Written by Ivy Dong |
When planning a summer trip in China, you may worry about the weather, as the summer typically spans fromĀ JuneĀ to August with a high temperature. However, with its vast and varied landscapes, China is fantastic toĀ visit year-round, with each season offering plenty ofĀ charming scenery and interesting experiences. Summer is the vibrant season when many of its natural wonders and cultural heritages are at their best.
Whether youāre drawn to the iconic landmarks of the countryĀ orĀ the cool retreats, careful planning and preparation will ensure a fulfilling and smoothĀ China toursĀ in summer. And thatās where this step-by-step China summer travel guide comes in.
Content Preview
- Is Summer a Good Time to Visit China?
- Issues and Measures
- How to Plan a Summer Tripļ¼
- What to Pack?
- Travel with China Xian Tour
Is Summer a Good Time to Visit China?
Overall, summer is a good time to visit China. The natural scenery is at its most vibrant moment in summer in China, such as the Huangguoshu Waterfall and Inner Mongolian Grassland. Besides, more characteristic festivals are held, like the traditional Dragon Boat Festival and the Torch Festival of ethnic minority in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces.
But summer is also relatively hot and is the peak season, which may affect your travel experience. So, for a perfect summer trip in China, a reasonable arrangement is very important.
What Issues Might You Encounter and How Should You Handle Them in a Summer Trip?
Hot Weather
Summer is the season when most regions in China see the highest temperatures and most precipitation in a year.
In south China, it is basically hot and humid, making you will feel like you are in a steamer, like Chengdu. And in the southeastern coastal region, thunderstorms and typhoons are frequent due to the influence of maritime air currents, such as Shanghai. It is easy to feel muggy.
While in north China, the weather is marked by intense heat and dryness, like Beijing, Xi’an and Xinjiang. Sometimes, the average temperature is even over 38ā. Tourists are prone to heatstroke.
But there are also cities and attractions that feature milder summers and are perfect summer retreats, such as Kunming, Dali, Guiyang, Zhangjiajie, Lhasa, and attractions like Jiuzhaigou, Qinghai Lake and Inner Mongolia grassland.
Average Temperatures of Major Cities in Summer
āāCityāā |
āJune Avg (Ā°C)āā |
āāJuly Avg (Ā°C)āā |
August Avg (Ā°C)āā |
āāBeijingāā |
25ā32 |
28ā34 |
27ā33 |
āāShanghaiāā |
27ā33 |
29ā35 |
29ā34 |
āāXiāanāā |
24ā31 |
26ā33 |
25ā32 |
āāChengduāā |
23ā29 |
25ā31 |
24ā30 |
āāGuilināā |
26ā32 |
27ā34 |
26ā33 |
āāKunmingāā |
19ā25 |
20ā26 |
19ā25 |
Dali |
16ā20 |
17ā24 |
16ā24 |
Guiyang |
18ā26 |
20ā28 |
19ā28 |
āāLhasaāā |
12ā20 |
13ā21 |
12ā20 |
āāZhangjiajieāā |
22ā28 |
24ā30 |
23ā29 |
āāUrumqiāā |
20ā28 |
23ā34 |
22ā33 |
How to Handle It?
- Choose some cooler destinations, like Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces, Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet), etc.
- Arrange indoor attractions like the museums and exhibition halls during the hottest period of the day (10:00 – 16:00).
- Supplement electrolyte drink. Prepare someĀ light salt water or low-sugar sports drinks. Sip water regularly throughout the day. Donāt wait until youāre thirsty to drink.
- Sun protection measures are necessary. Besides sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, cool sleeves, and bring a water bottle.
Peak Season
Another major problem is that summer is also the peak tourist season, coinciding with school holidays andĀ someĀ cultural festivals. It means that tickets for popular attractions, high-speed trains & flights, and hotels with a good location will be in short supply.
On-site ticket sales are often unavailable for hot scenic spots, so advance online booking is mandatory. Most attractions will be crowded with travelers, so you may queue up for a long time for entry and sightseeing. Besides, the travel cost is also higher.
Breakdown of Estimated Cost for a Summer Trip to China
Items |
Estimated Cost |
Accommodation |
4 or 5-star hotels: about CNY 400 ā 2,000 /USD 60 ā 290 per night, higher in popular tourist cities |
Dining |
Daily dining expense: about CNY 100 ā 500/USD 15 ā 70 per person |
Attraction TicketĀ &Ā Sightseeing Activities |
2 ā 3 attractions per day: about CNY 150 ā 350/USD 20 ā 50 |
Transportation |
Take Beijing ā Shanghai for example:
Single flight: about CNY 700 ā 2,000 /USD 100 ā 300 for an economy class seat High-speed train:Ā about CNY 600 ā 660/USD 88 āĀ 97Ā for a second-class seat. |
How to Handle It?
- If time permits, avoid the period from July 10 to August 15, when domestic tourist numbers and hotel prices peak.
- Book the hotels, high-speed trains and tickets for hot attractions as early as possible.
- Plan a counter-cyclical itinerary of the common tour groups and enter the scenic area as it opens to avoid large crowds.
- The water and food inside the scenic areas usually cost more, it is advised to prepare some water and snacks in advance. Avoid popular food streets and try to find some local eateries.
- Though the hotels in prime locations cost more, they are well worth it, because it cuts down transit time and saves your energy for sightseeing, significantly improving your travel experience during a summer trip in China.
How to Plan a Summer Trip to Chinaļ¼
The Best Time to Avoid Crowds
Best Periods:
- Early to mid June: Most Recommended: relatively cool, lowest crowd, acceptable hotel prices, and abundant tickets for trains and attractions.
- Late August: The number of domestic family travelers has dropped sharply.Ā The hotel price starts to come down.
If you can only visit during late June to mid-August, here are the tips for you to avoid the sea of people.
- Arrive at the scenic area 30 minutes before its opening time and be among the first to enter.
- Visit the popular attractions during Tuesdays – Thursdays, such as the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army.
- Plan a tour to lesser-known destinations, such as Guiyang, Chengde, Xining.
Top Experiences
1.Ā Explore Iconic Destinations Wisely
For first-timers, classic destinations like Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai are their first choices. To enjoy a smooth China summer trip in these cities, you can arrange outdoor attractions and activities in the early morning or after late afternoon, and visit indoor attractions at noon.
If you prefer a hassle-free journey, consider joining a tour group. The experienced guide will adjust the itinerary based on your strength and the weather condition. Besides, an air-conditioned car will be assigned to transfer you between the scenic areas, ensuring you keep cool and comfortable. China Xian Tour has been devoted to inbound tourism for about a decade, and we are pleased to help you.
2.Ā Immerse Yourself in the Natural Wonders and Experience Diverse Ethnic Cultures in Guizhou.
Thanks to the high altitude and cloudy and misty weather, the average temperature in Guizhou is only about 22ā in summer, making it one of Chinaās coolest summer provinces. Whatās more, instead of hiding indoors, Guizhou allows you to enjoy a cool summer trip in China in outdoor attractions. You will feast your eyes on the charming natural scenery.
Highlights:
- Huangguoshu Waterfall: At its most abundant water volume. Tourists can walk through the Water Curtain Cave and feel the coolness of the splashing water. Remember to bring a light raincoat.
- Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area: Features emerald green water, riverside wooden plank roads and dense forests. During the visit, you will feel like in a natural air-conditioned room.
- Diverse Ethnic Cultures: In Zhaoxing Dong Village and Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, you can learn about their unique culture by watching the ethnic song and dance performances and tasting local specialties.
3.Ā Enjoy a Scenic Journey in Qinghai
Situated on the plateau at an altitude of 2,200-3,500 meters, Qinghai enjoys a cool summer. And from late June to early August, the scenery at Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake and Qilian Mountains is at its most magnificent period, when you will be surrounded by blue lake water, blooming rapeseed flowers and green grasslands.
Highlights:
- Qinghai Lake: Around mid-July, rapeseed flowers bloom and stretch along the lake for several miles. It forms a sharp contrast with the deep blue lake and distant snow-capped mountains, offering you a visual feast.
- Chaka Salt Lake: In summer, the lake water presents various colors like green, blue and white under different sunlight. Before 10:00 and after 16:00, it reflects the blue sky and white clouds clearly, known as the āmirror of skyā.
- Qilian County:Marvel at the abundant landscapes of red sandstone, green grassland and white snow peak. Besides, experience the Buddhist culture in Arou Monastery.
4.Ā Lose Yourself in the Vast Green Grassland in Eastern
During summer, theĀ temperature in Eastern Inner Mongolia is 20 – 28 ā in the daytime, and it gets even colder after the rain. The temperature at night drops to 10 to 15 ā. In July, theĀ grassland is the greenest and is dotted with blooming wildflowers and herds of cows and sheep.Lush green grass in Inner Mongolia Grassland
Highlights:
- MoergeleRiver:Ā Known as āThe Number One Meandering River under Heavenā. Head to the highest viewing platform for the best view of several bends of the winding river. With abundant water and vibrant green grass, it is visually stunning.
- Heishantou: Here, you can ride a horse on the vast grassland, gallop along the border expressway and appreciate the sunset. In the evening, stay in a traditional yurt and marvel at the starry sky.
- Ergun: The Ergun Wetland is the best-preserved wetland in China and treats you to lush greenery in summer. Besides, the dense birch forests with pure white trunks and green leaves will make you feel as if you are in Europe.
5.Ā Appreciate Plateau Scenery and Immerse in Tibetan Culture in Xizang
With an average temperature of 15 – 20 ā, the weather in Xizang is warm but not muggy during the day and cool at night. You may even need to wear a light coat or light down jacket. It is also possible to capture the stunning scene of Golden Sunlight Over Snow Mountain.
Highlights:
- Immerse in Tibetan culture in Lhasa: Stroll along the Barkhor Street or visit the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. You will encounter the old man holding a prayer wheel and witness the disciples giving a kowtow, and smell the unique scent of Tibetan incense in the air.
- Nyingchi: At an altitude of 2,900 – 3,100 meters, it is more friendly to travelers. In summer, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is covered with pine and cypress trees, and theĀ pastures and sea of forests in Lulang all turn green.
- Mount Everest: Now, tourists can admire Mount Everest and the clear starry sky at the Base Camp. At Gawula Pass, capture the five over 8000-meter-high snow peaks.
Travel Tips:
- According to the official regulations, international travelers are required to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit in advance for a Xizang tour via a licensed travel agency. Besides, you need to join a guided tour with a local guide. Solo trips are not allowed.
- Since Xizang is over 3,000 meters, tourists are prone to suffering from mild altitude sickness. Remember to stay in the low-altitude area like Nyingchi for 1 – 2 days to acclimatize yourself to the height and take some medicine with you. Ask for immediate medical help when the symptoms get worse.
Diverse Festivals in Summer
Festivals |
Time |
Highlights |
Top Places To Experience |
Dragon Boat Festival |
Lunar calendar: May 5th
Solar calendar: late May to June |
CommemorateĀ poet Qu Yuan
Eat a traditional Chinese food, Zongzi Watch dragon boat racing |
Miluo & Yueyang in Hunan, Jiaxing & Hangzhou in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian |
Torch Festival |
Yi calendar: June 24th
Solar calendar: mid-July to early August |
Celebrate harvest and resilience
Light torches to bless their crops and drive away evil spirits Hold a bonfire party and dance to the traditional music Enjoy a feast |
Liangshan in Sichuan, Dali and Chuxiong in Yunnan |
Qixi Festival |
Lunar calendar: July 7th
Solar calendar: late July to October |
Chinese valentine
Couples would go on a date and give each other gifts Singles pray for love under starlit skies Folk songs and poetic exchanges |
Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Suzhou |
Summer Nadam Fair |
Solar calendar: mid-July ā mid-August |
Various competitions like Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, archery
Parade, ethnic performances, bonfire party, feast and interactive activities |
Xilinhot City |
Recommended Itineraries for a Comfortable Summer Trip
Classic China Tour with Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
Day 1:Ā Beijing Arrival – Jingshan Park at dusk
Day 2:Ā Mutianyu Great Wall in the early morning – Return to the hotel for a rest at noon – Yonghe Lamasery + Confucian Temple and Imperial Academy + Wudaoying Hutong in the late afternoon
Day 3:Ā Forbidden City in the morning – Return to the hotel for a rest at noon – Dashilan for Dinner – TakeĀ a photo of the night view at Qianmen
Day 4: Summer Palace/National Museum – Take a high-speed train to Xi’an – Bell and Drum Towers & Muslim Quarter
Day 5: Terracotta Army – Return to the hotel for a rest at noon – Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – Datang Everbright City
Day 6: City Wall – Xi’an Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda – Fly to Shanghai
Day 7:Ā Yu Garden – Shanghai Museum – The Bund – Nanjing Road
Day 8:Ā Shanghai Departure
Southwest China Tour
Day 1: Guiyang Arrival
Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall – Qingyan Ancient Town
Day 3:Ā Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area – Return to Guiyang
Day 4: Fly to Lijiang – Lijiang Old Town
Day 5: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain –Ā Take a high-speed train to Dali
Day 6:Ā Three Pagodas in Chongsheng MonasteryĀ –Ā Erhai Lake –Ā Dali Old Town
Day 7:Ā Take a high-speed train to Kunming – Dianchi Lake
Day 8: Kunming Departure
Inner Mongolia Tour
Day 1: Hulunbuir Arrival – Head to Hailar for check-in
Day 2:Ā Hulunbuir Grassland – Moergele River – Erguna Wetland Scenic Area
Day 3:Ā Aoluguya Reindeer Village – Aoluguya Museum – Shiwei Russian Village
Day 4:Ā Haur River Scenic Area – Heishantou – Stay overnight in a yurt
Day 5: Experience horse riding – Take a scenic drive along theĀ Sino-Russian border road – Hulun Lake – Drive to Manzhouli
Day 6:Ā Manzhouli Matryoshka Square – Drive to Arxan
Day 7: Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark – Heavenly Lake – Three Lakes Gorge – Shitang Forest
Day 8:Ā Azalea Lake – return to Hailar
Day 9: Departure
What to Pack for a Summer Trip in China?
Below isĀ our craftedĀ packing list for your China tripĀ in summer.
- Clothing and Footwear: lightweight and breathable summer attire, sun protection clothing, lightweight jacket or raincoat, skirts and dresses, comfortable sneakers, flip-flops, modest clothing covering knees and shoulders (for religious sites).
- Cosmetics: high-SPF sunscreen, hydrating skincare products.
- Other Necessities:wide-brimmed sunhat and sunglasses, reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent.
- Special Items in high-altitude region: Rhodiola rosea tablets, glucose oral solution, painkiller, thermal mugs
Enjoy A Perfect Summer Trip with China Xian Tour
To enjoy a smooth and comfortable summer trip in China, smart planning is very important. For international travelers who are not familiar with China, it will be energy-consuming to craft a perfect trip by themselves.
As a travel agency with about 20 years of experience in inbound tourism, China Xian TourĀ is glad to offer you help. Specializing in high-end customized China trips, we can plan and adjust an itinerary based on your interests and needs. Just tell our travel consultants the cities or experiences you prefer and your requirement for guide, driver and hotel, then you will get a satisfying trip at a reasonable price. Do not hesitate to contact us.
