Summer in Northern China is hot and somewhat wet. May through August and high temperatures regularly top over 30 °C (86 °F), with lows rarely falling below 15 °C (59 °F). You will have no issue leaving warm clothing at home, though waterproofs might be useful as about 75 percent of the regions rain falls over this period and precipitation averages 100 mm in June.
It is for this season that the country's Central 'three furnace-like cities’ of Chongqing, Wuhan and Nanjing earn their name. In July and August the average highs are 33 °C (91 °F) for each city. Umbrellas are essential, though it is worth noting the rain comes in spits and spurts and is rarely constant.
With the arrival of the monsoon, Southern China becomes hot and wet. Precipitation hits about 145 mm per day in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Autonomous regions, and about 140 mm per day in Kunming in Yunnan Province in July. While average highs hit around 33 °C (91 °F) over the summer in Nanning, the higher elevation of Kunming (around 2,000 meters) make it significantly cooler with highs of just 24 °C (75 °F) and lows a warm 17 (63 °F).
Northwest China is warm with occasional rains, a good time to visit the small region of Ningxia, a sparse desert region lying on the Loess Plateau and the plains of the Yellow river, containing abandoned sections of China’s Great Wall. Yinchuan, the region’s capital, sees average highs of 31 °C (88) in June/July with precipitation averaging around 32 mm per month, with most days dry. Xining, capital of Qinghai, is something of a summer resort for the region, with highs around 24 °C (75 °F) and lows of around 10 (50). Precipitation reaches around 80 mm, making umbrellas useful on some days.
Get a real feel for China on this luxury 10-day tour that whisks you through Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Stay at some of the country’s most prestigious hotels while taking in key sights, from the Temple of Heaven, to the Great Wall of China, to the Terracotta Warriors, Yu Gardens, and more.
Stroll along one of the world’s wonders, the Great Wall of China, when you embark on this 8-day luxury train journey through Beijing and Lhasa. It’s a step back in time with ancient sites and breathtaking natural features, and a thrilling trip along the world’s highest train journey to the Tibetan Plateau.
Journey through China’s most picturesque landscapes on this exciting 13-day luxury journey. You’ll hike through the stunning Yellow Mountain and Jiuzhaigou National Park, tour Tibetan villages of the Zharu Valley, and play with Pandas in Chengdu, while staying at luxury hotels like Amanfayun or Banyan Tree.
Journey across China’s ancient trade route, meandering from Shanghai, to Xian, Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Kashgar. You’ll stay in hotels fit for aristocrats as you learn about what life was like for traders at sites like the Bund, the Terracotta Warriors, the City of Sands, White Horse Pagoda, the Grand Bazaar, and more.
Immerse yourself in the different faces of China in this exciting journey of cities and slopes. Split your time in this magnificent country between the bustling metropolis of downtown Beijing and the peaceful winter wonderlands offered by the area’s best ski resorts.
Travel through the remote, stunning corners of Northwest China on this colorful journey that will take you from Beijing to undiscovered Zhangye Danxia and Jiayuguan. Your camera will be challenged to capture the real life epic beauty at sites like Jiayuguan Fortress, the Danxia landforms, Bingguo Rock area, and more.
Step back into China’s indelible past on this insightful 4-day journey through Datong and Pingyao. This luxury tour will take you to ancient monasteries and UNESCO-listed sites, including the Yungang grottoes, Shanhua Monastery, and the Nine Dragon Screen, while staying at the luxurious boutique Jing’s Residence.
Meander in luxury down Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze, on this phenomenal 4-day boat journey that passes by some of China’s most stunning landscapes and fascinating cities, moving from Chongqing, past the Three Gorges Dam Project, and on to Xiling Gorge, being rocked to sleep at night aboard your cruise ship.
Embark on the world’s most famous overland journey from Moscow to Beijing, delving deep into the Siberian wilderness along the way. Cross three countries and two continents - accumulating almost 3,500 miles, all whilst bunking down for the night in the train, waking up to an ever-evolving landscape each morning.
Experience a mesmerizing eight-day journey through China’s Qinghai Province. You’ll take in such epic sights as Qinhai Lake, the Yellow River and Dredzong Monastery, while interacting with local noamds and learning about their traditions.
July/August
This three-day festival is of particular importance to the Yi people of Yunnan province who honor Atilaba, the hero who used fire to drive locusts from the area. There are bull and goat fights, horse races and torch parades culminating in huge bonfires where the people sing and dance and pray for a good harvest.
Location Yunnan, China
Celebrated in many different places - In Lusheng it is September (biggest one)
This is a popular four-day festival celebrated by the Miao ethnic minority of Guizhou. The Lusheng reed pipe dates back to the Tang dynasty and, as a symbol of Miao history, is played throughout the festival at ceremonies and performances of traditional dances. There are horse races on the third day and bullfighting on the fourth.
Location Lusheng, China
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