From low-cost independent exploration to comfortable tours, China can offer a sometimes bewildering choice of travel options. As the land is so vast, visitors to China need to take a long and hard look at the map, and decide exactly what it is that they want their China experience to be. The only part of China you will need to carefully plan is travel to Tibet, as bureaucratic obstacles, travel restrictions and health issues will require your consideration and attention.
When to go
Travel to China is possible year-round, as long as you're prepared for what the season can throw at you. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to early November) can be the best time to be on the road, as you avoid the blistering heat of summer (June to August) and stinging chill of winter (November to February/March). Autumn in Beijing, for example, is particularly pleasant, as are early spring and autumn in Hong Kong. Summer is the busiest tourist season, and getting around and finding accommodation during the peak summer crush can be draining. North China is hot and largely dry in summer, especially in the baking northwest (but Beijing is also uncomfortable). The Yangzi River (Chang Jiang) region is very hot and humid, and southern China, with a coastline harassed by typhoons, also swelters. Rainfall rarely falls in quantities that can disrupt travel plans. Winter is the low season (except for Hainan Dao) and can be the quietest time of year, and good hotel discounts can be found, but while Hong Kong in winter is comfortably nippy, north China is a frozen expanse, especially in the northeast, northwest and Inner Mongolia. Wintering in clement central and southern Yunnan province is enjoyable, but the higher altitude north of the province is frigid. Winter is inadvisable for travel to high-altitude areas in China.
Major public holidays can make travel difficult. Manoeuvring around China with 1.3 billion others at the Chinese New Year can be a nightmare, but you also get to see China at its most colourful and entertaining. Hotel rooms become very expensive during the May Day holiday (now a week long from 1 May) and National Day on 1 October (likewise a week long), and train tickets can be difficult to procure.
What to take
- A smoke alarm - for peace of mind in budget hotels
- Good deodorant - hard to find
- Reading matter for those endless train trips
Right there. When you're in need.
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