Entry & immigration
Check current policy information and the relevant embassy or consulate guidance for your passport and journey.
National Immigration Administration ↗Travel guide
Before your trip
Seasonal notes for Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, plus a checklist to help you prepare.
On this page
When to go
Choosing a season
Weather varies by city and month. These notes will help you plan; check the forecast before leaving.
Editorial planning reference: China Highlights seasonal guide. Reviewed 19 October 2026. Holiday dates, attraction access and actual forecasts require a fresh check for your dates.
Getting ready
Your travel checklist
Tick off the items you’ve checked, then download your list. Refreshing the page clears your selections.
Useful links
Official travel information
Payments in China
Read about mobile payments, bank cards and cash, then confirm current conditions with your providers.
Official visitor payment guide ↗Visitor information
Find government visitor resources and follow links to current practical information for your dates.
Visit China resources ↗Check entry requirements for your passport and itinerary with the relevant authorities.
Have questions about your trip?
Share your destinations, travel dates and preferred pace.
Spring: layers and changeable weather
Spring can suit a mix of city visits and outdoor time. Keep layers handy and confirm holiday dates before choosing a route.
Beijing
Allow flexibility for changing temperatures, wind and outdoor visits. Combine a longer outing with a lighter city day.
Xi’an
Balance historic sights with time indoors. A layered wardrobe helps when mornings and evenings differ from daytime.
Shanghai
Mix neighbourhood walks with museum or indoor alternatives for wet days.
Zhangjiajie
Allow a weather buffer for mountain views. Mist and rain can change visibility and trail conditions.
Check the forecast, holiday dates and attraction access before finalising your plans.
Summer: heat, rain and busy periods
Summer can bring hot days, rain and busy family travel periods. Discuss early or later outings, shade and an indoor backup rather than filling every hour.
Beijing
Break up exposed outdoor visits with rest and indoor time. Discuss timing for a Great Wall day.
Xi’an
Plan a comfortable rhythm around outdoor sites and the City Wall, with breaks between visits.
Shanghai
Keep neighbourhood walks flexible and leave indoor options for hot or rainy periods.
Zhangjiajie
Rain, humidity and queues can affect mountain days. Allow extra time and check current attraction conditions.
Check the forecast, holiday dates and attraction access before finalising your plans.
Autumn: city visits and outdoor days
Autumn is a common starting point for city-and-landscape itineraries. Conditions vary across the months; check holiday periods and pack for cooler days later in the season.
Beijing
Combine historic city visits and outdoor time, with warmer layers as the season progresses.
Xi’an
Use a flexible mix of archaeological visits, neighbourhood walks and local food discoveries.
Shanghai
Leave room for street-level exploring, with layers and an indoor alternative if weather changes.
Zhangjiajie
Build mountain viewpoints around the actual forecast. Keep some flexibility for cloudy or wet days.
Check the forecast, holiday dates and attraction access before finalising your plans.
Winter: cold days and mountain access
Winter needs more attention to clothing, daylight and attraction access. Choose the places and daily rhythm around your comfort with cold conditions.
Beijing
Keep outdoor exposure manageable and mix in indoor cultural visits. Check conditions for any Great Wall outing.
Xi’an
Plan warm breaks between outdoor visits, with flexible timing for city walks.
Shanghai
Prepare for cool, damp-feeling days and balance walking with indoor experiences.
Zhangjiajie
Verify trail, lift and attraction access for your dates. Conditions can affect what is practical to visit.
Check the forecast, holiday dates and attraction access before finalising your plans.