Best and Worst Time to Visit China: Avoid Crowds
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Best and Worst Time to Visit China: Avoid Crowds

Written by Chris Quan Updated Jul. 4, 2025

To be honest, we think the best time to travel to China is almost all year round. Because China is a large country and you can always find a suitable destination every month.

This article will help you choose the best time to visit most cities, show you how to match destinations with your travel month, and share useful weather tips for each season.

When Is China at Its Best?

Autumn Is Best, Spring Comes Second

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to enjoy pleasant weather and beautiful natural scenery.

Autumn, in particular, is ideal for most cities across China. There's little rain, the summer heat fades, and outdoor sightseeing becomes much more comfortable.

The landscapes come alive with color like the blue lakes of Jiuzhaigou, red maple leaves in Beijing’s Xiangshan Park, and golden ginkgo trees at the Forbidden City.

It’s a great season for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys being outdoors.

Check out our 14-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Zhangjiajie–Guilin–Shanghai

Shuzheng LakesShuzheng Lakes in Jiuzhaigou (autumn views)

Spring is just as beautiful as autumn, especially with all the blooming flowers.

You can see vibrant rapeseed fields in Luoping and Huangshan, jacaranda trees in Kunming, and peach blossoms in Tibet.

However, spring tends to have slightly more rain, particularly in southern cities like Guilin, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, but it’s usually light and won’t affect your travel too much.

LuopingVibrant rapeseed fields in Luoping, Yunnan

Inside Tips: Avoid Peak Holiday Crowds

During spring and autumn, we recommend avoiding the following dates. These are major public holidays in China, when tourist sites are extremely crowded and travel costs can rise by 50–100%:

  • Qingming Festival (April 3–5)
  • Labor Day (April 30 – May 4)
  • National Day (September 30 – October 6)

So, taking crowds, weather, and scenery into account, the best months to travel are April, May, September, and mid-to-late October.

If you're heading to southern destinations like Yunnan or Guilin, early November is also a great option.

See more travel tips on Dates You Should Avoid When Planning a China Tour

What If I Can Only Travel in Summer or Winter?

While not everyone can travel in spring or autumn, especially if you're planning a family trip during your children's winter or summer holidays.

Summer is one of the most popular travel times for Chinese families. Thus, it is the peak season. But with the right planning and local insights, you could still enjoy a comfortable and enriching trip.

How to Beat Summer Crowds:

1. Choose the right route or section, not just the attraction.

Most major sights have more than one way to explore them, and some are far less crowded. For example:

  • The Great WallJinshanling and Jiankou sections see far fewer tourists than the famous Badaling.
  • Terracotta Warriors: Start with Pit 3 (the quietest), then visit Pit 2, and finish with Pit 1, going against the typical flow.
  • Forbidden City: Begin with the side halls instead of the main central axis to avoid the early rush.

2. Go early or late to avoid peak times.

Most tourist hotspots are busiest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

  • Get an early start around 6 a.m. for a peaceful morning visit.
  • Or go later in the afternoon after 4 p.m., when tour groups start to leave.
  • In summer, this also means cooler temperatures and beautiful light for photography, like sunset at Jinshanling.
JinshanlingSunset at Jinshanling

3. Swap popular spots with meaningful alternatives.

Some lesser-known places offer incredible experiences without the crowds, such as:

  • In Xi’an, Lintong Museum showcases the first batch of restored Terracotta Warriors, and even offers a hands-on experience restoring relics under expert guidance.
Lintong MuseumOur hands-on experience to restore relics in Lintong Museum
  • In Shanghai, Aurora Museum, the largest private museum in the city, will let you see treasures that rival those in national museums and even view ancient Chinese artifacts just 10 centimeters away.
Aurora MuseumExhibits of the Shanghai Aurora Museum

4. Try to avoid August 1–15, the peak of the peak season with the heaviest crowds.

If your schedule is flexible, late June is less crowded, but avoid southern cities like Guilin and Guangzhou, as they often see heavy rain around that time.

5. Consider working with a local travel agency.

If you're unsure how to navigate the busy summer season, local insight really makes a difference. A thoughtfully planned route, based on real-time crowd patterns and your interests, can turn a busy day into a surprisingly smooth experience.

Feel free to contact us to make your China itinerary.

Summer is also China’s rainy season, especially in the south. Mid to late June brings frequent downpours

While July and August usually have short showers in the morning or evening. These may cause minor delays but won’t ruin your entire trip.

If you're planning outdoor activities, have a Plan B for indoor options like cave exploration in Guilin as a backup for hiking or cycling.

Choosing the right destinations helps, too. Head to Guizhou and Yunnan for cooler weather, Inner Mongolia for fresh air and open grasslands, or Guilin for refreshing water activities. See Top Places to Visit in China in Summer

GuilinPlay with Water in Guilin

If you choose to travel in winter, you'll enjoy fewer crowds and more budget-friendly prices in most destinations. You can also join festive winter events like the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

HarbinHarbin Ice and Snow World

However, the temperatures in northern China often drop below 0°C (32°F), so be sure to pack warm clothing and dress in layers to stay comfortable during outdoor activities. See How to Plan a Winter Trip to China

Best month to visit China

Best Destinations in China by Month

Month Recommended Destinations Why It’s a Good Time to Visit
 January Harbin, Changbai Mountain, Hainan, Yunnan Ice Festival; beach weather in Sanya; mild temps in tropical Yunnan
February Changbai Mountain, Hainan, Yunnan, Chaoshan Snow; beaches; warm weather; lively atmosphere of Chinese New Year
March Guilin, Hangzhou, Beijing, Nyingchi Blossoms begin; mild spring weather; fewer crowds
April Beijing, Xi’an, Suzhou, Yunnan Prime weather for classic cities and spring scenery
May Zhangjiajie, Yangshuo,  Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai Warm but not hot; green mountains
June Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Tibet, Xinjiang Cool in the highlands; grassland culture and summer festivals, less rains
July Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, Guizhou Alpine flowers, long daylight hours, dramatic scenery
August Sichuan, Guizhou, Inner Mongolia Lush rural views, ethnic festivals, cooler climates
September Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Xinjiang, Shanghai Autumn colors start; clear skies; harvest season in western China
October Guilin, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie Arguably the best weather; golden leaves; fewer rainy days
November Yunnan, Fujian, Guangzhou, Chaoshan, Hong Kong Still mild in the south; fewer tourists; fall color in some areas
December Harbin, Hainan, Yunnan Ice and Snow Festival; warm beach getaways; fewer crowds in classic cities

Find more ideas on our China tours.

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