China is a year-round travel destination. Regardless of when you go, there is always a place that is worth visiting.
China has reopened for travel. You can enter China now without quarantine. To tailor make an affordable private tour, simply contact us. You can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
To any visa-related questions, you can get an answer fast by joining our Going to China Facebook Group with 13k active memebers. It is where people talk about China entry policy everyday with real experience. Topics include tourist visa, transit visa-free policy, M visa and more. Some who have entered China smoothly woud share their experience as well.
The Best Time to Visit China
Weather-wise,the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather.
The cultural and historical destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an are hardly affected by weather conditions. They are suitable to be visited all year round. (See Best Time to Visit Beijing)
Recommended affordable private China tours:
- China Golden Triangle - 8-Day Beijing – Xi'an – Shanghai Tour
- China Classic Wonders - 11-Day Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shangha
- Land of Pandas - 13-Day Private Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu –Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai
- Secrets of Beijing - 4-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Night Tour
The Worst Time to Visit China
Most of attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists during the festival and holidays as below:
- Labor Day Holiday (May 1-3)
- Chinese National Day Holiday (October 1-7)
- Chinese New Year Holiday (in late January or early to mid February).
If you are travelling during the above periods, book well in advance and get ready for crowds of Chinese tourists. You can send us an inquiry directly with your travel requirements. With China Highlights, you enjoy no-risk booking, 100% refund policy! (up to 24 hours before departure)
See How to Avoid Crowds at China's 10 Busiest Attractions.
What Our Customers Said
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Gorgeous Guilin with Gary
What made it all the better of course was the sure and steady guidance of Gary whose knowledge and love for his home was as bountiful as the greenery all about! Upon arriving in Guilin, Gary and our wonderful driver, whose knowledge of the roads and navigating skill are a credit to her, escorted me to my first hotel in Guilin proper which was not only beautiful, with its spectacular waterfall feature, but also manned by friendly and experienced staff moreJan 2023, Apis N
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An Exceptional Tour with China Highlights - Highly Recommended!
She was knowledgeable and friendly and took care of every small detail to ensure we had a great time at every destination. She was also very considerate of our baby and made sure that we had everything we needed to make our vacation comfortable and enjoyable. moreJan 2023, Imane
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An Exceptional Tour with China Highlights - Highly Recommended!
The hotels, transport, and activities were all top-notch, and we felt well taken care of throughout the trip. We have already recommended China Highlights to our friends and family, and we will definitely use their services again. Thank you for making our vacation so memorable and enjoyable! moreJan 2023, Imane
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars
During Golden Week holidays we spent 7 wonderful days in Guilin, Longsheng and Yangshuo. Thanks to Carol for a well organized and stressless trip and also to our tour guide Henry who was always very knowledgeable and supportive. He did a great job making the trip comfortable and enjoyable for us. moreOct 2022, Anja
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Amazing trip to Guilin and Yangshuo
Thanks to Gary Wei and China heights for an amazing customised three day excursion in Guilin. Really enjoyed caving, the rock climbing and a relaxing afternoon with stand up paddle. Gary our tour guide was able to find paths off the beaten track and often time there were no other tourist to be seen. He also went out his way to make sure we’re well provisioned and took his own initiative to not only be our tour guide and our own photographer, providing us with many more and different memories of the trip. We would highly recommend both china highlight and especially Gary Wei as your local guide for a worry free, non stress trip. moreOct 2022, Yujie Z
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Guilin and Yangshuo
We had wonderful holidays in Guilin and Yangshuo during the golden week. Our guide Linda was able to plan the activities in a way that we manage to visit several places in short time. It was something very special to be the first person to go rafting and on the “wild” hiking to the top of the mountain to enjoy a beautiful view. Thanks to Linda we had an unforgettable holiday with many special moments. moreOct 2022, Karla
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Lovely getaway during National holidays to Yangshuo
Thanks to Sharon from China Highlights to organize such a great customized trip. A big shoutout to our amazing tour guide Gray. He made sure that traveling even during such a busy period of time was such a joy. Gary went out of his way caring for us. And his photography skills are spot on to have beautiful memories also captured in the digital way and not just in our hearts. We loved our time in beautiful Yangshuo and will be definitely back to Guilin anytime soon. moreOct 2022, Adriana Peiris
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Perfect holidays in Guanxi!
We had a wonderful experience in Guanxi. Our tour guide Henry was not only well informed about sights, history and local hotspots, he managed to make our trip to Guilin, Longcheng and Yangshuo interesting, funny and relaxing all in once. He really knows how to give interesting insights to parents and kids and took perfect care for both of our families. The tour organization was great ! moreOct 2022, Daniel
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Visiting China in Spring (April to May)
The Li River in springWeather: It is warm and comfortable. Temperatures average 10–23°C (50–73°F), warming up, with fresh air. Though relatively dry in north China, rain intensifies toward summer in south China.
Spring is one of the best times to visit China, especially for nature lovers. Flowers bloom and temperatures are cool to warm.
Wet weather needn't dampen travelers' spirits in the south of China. The rains can actually enhance views, with mountain mists in areas like the Li River (Guilin) and the Yellow Mountains.
If you're bothered by rain showers, make your trip to drier Beijing and Xi'an. See more on Top Places You Should Visit in China's Warm Spring.
Recommended China tours for spring:
- 3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountain Tour
- 4-Day Western Sichuan Tibetan Spring Tour from Chengdu
- 5-Day Kunming, Luoping, and Wanfenglin Tour
- 8-Day Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Bome Spring Tour
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Visiting China in Summer (June to August)
Weather: Summer is hot. daily temperatures average 25–33°C (77–91°F); rainy season in most areas, especially south and east China
Zhangjiajie Forest ParkSummer is in fact the time with most things to do in China - from city sightseeing and sunny mountain hiking to minority festivals.
It offers optimum conditions for mountain and highland destinations, such as Tibet, Yunnan, Guilin, and Zhangjiajie. .
Be prepared for heat and try to book in advance if you are visiting Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. If traveling to southeast China, e.g. Hong Kong, be flexible with your itinerary in case of flight delays or cancellations caused by typhoons.
Summer (June–August) is a good time to travel, except for the crowds and the heat. It is a peak travel time for Chinese families with school-age children, and students.
If the heat and crowds are challenges for you, a private tour will make your trip easier and more comfortable. Your guide can help you avoid the crowds and private air-conditioned transport will keep you cooler. See more on Top Places You Should Visit in China in Summer.
Recommended China tours for summer:
- 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
- 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour
- 2-Day Wolong Panda Keeper Program Tour
- 3-Day Zhongwei Desert Tour with Winery Experience
- 8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang Tour
If you have other places you want to go, you can also contact us. We will create a trip according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.
Visiting China in Fall (September to October)
Weather: Temperatures average 15–27°C (59–81°F), lower rainfall, more clear days
The Longji Rice Terraces in fallOverall, autumn in China has the best weather conditions with less rain than spring or summer, and more clear days. Most of China has warm to cool temperatures, and the summer rains have stopped (apart from around Hong Kong). So it's relatively dry.
Many travelers choose autumn to visit China, especially outdoor activity lovers. The fall hues and variety of fresh local fruits will enhance your trip.
Get inspiration from Top Places to Visit in Autumn in China.
Recommended China tours for autumn:
- 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
- 7-Day When Silk Road Culture Meets Fabulous Fall Colors
- 5-Day Chengdu, Daocheng, and Yading Tour
- 5-Day Zhangjiajie Hiking and Biking Tour for Any Level
- 2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour
Visiting China in Winter (November to March)
Weather: Average daily high temperatures of 8°C (46°F), in northern China it's usually below zero
The Forbidden City is quiet in winter.China's winter low travel season is from November to (early) March. In the low season, although the weather is colder, you can save money on hotels, flights, and entry tickets, and you can avoid the tourist crowds.
Cities in China's north and northwest areas like Beijing, Xinjiang, and Harbin are gorgeous under a blanket of snow. The annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival opens in late December and lasts for around 2 months.
If you can't handle the chilly weather, south China has warm places, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Sanya, and southern Yunnan.
See more on our China Winter Travel Guide - Places to Go, Activities, Suggestions.
Recommended China tours for winter:
- 6-Day Beijing Winter Tour with Skiing in a 2022 Olympic Winter Games Venue
- 7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour
- 6-Day Harbin Ice Festival Experience and Yabuli Club Med Tour
- 6-Day Xishuangbanna and Pu'er Tour
- 6-Day Sanya and Wanning Tour
- 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Winter Tour
All our tours can be customized. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements. Just contact us.
Best Time to Experience China's Traditional Festivals
It's a Miao custom to offer visitors wine from a horn.If you are after China's traditional and ethnic culture, and are fond of colorful local pageantry, travel to China during a traditional festival, such as:
- Chinese New Year: in late January or February
- Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival: in September or early October
- Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: in late December till late February of the next year
- See more on China's festivals.
Join in the festive celebrations and experience authentic Chinese culture with our China festival tours. You can find out how locals celebrate the most important days in their calendars.
Let Us Help You Plan Your China Trip
Our clients enjoyed a tailor-made tour to a Miao village in Guilin. Our travel advisors are very glad to give you suggestions and guidance for your trip planning. They can tailor-make your trip according to your interests and requirements, and help to find the best time of year to go to China for you.
Let us help you design a trip now. Or you can have a look at our most popular customizable itineraries:
- The Golden Triangle: Beijing – Xi'an – Shanghai (8 days)
- Classic Wonders: Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai (11 days)
- Find more ideas on our China tours.
Or you can read our suggestions on how to plan your trip to China this year.
