When to go to China
Spring and autumn are traditionally considered the ideal times to visit China, as the continental weather patterns make for bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers in much of the country.
China’s sheer size, however, means there are no true limitations, and with one or two exceptions it is possible to travel all year round. In general, April to October is the ideal window to visit western China, with the flowers blossoming and local bazaars thronged with life.
For those heading across the high passes or into the mountains the best time is from June to August, when alpine flowers carpet the steppe and the conditions for hiking and trekking are at their best.