Explore China

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit China

China has lots of holidays that can increase demand, and prices. Knowing what and when those holidays, as well as China's seasonal travel demand can impact what you will spend.

The Great Wall Of 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.

Cheapest Time to Visit China

Conversely, the least expensive times to visit China are typically during less favorable weather conditions and when there are fewer public holidays:

Late Winter (Late February to March): After the Chinese New Year rush, travel demand decreases, leading to lower prices for flights and hotels. The weather may still be chilly, but many popular tourist spots are less crowded.
Late Autumn (November): This is a shoulder season when the crowds thin out after the National Day holidays, and before the onset of winter, making it an excellent time for budget travelers.
Rainy Season (April to June): This period can see occasional rain, but it is also a time when fewer tourists visit, resulting in lower prices. It's a great time for visiting indoor attractions like museums and temples.

Where you are going will most certainly make the difference in such costs as hotels, activities, food, etc.

Aligning your travel dates with China’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut costs on flights, accommodations, and activities. Each season in China has its own charm and challenges, so consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.