The Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit China
If you are wanting to visit the country but you're unsure of the cost or when to go, here are the cheapest and most expensive times to visit China.
Whether you're captivated by the grandeur of the Great Wall or seek solitude away from tourist throngs, timing is key when visiting China, and when you go will dramatically affect what it will cost. Below, we have broken things down by when it's the cheapest and most expensive times to visit China.
Most Expensive Time to Visit China
The most expensive time to visit China generally coincides with its major holidays and tourist seasons when demand for flights and accommodations peaks. The peak seasons include:
- Summer Vacation (July to August): Many Chinese families take vacations during this time, leading to a rise in tourism and associated costs, especially in popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an.
- Chinese New Year (January or February): This is one of the most significant celebrations in China, marked by massive domestic and international travel. During the Chinese New Year, prices for flights and hotels soar during this time as families reunite and tourists flock to experience the vibrant festivities.
- Golden Week (First Week of October): This week-long holiday for National Day sees millions of Chinese citizens traveling domestically, resulting in overcrowded tourist sites and increased travel costs.
- Spring Festival Travel Rush (Chunyun): This is the travel period around the Chinese New Year when millions of people travel across the country to return to their hometowns. Although this primarily affects transportation costs, it can also impact hotel prices in major transit hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October): This traditional harvest festival involves family reunions and travel. While not as extensive as Golden Week or Chinese New Year, it can still lead to a spike in travel prices and accommodation costs in major cities and tourist destinations.
- Dragon Boat Festival (May or June): Celebrated with dragon boat races and festivities, this event can lead to increased domestic travel, especially in cities with famous dragon boat races, such as Guangzhou and Hangzhou.
- Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (January to February): This event attracts many tourists to Harbin for its spectacular ice sculptures and winter activities, leading to higher accommodation costs and travel expenses during the festival period.
- Qingming Festival (April): Known as Tomb Sweeping Day, this festival involves families traveling to pay respects to ancestors. It can lead to increased travel and accommodation costs, particularly in cities with historical and cultural significance.
- Labor Day Holiday (May 1): This holiday marks another peak travel period when domestic tourism surges, resulting in higher prices for hotels and flights in major cities and popular tourist areas.