The Best Time to Travel to China

When planning a holiday it is essential to take into account the climate of your destination. China is the third largest country in the world, with an area that is almost forty times larger than that of United Kingdom. Due to China’s vast size and various climates, it can be difficult to determine one particular perfect time to travel. But, with a little help from CTS Horizons, we’re sure that you will find the perfect season to visit this stunning, historical country.  

Generally speaking, China is a country for all seasons but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn. Famed for their mild temperatures and sunshine these seasons have inspired some of the greatest works of Chinese literature and art and play an important role in China’s ancient culture. However, you would need to bear in mind China's national holidays which take place in the first week of May and the first week of October when the whole country is at a standstill. Considering that Chinese people are hardworking and they have only a two weeks holiday per year then it is not surprising the country is “shut down” during their national holidays.

Many consider Spring (April to May) the best season to visit southern China as green leaves and freshly blooming spring flowers inject colour into the southern cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou. The spring in these cities has captured the imaginations of artists in China for centuries, with great poets and writers such as Lao She and Bai Juyi finding comfort in the pleasant climate and beautiful surroundings. Hangzhou’s famous West Lake was a favourite of Bu Juyi’s, he was quoted as saying “ I most love the east of the lake, I cannot come often enough within the shade of green willow on White Sand Embankment.”

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As has been said by many great men, autumn in the north is like nowhere else in China. The incomparable beauty of the autumn leaves and the ripe jujubes paint the scenery in a warm comforting hue making for quite a spectacle for any visitor to the region. A trip out of Beijing to the Great Wall at Mutianyu is not to be missed. The comfortably warm autumn air coupled with the colourful scenery is the stuff of dreams.

Aside from a welcoming climate, these seasons offer visitors the chance to take part in some of most beautiful festivals when traveling to China. Harvest Moon Festival is one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar. Dating back over 3,000 years when the emperors of the ancient Shang dynasty would pray to the moon for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The date of the festival varies year to year according to the cycle of the lunar calendar. All over the world, Chinese communities will be celebrating this beautiful and ancient festival on 27^th September this year by sinking their teeth into indulgent Mooncakes and hanging ornate paper lanterns to decorate their homes and streets.   

Yet it is impossible to talk about the Harvest Moon festival without talking about the most famous and important festival in Chinese culture, Chinese New Year or Spring festival as it is known locally. This amazing festival takes place every at the end of the lunar year (usually from late January to mid-February) This year why not celebrate Chinese New Year in one of the country’s best-preserved ancient Ming and Qing-era towns, Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join in the Spring Festival here and feel the heartbeat of traditional China with its culture and traditions brought so vividly to life in authentic and sumptuous surroundings. Or visit the internationally renowned Harbin international snow and ice festival, where the locals embrace the harsh Siberian winter climate to create mesmerizing, illuminated artworks. 

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Visiting China during winter months has its own benefits – it’s cold but the sky is very crisp and it’s  heaven for photographers. Also, there are not so many people around and you can enjoy major tourist sites without any interruptions. Not to mention the price which tends to go down giving you an opportunity to stretch your stay in China for longer.

However, it is important to note that no matter what time you choose to go to China you will be in for a journey filled with unforgettable and unique experiences that you will treasure forever. 

For more information about traveling to China please call one our experienced travel advisors on 020 3750 1655 for FREE advice or send us a quick email on cts@ctsuk.com Alternatively check out our incredible, hand-picked China Tours.