass sprouts and rivers flow. In South China, the spring offers a great chance to see fields of cole flowers and rice terrace fields in the countryside.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
- Yangshuo Countryside Hiking
- Longsheng Terraced Fields
- Yuanyang Terraced Fields
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Li River Cruise
Li River cruise3. June, July and August
It is summer time, the hottest and most humid months in China. There are places to escape or embrace the summer heat. It is also a good time for visiting Tibet, where there will be pleasant weather and grand festivals.
- Mount E'mei near Chengdu
- Classical Landscape Gardens in Suzhou
- Go adventuring on the Silk Road
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Experience Tibet Shoton Festival
- See Giant Pandas
Mogao Grottoes4. September and October
Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit China with pleasant weather. October 1-7 is China's National Day Holiday, when tour prices rise and scenic spots are crowded; avoid visiting during this period. Recommended Tour: Fairy Land Tour to Jiuzhaigou and Mount E'mei
- Enjoy Spectacular the Great Wall
- Visit Tibet in its most pleasant time
- Visit Shangri-La and Jiuzhaigou
- Taste ripe fruits Xinjiang Province
- China's Mid-Autumn Festival
- West Lake in Hangzhou
Lake Yamdrok in Tibet5. November and December
It slowly turns into winter. With the holiday season coming, this period provides good opportunities for shopping.
- Holiday Season and Shopping Spree in Hong Kong
- Warm weather in Lijiang and Dali, Yunnan Province
- Experience history in Datong, Shanxi Province
Songzanlin Lamasery in YunnanPlaces to Visit by Theme/Interest
1. Festivals Experience
Various festivals, including Chinese traditional festivals and festivals of many ethnic minorities, fill the calendar throughout the year. The most important festival for the Chinese people is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), and is also the best time of the year to see traditional performances such as lion dance, dragon dance and other activities. Recommended Tours: China Festival Tours
- Chinese New Year
- Tibetan New Year
- Lusheng Festival
- Sisters' Meal Festival in Guizhou
- Water Splashing Festival
- Naadam Grassland Festival
- Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival2. Sports
For active travelers, there are some grand events at international level held in China. Also, many scenic spots are suitable for sports activities like hiking, biking and skiing. There is something for every one with varying physique and adventure levels. Recommended Tours: China Hiking Tours
- Nanshan Ski Resort in Beijing
- Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing
- The Yellow Mountains Trekking
- Qinghai Lake Biking
The Yellow Mountains trekking3. History
With over 4,000 years of history, China is one of four ancient civilizations in the world. The historical legacy serves as a valuable pool of material, spiritual and philosophical traditions. Historical sites and relics are many travelers' reasons to visit China.
- The Great Wall of China
- The Forbidden City
- Terracotta Army in Xi'an
- Shaanxi Provincial Museum in Xi'an
- Yungang Grottoes in Datong
- The Potala Palace in Tibet
Terracotta Army in Xi'an4. Scenery
With a vast expanse of territory, China boasts diverse and picturesque natural beauty. As of 2010, 40 sites had been inscribed as World Heritage Sites, including 29 cultural, 7 natural and 4 cultural and natural heritage sites.
- Karst Topography and Longji Rice Terraced Fields in Guilin
- The Yangtze River
- Tibet: Roof of the World
- Jiuzhaigou (Nine Village Valley)
- Yunnan Province: South of the Clouds
- Xinjiang: Sand dunes, green pastures and snowcapped mountains
Longji Rice Terraced Fields5. Chinese Cuisine
Food has a special meaning to Chinese people. China is considered a gourmet paradise because of its great variety of food and a surprising range of ingredients used. Chinese food is healthy, delicious, and above all, different. Recommended Tours: Chinese Food Tours
- Wangfujing Food Street in Beijing
- City God Temple in Shanghai
- Jinli Street in Chengdu
- Muslim Street in Xi'an
City God Temple in Shanghai6. Honeymoon
Honeymoon couples can have a most romantic and unforgettable experience in China. There are many options for couples, and they can select the destinations and activities depending on their personal choice and preferences.
- Shanghai
- Hong Kong
- Sanya, Hainan Island
- Shangri-La and Lijiang Ancient Town
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town near Hangzhou
- Yangtze River Cruise
Sanya, Hainan IslandPlaces to Visit on Your ... Time to China
1. First Time to China
For first-time visitors, the following destinations can help them a general impression of China: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Guilin. These four places are the most popular destinations for visitors both in China and from around the world. They represent China's past, present, scenery and development.
- Beijing: Former Imperial Glory
- Shanghai: Prosperous Modern Metropolis
- Xi'an: Cradle of Ancient Chinese Civilization
- Guilin: Picturesque Mountain and Water Landscape
Beijing: Former Imperial Glory2. Second Time to China
The following are also among the most famous and popular destinations in China. They are suitable for travelers who have already grasped a glimpse of China and want to explore more of it. Recommended Tour: 8-Day Explore Shangri-La Tour
- Hong Kong and Macau
- Yangtze River Cruise
- The Yellow Mountains
- Yunnan Province
- Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou
Shangri La, Yunnan3. Third Time to China
For travelers who have visited China for several times, it is suggested that they travel to relatively remote or less-travelled destinations, to see more of China's ethnic minorities, landscape and culture. Recommended Tour: 17-Day Tracks of Marco Polo Tour
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- Shanxi Province: Travel through History
- Tibet: Roof of the World
- The Ancient Silk Road
- Guizhou: Nature and Ethnic Minorities
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region