China Weather in July 2026: Where to Avoid Heat and Crowds

July is scorching and humid throughout most of China — it's the hottest month. In some places, it is also the rainiest month.

July is nevertheless one of the most popular times for families to travel, as many parents plan trips during their children's summer break.

Read on to find out how China's July climate affects tourism and our travel suggestions.

What's the Weather Like in China in July

Most major cities in China reach 35–38°C (95–100°F) in July, so it is indeed one of the hottest months. Only high-altitude destinations—such as Jiuzhaigou—stay pleasantly cool at 18–25°C (64–77°F).

July is also part of the rainy season, especially in southern China, where the mix of heat and humidity can feel heavier. The good news is that most rain falls at night or early in the morning, so daytime sightseeing is usually not affected.

So, is the heat a reason to avoid traveling in July?

Not necessarily. While July is hot, it's far from unbearable — especially with a thoughtfully planned itinerary. You won't be exposed to the sun for long stretches.

We schedule outdoor visits during cooler hours (around 8–10 a.m. or 3–5 p.m.), provide air-conditioned transfers, and include refreshing experiences such as paddleboarding in Guilin or comfortable indoor activities.

Paddleboarding in Guilin

With these adjustments, your trip in July can still be smooth, enjoyable, and full of great memories.

How to Deal With July Crowds

Crowds are another challenge you may face in July. Often, what makes hot weather feel overwhelming is not the temperature itself, but heat plus long lines and packed walkways.

July is a peak travel month in China, so managing crowds well can make your entire trip much more comfortable.

Choosing a cooler or less-visited destination is certainly one solution. But for many first-time visitors, skipping classics like the Forbidden City or the Bund simply isn't an option — and it shouldn't be.

These places represent China at its most iconic, and you may not know when your next trip will be. That's why we focus on smart routing instead of avoidance.

For example:

• At the Bund, we take you to the North Bund, where the views are even better and the crowds far lighter.

A good photo spot in the North Bund

• For the Great Wall, we choose sections like Jiankou or Jinshanling, avoiding the packed areas while giving you a much more rewarding hiking experience.

Jiankou Great Wall

• In Hangzhou, we include cool and fun indoor stops such as the Wensan Future Technology Center, where you can see the latest innovations from leading AI companies — including Unitree's robots — in air-conditioned comfort.

Wensan Future Technology Center

These are just a few strategies we use to help you enjoy July without the stress of heavy crowds. Of course, some level of crowding is unavoidable in peak season, but the routes we design ensure you're not stuck in the densest, most uncomfortable areas.

Where to Go in China in July

With the strategies above, you can still enjoy popular destinations like Beijing or Zhangjiajie comfortably. But if you'd like somewhere naturally cooler and less crowded, the following places are great options too.

1. Inner Mongolia

July to September is the prime season for exploring Inner Mongolia. Temperatures are pleasantly mild, the grasslands turn a deep summer green, and the landscapes feel wide-open and refreshing.

Xilamuren Grassland

This is also when the Naadam Grassland Festival takes place—a vibrant celebration featuring Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, archery, plus traditional music and dance performances.

(For reference, the 2025 festival in Huitengxile Grassland was held on July 13. The 2026 dates will only be released about two weeks before the opening ceremony, and we will update them as soon as they're announced.)

Beyond the festival, our 5-Day Classic Inner Mongolia Tour would let you explore much more — from otherworldly volcanic fields and vast deserts to rich nomadic culture and the enduring legacy of Genghis Khan.

2. Qinghai & Gansu

Qinghai Lake is pleasantly cool in July, and it's also the perfect time to witness its seasonal canola blossoms, which typically peak between July 10 and July 25.

Qinghai Lake

Beyond Qinghai Lake, you can explore a Qinghai–Gansu loop, including horseback rides on the grasslands, stargazing in the desert, and a ride on the vintage train across Chaka Salt Lake.

In July, we especially recommend the Gannan region, a true hidden gem. Here, you'll find untouched Tibetan culture and pristine grasslands — ideal if you enjoy a slower, immersive experience.

Labrang Lamasery

You can follow locals along the world's longest prayer wheel corridor, trek through Zhagana, a landscape combining steep peaks, forests, and ancient villages, and watch colorful prayer flags flutter as bells echo across the mountains.

At that moment, you would know why this area is known as "the Last Paradise on Earth".

Zhagana

3. Yunnan, Guizhou & Tibet

These three regions are popular summer destinations thanks to their cooler climates, but each province has plenty of attractions spread across multiple cities. This naturally disperses visitors, so you won't feel overcrowded in just one spot.

Yunnan and Guizhou are particularly well-suited for families with children or elderly travelers. You can stroll through ancient towns in Yunnan, explore ethnic minority villages in Guizhou, and enjoy stunning natural landscapes.

Our 15-Day Yunnan and Guizhou Tour would take you on a cool summer journey into their ethnic cultures and scenic wonders.

Dong villages in Guizhou

In July, the landscapes are green and lush, from Liupanshui's Wumeng Grasslands in Guizhou to Dali's Erhai Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Napahai in Yunnan.

Napahai Lake

Tibet is better suited for teenagers or adults, due to altitude considerations. Still, its dramatic highland scenery and rich Tibetan cultural and spiritual heritage make it an unforgettable experience.

Our clients in the Potala Palace

4. Guilin

Many travelers assume that Guilin in July is too hot and humid, which is typical for many southern Chinese cities in summer. But Guilin actually offers hidden summer-friendly activities that few people know about.

The region is home to numerous undiscovered caves with year-round cool temperatures, perfect for escaping the heat. After on-site research, we've identified a particularly exciting cave where you can abseil and explore using only a flashlight.

Our client exploring the cave

Guilin also offers plenty of water-based activities, such as paddleboarding on the Yulong River in Yangshuo or swimming in the source canyon of the Li River.

As a representative destination for China's natural and rural landscapes, our 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo would let you enjoy these stunning landscapes while also having unique, cool experiences.

Recommended China Tours

All of our itineraries can be personalized for you and your family's travel goals, available travel days and dates, and other requirements. Just contact us.

• 2-Week Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai Tour
• 14-Day Guangzhou – Shanghai – Beijing – Xi'an – Zhangjiajie Tour
• 18-Day Classic China Tour with Yunnan

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for China

• China Weather in January
• China Weather in February
• China Weather in March
• China Weather in April
• China Weather in May
• China Weather in June
• China Weather in July
• China Weather in August
• China Weather in September
• China Weather in October
• China Weather in November
• China Weather in December