Your China & Yunnan Travel Experts
Ask a QuestionChina is an incredibly diverse country, offering a wealth of destinations that vary greatly depending on the season. Traveling in China can be quite different from month to month, as some destinations are best visited during certain seasons due to climate, festivals and local events.
China offers a wide variety of experiences year-round, and with so many different regions and climates, you can find an ideal destination for each month. Whether you're exploring the cultural heart of the country, relaxing on the beach, hiking in the mountains, or attending a festival, there’s always something exciting to experience in China no matter the season.
If you plan to travel to China in 2026 and want to avoid the crowds of public holidays in China in 2026, following is our public holidays of China in 2026 for your reference.
New Year’s Day in China is usually 3 days holiday. For starting a new year, people will go to the shopping malls or have dinners to celebrate for the new year.
Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. In Spring Festival, Chinese will get together with family and celebrate the Chinese new year together.
Qingming Festival, is the traditional festival of China. During this time, people will sweep the tombs of their ancestors to pay respects. Qingming Festival holiday is usually 3 days. Generally speaking, Qingming Festival is in spring, people will go on an outing to enjoy the scenery of spring during the Qingming Festival.
Labor Day is also the public holiday in China, and people have 5 days off at Labor Day. Labor Day is one of the peak of travel of domestic tourists. If you plan to visit China during the Labor Day, please take the crowds into your consideration.
Dragon Boat Festival is also a traditional festival of China. It is on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of China. During this time, there will be dragon boat races in many places in China. And Chinese people will make and eat zongzi on Dragon Boat Festival. If you happen to visit China during the Dragon Boat festival, you should not miss the dragon boat races in China, and you can experience the festival atmosphere of China.
Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China, just second to the Spring Festival. At Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese people will get together, eat moon-cakes and admire the full moon with families.
With 7 days’ holiday, National Day holiday is one of the longest holidays in China. And it is in autumn, with pleasant weather, people like to travel during this time. So China will be full of domestic tourists during the National Day holiday. Generally speaking, it is recommended that you avoid the National Day holiday to visit China. If you need to visit China during the National Day holiday, please get prepared for the crowds and long-time waiting at attractions.
January is cold in most of places of China. And January is a good time to explore the northern parts of China including Harbin, Mohe, China Snow Town, Changbai Mountain and Xinjiang. If you want to visit warm places in China, you can visit southern China like Yunnan, Hainan and Guangdong Provinces.
Recommended Destinations in January in China
Harbin(Ice Festival): In January, you can experience the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, where you can see massive vivid ice sculptures. If you enjoy winter festivals and cold weather, you can visit Harbin in Januray. Mohe is the northernmost place in China, where you can find the northernmost places, enjoy the ice and snow scenery and taste the characteristic foods in northeast China.
Xinjiang(Winter Sports): If you’re into winter sports, Xinjiang is an excellent choice. Xinjiang has beautiful snowy landscapes, and places like Altai Mountains and Tianshan Mountains offer fantastic skiing.
Beijing and Xi'an: Both cities have fewer tourists in January due to the cold weather, but the winter atmosphere adds a unique charm to cultural landmarks like the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.
Recommended Tour in January: 8 Days Classic China Tour
Spring Festival(Chinese New Year) is usually in February. February is usually cold in most of places in China. With cold weather, February is not crowded in most of places of China. If you like the silent atmosphere and want to enjoy the snow scenery in China, you can visit China in February.
Recommended Destinations in February in China
Beijing and Shanghai: February marks Chinese New Year(Spring Festival), the most important traditional holiday in China. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai come alive with festivals, fireworks and family gatherings. Visit temples for the traditional temple fairs, and watch colorful dragon dances, fireworks and lantern festivals.
Pingyao: Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and during the Chinese New Year, you can witness traditional folk performances and celebrations, while exploring its well-preserved ancient architecture.
Guangzhou: Known for its massive Lunar New Year celebrations, especially the famous Ching Ming Festival and the Flower Fair.
Recommended Tour in February: 11 Days North China Ancient Town Exploration Tour
March is cool or warm in southern China and still cold in northern China. In March, you can visit the water towns near Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai, where you can experience the typical view of the water towns of China as well as enjoy the picturesque scenery of spring.
Recommended Destinations in March in China
Jiuzhaigou Valley(Sichuan): In March, the Jiuzhaigou Valley, famous for its crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks and colorful forests, starts to thaw, and the wildflowers begin to bloom, making it a beautiful springtime destination.
Hangzhou: West Lake in Hangzhou is famous for its beauty, and in March, the cherry blossoms start to bloom, making it one of the best times to visit. The Tea Plantations around Hangzhou are also scenic and charming in the spring.
Guilin(Guangxi): Yangshuo with its dramatic limestone karst mountains and picturesque countryside, is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and rafting in the spring.
Recommended Tour in March:
8 Days Highlight Sichuan Tour
9 Days Best Scenery Trip Around Shanghai
April is the best time to enjoy the flowers blossoms in China. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in Yuantouzhu in Wuxi of Jiangsu Province, Pingba in Guizhou Province and Wuhan in Hubei Province. You can also enjoy the peach blossoms in Myingchi of Tibet.
Recommended Destinations in April in China
Beijing: The weather in Beijing becomes milder in April, and it’s one of the best times to visit the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. The cherry blossoms in parks and streets bloom during this time.
Suzhou and Hangzhou: Visit Suzhou and Hangzhou in April to experience tulip festivals, beautiful gardens, and traditional Chinese tea ceremonies.
Lijiang(Yunnan): Lijiang offers pleasant weather in April, and it’s a great time to explore its old town (a UNESCO site), visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and hike through its surrounding natural beauty.
Recommended Tour in April:
9 Days Best Scenery Trip Around Shanghai
Guilin(Li River): May brings perfect weather to explore the stunning landscapes of Guilin and the Li River. The karst mountains, winding rivers, and picturesque towns are at their best. May is also a great time to visit Yangshuo.
Chengdu(Sichuan): Visit Chengdu in May, as the weather is warm and comfortable, making it ideal for seeing the Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Tibet: May is one of the best time to visit Tibet, as the weather starts to warm up, and the Potala Palace and Barkhor Street in Lhasa are less crowded than in summer.
Recommended Tour in May:
6 Days Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Tour
Zhangjiajie: This is the perfect time to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, with its otherworldly landscape of towering sandstone pillars. It’s also where the Avatar movie’s floating mountains were inspired from.
Qinghai Lake: June is the beginning of summer, and Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland lake, is surrounded by stunning alpine meadows and blooming wildflowers.
Xinjiang: The summer months are ideal for exploring Xinjiang and its desert landscapes, such as the Karakol Lake and Kumutage Desert, along with the ancient city of Kashgar.
Recommended Tour in June:
14 Days Enjoy Natural Wonders of Zhangjiajie & Guilin
7 Days Picturesque Xinjiang Tour to Kanas Lake
Jiuzhaigou Valley (Sichuan): While Jiuzhaigou is beautiful year-round, July is an excellent time to visit due to warmer temperatures and vibrant greenery. The region’s hiking trails and waterfalls are at their best.
Yellow Mountains (Huangshan): If you’re into hiking and breathtaking views, Huangshan is a great summer destination. The iconic granite peaks and ancient pine trees create dramatic landscapes.
Zhangye Danxia Landform: The unique, multi-colored rock formations of Zhangye in Gansu Province are particularly striking in summer, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Recommended Tour in July:
6 Days Qinghai Lake–Zhangye Circle Line Trip
7 Days Photo Tour to Mt. Huangshan, Wuyuan & Mt. Sanqingshan
Beijing: While it’s quite hot in Beijing, August is still a good time for cultural exploration, especially since the summer crowds have thinned by this time.
Li River Cruise(Guangxi): If you haven’t already explored Guilin, this is a great time for a Li River Cruise, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the karst mountains while floating through the misty waters.
Tibet: In August, Tibet enjoys warm weather and clear skies, making it the perfect time to explore the Mount Everest base camp and other parts of the Himalayas.
Recommended Tour in August: 7 Days Xinjiang Discovery Tour
Shandong(Qufu): Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, is especially atmospheric in autumn with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It’s a great time to explore the Confucian Temple and surrounding historical sites.
Pingyao and Luoyang: Both cities in central China offer fascinating history and ancient architecture, with beautiful autumn colors beginning to appear.
Lijiang (Yunnan): September is a great time for outdoor activities in Lijiang, as temperatures are still pleasant for hiking and exploration.
Kanas: Trees in Kanas in September turn yellow or red, which are breathtaking and beautiful. Till the late September, Kanas is a colorful world. Kanas in September is a beautiful oil painting with grasslands, animals, lakes and forests.
Recommended Tour in September: 13 Days Explore Ancient Capitals of China
Beijing and Shanghai: October is a great time to visit China’s most famous cities. The National Day Golden Week (October 1–7) can be crowded but also filled with cultural festivities. If you're in China during this time, make sure to experience the vibrant celebrations and enjoy the autumn weather.
Guilin: The weather in Guilin is ideal for sightseeing in October, with cooler temperatures and clear skies perfect for cruising on the Li River.
Xiamen: If you’re seeking mild weather and beautiful coastal views, Xiamen, famous for its Gulangyu Island, is an ideal autumn destination.
Jiuzhai Valley: September to October is the most colorful and beautiful time of Jiuzhai Valley because the leaves at Jiuzhai Valley turn yellow or red at this time. Kindly reminder, September to October is also the most crowded season of Jiuzhai Valley.
Wuyuan: October to November is the time that the local people will dry the crops, and during this time, Huangling at Wuyuan is very impressive with many kinds of crops.
Recommended Tour in October: 6 Days Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Tour
Lijiang and Dali (Yunnan): November is a good time to visit Yunnan as the weather is still warm, and the autumn foliage is in full swing, especially in Lijiang and Dali. These towns offer both natural beauty and fascinating culture.
Xi’an: November is a perfect time for visiting Xi'an and its Terracotta Warriors. The cooler weather is ideal for exploring the ancient city, with fewer tourists.
Harbin: Visit Harbin in late November to witness the beginning of winter, as it’s a great time to explore the city’s European-style architecture and start to see the winter decorations before the full Ice Festival kicks in.
Nanjing: The sycamore trees in Nanjing turn yellow in the middle and late November, and November is also a good time to visit the red maples at Qixia Temple.
Recommended Tour in November: 4 Days Xian Highlight Tour
Harbin(Harbin Ice and Snow World): Harbin Ice and Snow World starts in the middle of December, where you can see large-scale vivid and impressive ice sculptures. It is a ice and snow world with many ice sculptures like ice palace and ice castle.
Mohe: As the northernmost city in China, Mohe provides wonderful ice and snow view. November to December is the best time to hunt the aurora in Mohe. If you are luck enough, you may have the chance to see the aurora. Also, there are many northernmost attractions to explore in Mohe.
Beijing: Beijing’s chilly winter weather makes it a great time for visiting indoor sites like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and National Museum of China without the crowds.
Ski Resorts(Xinjiang, Heilongjiang): Xinjiang and Heilongjiang offer great skiing resorts like Yabuli Ski Resort, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.
Recommended Tour in December:
6 Days Harbin, China Snow Town & Changbaishan Tour
10 Days Best Yunnan Tour
If you plan a trip to China in 2026, you can contact us to get recommendation and customized itinerary. You just need to tell our personal travel advisor about your traveling plan and other needs, and our personal travel advisor will help you create your unique trip in China.
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