China can be visited throughout the year because of the stretch of its territories and sites and activities it can offer. Deciding when to visit China depends on which places you wish to visit, what type of weather you enjoy, and how much a bargain you want. China is a huge country with many different climates and types of landscape. Think of it in terms of the United States , which China resembles in size and shape. Traveling along the Golden Route ( Beijing , Xian, Shanghai , Guilin ) is like visiting New York , Chicago , Santa Fe , and Jacksonville , Florida all in one trip.

April, May, September and October are the peak tourist months at China's most popular destinations when the weather is the most comfortable. Prices drop a bit in the shoulder season, which runs from November through March and from June through August. However, the winter months are peak season for trips to China's Hainan Island and to the Northeast Harbin for its world-famous ice-lantern festival. These months are also packed with New Year holidays, Chinese Spring Festival and other national or local happy fairs. Summer months are great time to explore China's Far East-Manchuria.

China has a continental and seasonal climate. Most parts are in the temperate zone but southern areas are in the tropical or subtropical zone while northern areas are in the frigid zone. Climates in different areas are complicated. For instance, northern Heilongjiang Province has a winter climate the year round without summer, while Hainan Island has a summer climate the year round without winter. The following is a reference table for tourists to prepare clothing on their trips.

• Spring:

  10-22¡ãC, Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes.

• Summer:

  22¡ãC and above, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear.

• Autumn:

  10-22¡ãC, Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes.

• Winter:

  10¡ãC or lower, overcoat, cotton clothes, lined coats. In very cold areas a cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required.  

Precipitation varies regionally even more than temperature. China south of the Qin Ling experiences abundant rainfall, most of it coming with the summer monsoons. To the north and west of the range, however, rainfall is uncertain. The farther north and west one moves, the scantier and more uncertain it becomes. The northwest has the lowest annual rainfall in the country and no precipitation at all in its desert areas.

Average Temperatures (Centigrade/Fahrenheit) in Major Cities