Best Travel Time to China
When considering factors such as temperature, rainfall, landslides, floods, typhoons, sunshine, sightseeing, and natural landscapes, the best seasons for foreign tourists to visit China are generally April, May, September, and October. However, it is advisable to avoid two major holidays: Labor Day (May Day) holidays and National Day (October 1st) holidays.
For winter activities such as skiing, the best time to visit Northern China is from December to February.
For coastal vacations in Southern China, such as in Hainan Province, the ideal period is also from December to February.
If cost and service quality are key considerations, June and November are good choices. These months have fewer crowds and lower travel expenses. However, Northern China can be quite cold from late October to November.
For budget-conscious travelers who are mainly interested in visiting urban attractions and experiencing local cuisine in cities, the period from November to March is acceptable.
In winter time, the best options are coastal cities in the south, but Sanya tends to be crowded. Southern China is generally a better choice, followed by cities in Central China. However, it is best to avoid long-distance travel around the Spring Festival holiday.
The Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) holiday, which lasts for about eight days, significantly impacts transportation. Both train and flight tickets become difficult to book, and highways are heavily congested. The festival typically falls between January 21st and February 20th on the solar calendar.
The Peak Period of Spring Festival Travel (Public Transportation)
will lasts about 40days anyway.
If you plan to stay in major cities and experience local daily life, the Spring Festival holiday period may be a good choice, as non-tourist areas are much less crowded. However, many shops and restaurants may closed during this time.
Spring Festival Travel Rush (40 Days) – Traffic Flow Trends
Pre-Spring Festival Period (before New Year's Eve, when people return home): Large numbers of people and vehicles move from big cities to smaller cities, from urban areas to villages, and from developed coastal regions to inland, northern, and western areas.
Post-Spring Festival Period (starting around the 6th day of the New Year, when people return to work): The movement reverses, with people traveling back to major cities and developed regions.
During the Spring Festival holiday (approximately 15 days or more): Many businesses, including restaurants and shops, remain closed.
Summer Vacation Period (Family Travel After Two Entrance Exams – Gaokao & Zhongkao):
The peak season for family travel in China is July and August, following the college entrance exam (Gaokao) and high school entrance exam (Zhongkao).
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