Time and Weather

China’s climate varies dramatically due to its vast size, many degrees of latitude, and complicated terrain. Summers are hot and rainy in China, while winters are cold and dry. In Spring (March to May), the temperature gradually rises, with a noticeable difference in temperature between day and night. The amount of rain falls, but the weather remains dry due to the frequent windy days. Sandstorms do occur in Northern China on occasion. During summer (June to August), heavy rains and hot temperatures are common in China. The temperature between day and night can range from 18 to 28°C / 65 to 82°F on average. In Autumn (September to November), the temperature drops in the fall season, and the weather is much cooler than in the summer but not as cold as in the winter, making it an ideal time to go sightseeing outside. However, the difference in temperature between day and night grows. People feel dry because the humidity is lower. 15 to 25°C / 59 to 77°F on average. Finally, during winter (December to February), it can be chilly, dry, and windy in the north. Humidity and cold prevail in the south. -1 to 8°C / 30 to 46°F average temperature

The best time to visit

Spring and fall are the best time to visit China. During these times, the weather is often mild and dry, in contrast to the brutally cold winters and hot, humid summers seen in most of the country. However, due to China’s vast expanse, there are no real travel restrictions, and with one or two exceptions, it is feasible to visit all year round.

In general, the best months to visit western China are between April and October, when the flowers are in bloom, and the local bazaars are bustling with activity. From June to August, when alpine flowers cover the steppe and climbing, and trekking conditions are excellent, it is the best time to visit for those going over high passes or into the mountains.

Wildlife

This country has some of the most extraordinary flora and fauna variety anywhere globally. There are about 4,400 vertebrate species, accounting for more than 10% of the world’s total. Approximately 500 mammal species, 1,189 bird species, 320 plus reptile species, and 210 amphibian species. More than 100 species of wildlife are unique to China, including the giant panda, golden-haired monkey, South China tiger, Brown-eared pheasant, white-flag dolphin, Chinese alligator, and red-crowned crane. China boasts some of the most diverse plant species on the planet. There are about 32,000 species of higher plants in China, and almost all of the primary plants found in the northern hemisphere’s cold, temperate, and tropical zones are represented. There are also about 7,000 kinds of woody plants, including 2,800 tree species. Only in China can you find metasequoia, Chinese cypress, Cathaya tree, China fir, golden larch, Taiwan fir, Fujian cypress, dove-tree, Eucommia, and Camplotheca Acuminata. The metasequoia, a tall arbor, is one of the world’s oldest and rarest plants.