China is huge, which means the weather can vary a lot depending on where you go. But don’t worry – here’s a quick rundown of what to expect across the seasons.
Spring (April – May): Great for exploring Beijing’s historic sites or strolling the Bund in Shanghai without the summer heat. It’s a popular time for the start of outdoor festivals, including the Dragon Boat Festival, which typically takes place in late May or June, depending on the lunar calendar.
Summer (June – August): Expect hot, humid days in most cities and the occasional downpour in some regions. It’s peak travel season for locals, so attractions can get busy and prices a bit higher – but it’s also the perfect time to cool off with liangpi (delicious cold noodles)!
Autumn (September – October): With comfortable weather and colourful scenery, this is one of the best times to explore China. Go camping on the Great Wall, spot pandas in Chengdu, and join the locals in celebrating the Moon Festival with delicious traditional mooncakes – it’s one of the most magical times of year to visit.
Winter (November – February): Cold in Beijing and northern China (sometimes below freezing), but much milder in Shanghai, Chengdu, and especially Hong Kong. With fewer tourists around, it’s a great time to explore if you prefer a calmer, more relaxed vibe.
Top Tip: Be aware of the three major peak travel periods – Chinese New Year (late January/February), the first week of May (Labor Day Golden Week), and the first week of October (National Day Golden Week). Domestic travel surges and trains, hotels, and attractions book up fast.
Top Things to do in China
Wondering what there is to do in China? Here are a few top picks:
See the giant pandas in Chengdu
Visit the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch these gentle animals eating, playing, and lazing around in a naturalistic habitat. It’s one of the highlights of any trip to China.
Camp overnight on the Great Wall of China
Take a trip to one of the seven wonders of the world, where you can hike the trail and camp overnight. Watching the sunset and sunrise over the rolling mountains is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
Step back into ancient history at the archaeological site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army. Thousands of life-sized statues stand in battle formation, each with unique details; it’s a seriously cool sight that brings history to life.
Enjoy the contrasting charms of Chongqing
Experience the dramatic scenery of this riverside mountain city, with skyscrapers and ancient buildings alike stacked into the steep hillside. From Liziba Station where the metro runs straight through a residential building, to the luminous traditional buildings of Hongya Cave, Chongqing offers some of the most unique sights and scenery in China.
Bamboo rafting in Yangshuo
Float gently along the Li or Yulong Rivers on a traditional bamboo raft. Surrounded by the region’s dramatic limestone karst peaks, this is one of the most peaceful and picturesque ways to experience southern China’s scenery.
Dive into local nightlife
From buzzing bar crawls in Shanghai and rooftop views in Yangshuo to karaoke nights in Guanyinqiao, experiencing China’s nightlife is a fun way to experience the country’s nightlife.
Visit the Shaolin Temple
Known as the birthplace of kung fu, the Shaolin Temple is an icon of Chinese culture and martial arts. Here, you can learn about Buddhist traditions, watch demonstrations, and see where monks have trained for centuries.
Best Places to Visit in China
China’s regions are incredibly diverse. Here’s a quick overview of the best places to visit in China:
Beijing
The capital city is packed with history and culture. Explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square or camp on the Great Wall just outside the city. Beijing is the perfect place to dive into China’s imperial past while experiencing its modern energy.
Shanghai
Known for its glittering skyline, futuristic skyscrapers, and buzzing nightlife, Shanghai is China’s cosmopolitan heart. Don’t miss a stroll along the Bund, wandering the French Concession, or heading up a sky deck for panoramic city views.
Chongqing
China’s futuristic mountain city is full of sights you have to see to believe. Wander through Ciqikou Ancient Town with its old streets, teahouses, and folk art; ride the Yangtze River Cableway for sweeping views of the river and city, then dive into Hongya Cave after dark, when the dramatic stilted buildings light up and reflect in the water.
Chengdu
Famous as the home of giant pandas, Chengdu also charms visitors with its laid-back teahouse culture, fiery Sichuan hotpot, and nearby mountain scenery. It’s a city that balances relaxation with incredible food and nature experiences.
Hong Kong
A dynamic blend of East and West, Hong Kong offers iconic harbour views, exciting street markets, beautiful hiking trails, and some of the best dim sum in the world. It’s fast-paced yet surprisingly green, with plenty of hidden corners to discover.
Xi’an
Once the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is best known for the Terracotta Warriors, but the city itself is also worth exploring, with its ancient city walls, vibrant Muslim Quarter, and rich cultural history.
Guilin & Yangshuo
Southern China’s postcard-perfect scenery comes to life here, with dramatic karst mountains, winding rivers, and peaceful countryside. Whether you choose to raft down the Yulong River or cycle along rice paddies, this area is all about natural beauty and fresh air.
How Many Days Are Enough for China?
How many days do you need in China? If you’re focusing on just one city, you can cover the highlights in 3 – 5 days. But China is vast, and each region feels completely different. To experience the full breadth, from ancient capitals to southern river towns and modern megacities, you’ll want to allow at least 2 – 4 weeks. A month gives you time to see the major cities at a relaxed pace while also venturing into smaller towns and countryside escapes.
Explore our wide range of epic China group tours – from 10-day highlights to 27-day deep dives into the country’s must-see spots!
Getting Around China: Is it easy, or will I get lost?
Getting around China is easier than you might expect, thanks to its excellent public transport system. High-speed trains connect most major cities quickly and comfortably, while metro systems in places like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu are efficient, cheap and clearly signposted in English. Buses are even cheaper, though less tourist-friendly, and taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi are affordable for short trips. While English is limited outside big tourist areas, translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco (for Chinese characters) make life much smoother. With a little preparation, you’ll find navigating China easy!
- Metro and transport payments: Metro and transport payments: Most major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu now accept Visa and Mastercard – simply tap your bank card to enter and exit stations. You can also use Alipay or WeChat to scan a QR code as your ticket, a convenient option available nationwide. While rechargeable metro cards still exist (like Beijing’s Yikatong or the Shanghai Public Transportation Card), they’re now rarely used.
- High-speed trains: The best way to travel between cities. Book tickets in advance through apps like Trip.com or China Railway’s 12306. Trains are punctual, clean, and much faster than buses.
- Ride-hailing apps: Download Didi (China’s version of Uber). There’s an English setting, and you can pay with a foreign bank card. Taxis are also inexpensive, but have your destination written in Chinese characters to avoid confusion.
- Airport transfers: Most big cities have airport metro lines or shuttle buses which are much cheaper than a taxi. For example, Beijing’s Airport Express is ¥25.
How Much Money Do I Need?
In China there is something for everybody, no matter your travel budget. Here’s a quick breakdown on what you might spend on essentials during your China trip:
Food:
- Street food and local restaurants: ¥20-40 per meal – local food includes noodle dishes, dumplings and rice dishes, and will be much cheaper than Western-style meals.
- Mid-range restaurants: ¥50-100 per person – includes meals at chain restaurants and places serving Western-style food.
- Fancy meals: ¥200-400 – fancy restaurants will cost more but are well worth exploring if you have the budget; try Michelin star local food without breaking the bank.
Transport:
- Metro rides: ¥3-6
- Buses: ¥1-3
- Taxis: starting around ¥10-14
- High-speed trains: ¥50-600 depending on distance and class.
Attractions:
- Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an: ¥150
- Chengdu panda sanctuaries: ¥58
Paying in China: Go Cashless with Alipay or WeChat Pay
China is now largely cashless – many local markets, street stalls, and taxis won’t accept cash unless you have the exact amount. The easiest way to pay is by using Alipay or WeChat Pay, which now allow foreign bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB) to be linked directly.
Once set up, you can pay for almost anything – from metro rides and convenience stores to taxis and food stalls – by simply scanning a QR code. Carrying a few small amounts of cash (yuan) can still be useful in rare situations, but mobile payments are by far the most convenient and reliable option.
Must-Try Chinese Dishes
Some general must-tries across China include:
There are also some regional dishes that are a must-try if you visit these areas:
Beijing:
- Peking duck: Crispy-skinned roast duck served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
- Jianbing: Savory Chinese crepes filled with egg, scallions, and sauces, perfect for breakfast.
Shanghai:
- Xiao long bao: Steamed dumplings filled with juicy pork and hot soup.
- Shanghai-style scallion pancakes: Crispy, chewy pancakes with aromatic green onions.
Chengdu:
- Sichuan hotpot: Spicy, numbing broth with meat, vegetables, and dipping sauces.
- Mapo tofu: Soft tofu in a fiery, flavourful chili-bean sauce.
Chongqing:
- Mala hotpot: Chongqing’s signature dish, combining Sichuan peppercorns and red chili peppers to form a deep-red, spicy broth.
- Dandan noodles: A spicy noodle dish featuring chilli oil, minced meat and vegetables.
Hong Kong:
- Dim sum: Bite-sized dishes like shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and turnip cakes.
- Egg tarts: Sweet, creamy custard in a crisp pastry shell.
