Best Time to Visit China in 2025/2026: Seasons & Top Places

China covers an extensive land area of nearly 96 million square kilometers. It is roughly the same size as the United States and is one of the largest countries in the world by land area, with the weather varying considerably from region to region. Generally, it is suitable to visit China year-round; the best time depends on your chosen destination and the type of vacation you seek. If you're planning a trip to China, we've prepared a guide to help you figure out the best time to visit China.

The Forbidden City in Beijing

Most of China's territory is located in the northern temperate zone, which results in distinct seasonal changes. It will be rather hot in summer and cold in winter, while the weather in spring and autumn is milder and more comfortable. Let's look at the characteristics of China's four seasons and some festivals worth celebrating.

When Is the Best Time to Visit China

The Great Wall in Beijing, China

Generally, a year in China can be divided into three tourist seasons:

• Peak season (June to August)
• Shoulder season (March to May & September to November)
• Off season (December to February)

We recommend you visit China from March to May and from September to November the most. However, whenever you want to visit China, we can tailor-make your trip to make the most of your vacation, offer you an unforgettable trip to China with best views.

Visit China in Spring (March to May)

West Lake, Spring in Hangzhou

Spring is one of the best times to visit China. Between March and May, the weather warms up and becomes comfortable, with temperatures averaging 10-23 °C (50-73 °F). The south of China becomes humid because of rain, while the north of China is still relatively dry. In the spring, most of the cities are full of green scenery and colorful flowers. Plus, the air is fresh after a rain.

Suggested Cities in Spring

In Beijing, spring is perfect for walking the ancient alleys (hutongs), exploring the Forbidden City, and hiking the Great Wall surrounded by fresh greenery. The mild temperatures and clear skies make it an ideal time to visit the city's many historical sites.

Apart from that, spring offers comfortable weather to bike along the ancient city wall or visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Meanwhile, Shanghai starts to bloom with cherry blossoms and magnolias, especially in parks like Gucun Forest Park. It's also a great time to stroll along the Bund or take a day trip to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao.

Hangzhou in spring is nothing short of poetic. West Lake is lined with willow trees, and the surrounding tea fields - especially in Longjing Village - are busy with the spring harvest. Just a few hours away, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is spectacular, with misty peaks, blooming azaleas, and dramatic sunrises. The ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi nearby are also beautifully framed by spring scenery.

• For more information & recommended places, please refer to: China in Spring

Events and Festivals

• Water Splash Festival: It is a Chinese ethnic minority festival celebrated by the Dai people in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, in mid-April every year. Dai people believe pouring water on people will wash away their bad luck. You can join them and have lots of fun.
• Luoyang Peony Festival: The Culture Festival is held from April to May, when peony flowers burst into bloom. You can admire different kinds of peony flowers and partake in many exhibitions in Luoyang.

Visit China in Summer (June to August)

Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

In this season, hot sunshine revitalizes most cities in China, and the constant rainfall offers fresh greenery and endless waterfalls to mountain and highland attractions. At this time, China's temperatures average 28-34 °C (64-82 °F) in the summer. It's a great time to escape the urban heat and discover the country's natural beauty and regional charm.

Suggested Destinations in Summer

Zhangjiajie in Hunan transforms into a mystical wonderland with its towering sandstone pillars rising above a sea of green forest. Summer rains feed its waterfalls and streams, making the landscape even more dramatic. For a thirller adventure, you may walk across the glass bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Yunnan offers diverse landscapes and cultures year-round, but summer is perfect for exploring its cooler highlands. Wander through the old towns of Lijiang and Dali, take in the alpine charm of Shangri-La, or hike through the majestic Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Further west, Tibet is at its most accessible in summer. The weather is great with an average temperature of 11℃ to 25℃, and the skies are dazzling blue. To explore the spiritual heart of Lhasa, consider visiting the sacred Yamdrok Lake and admiring the snowcapped Himalayas from places like Namtso or Mount Everest Base Camp. Summer in Tibet is a season filled with sunshine, highland flowers, and deep cultural experiences.

If you're interested in off the beaten places in China, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia might be great options, as they're not as famous as Beijing, Xi'an or Shanghai. Shanxi offers a mix of history and cool mountain escapes. You may explore ancient sites like the Yungang Grottoes or head to the Wutai Mountains, one of China's sacred Buddhist ranges, for fresh air and spiritual tranquility. In Hulunbuir (Inner Mongolia), summer brings vast green grasslands, rolling hills, and herds of grazing horses under endless blue skies.

Admire Yangtze River on the cruise

Lastly, a Yangtze River cruise is a relaxing way to enjoy the summer scenery. As you drift between towering cliffs and green hills, you'll pass through the dramatic Three Gorges, stop at ancient towns and temples, and enjoy onboard comfort while escaping the summer heat inland.

• For more information & recommended places, please refer to: China in Summer

Events and Festivals:

• Dragon Boat Festival: It occurs on May 5th in the Lunar Calendar (usually in early June). At this time, people in China will eat zongzi. It's a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice with meat and peanuts wrapped in bamboo leaves. You can learn to make zongzi and watch dragon boats racing by the river.
• Torch Festival: It is a regional festival celebrated by the Li ethnic group in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan. It occurs on June 24th in the Lunar Calendar (usually in late July). People will parade along the mountains at night, with a small torch in their hands. You can join them, sitting around the big torch, to watch various performances.
• Double Seventh Festival: It's also called the Qixi Festival, the Valentine's Day of China. It occurs on July 7th in the Lunar Calendar (usually in August). People celebrate it by giving their sweethearts flowers, chocolates, and other gifts.

Visit China in Autumn (September to November)

Longji Terraced Fields in Autumn,Guilin

Autumn, like spring, is thought to be the most pleasant time to visit China. The temperatures remain between 15 and 27 °C (59 and 81 °F). It is warmer than spring and cooler than summer. Autumn brings China lower rainfall, a softer breeze, and more clear days, and it provides ideal conditions for people to enjoy outdoor activities.

Suggested Destinations in Autumn

In Guilin, autumn brings cooler weather and clearer skies - perfect for cruising down the Li River or biking through the karst landscapes of Yangshuo. The rice terraces in Longsheng County are especially photogenic after the harvest, glowing in hues of gold and bronze.

Chengdu is a great base for both cultural immersion and natural beauty in the fall. While you can still enjoy spicy Sichuan hotpot and visit the famous panda research base, the real autumn magic lies a few hours away in Jiuzhaigou Valley. Known for its crystal-clear lakes and colorful forests, Jiuzhaigou is stunning in October when the mountains transform into a canvas of red, gold, and orange.

Farther northwest, Kanas in Xinjiang offers breathtaking alpine scenery in autumn. Dense forests of birch and poplar turn brilliant shades of gold, contrasting with turquoise lakes and snow-dusted mountains. The region's quiet beauty and local Kazakh culture make it a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path escape.

For a more urban experience, Chongqing in autumn means hotpot weather, misty hills, and scenic views along the Yangtze River. Take the cable car across the river or explore the quirky hillside streets of Hongya Cave, all while enjoying the pleasantly cool temperatures that make walking around much more enjoyable than in the steamy summer.

• For more information & recommended places, please refer to: China in Fall

Events and Festivals:

• Mid-Autumn Festival: One of the most well-known traditional Chinese festivals occurs on August 15th in the Lunar Calendar (usually in late September or early October). There will be a full moon at night during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Chinese people's opinion, the full moon means reunion. Chinese people worship the full moon with their family at night and eat mooncakes.

Visit China in Winter (November to February)

Harbin in Winter

Wintertime temperatures are generally low, basically ranging from -30 °C to 8 °C (-22 °F to 46 °F). Northern China usually has temperatures below zero and snow. In southern China, especially in Yunnan, the temperature is typically above zero and much warmer than in northern China. During the winter, the views in the north and south of China are totally different. There will be heavy snow in the north, while trees may remain green in the south.

Suggested Cities in Winter

For a fairy tale winter, don't miss Harbin, home to the world-famous Ice and Snow Festival in the northern part of China. Here, you can wander through dazzling ice castles and admire massive snow sculptures. Or consider heading towards Yabuli Ski Resort for various slopes suitable for all skill levels.

If you're seeking a balance between mild weather and urban fun, explore the Greater Bay Area, which includes Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, etc. These bustling cities often keep being warm in winter, especially in Chinese New Year (usually falls in January or February). Which means it's comfortable to travel there in winter. You can explore scenic parks, sample Cantonese cuisine, and enjoy festive light displays without bundling up.

Meanwhile, Taiwan offers a refreshing winter experience with a mix of nature, culture, and street food. Hike misty mountain trails, soak in natural hot springs in Beitou or Jiaoxi, and explore Taipei's night markets under cozy layers. Even in January, temperatures are generally mild, making Taiwan a great all-round winter destination.

• For more information and recommended places, please refer to: China in Winter

Events and Festivals

• Spring Festival: The Spring Festival is another important festival for Chinese people. Usually, it falls in late January or early February. People put spring festival couplets on the gate and decorate their homes with red accessories. Parents and elders will give children red papers to wish them luck all year. There will be celebrations in squares or parks. You can enjoy the traditional lion dance with the locals.
• Lantern Festival: It falls on the 15th day of the Spring Festival. Eating tangyuan is a tradition of the Lantern Festival. It's a cuisine made of glutinous rice flour with sweet fillings. At night, people will watch lantern parades in parks. You can try to release floating lanterns on the river or lake.
• Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: It's the biggest event for people to enjoy snow views and ice sculptures. People usually celebrate this festival from December to early February. People in Harbin celebrate the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and the Spring Festival together. For a better experience, you can visit Harbin Ice and Snow World to admire the best-designed ice sculptures. In this park, you can participate in some snow sports.

Plan Your China Tour with Us

If there are other weather-related questions that are not mentioned in this article, feel free to leave a message. Write to trip@odynovotours.com or reach us by a simple click for a customized tour. Our experts will help you plan a worry-free China tour.