Visiting China in August

The last month of summer stays hot and humid across most of China, so it’s not a great time to visit the cities, including Beijing, Xi’an or Shanghai. Typhoon season reaches its peak, with the most severe storms likely to hit the east and south coast, affecting the area around Shanghai, Hong Kong and other coastal locations. And while August isn’t quite as hot as July, you’ll still find temperatures well above 30C around the country, so heading up into the mountains, or cooling off by lakes and waterfalls is a good option.

Yunnan is a good choice this month, although be prepared to dodge some showers. Follow in the footsteps of centuries of traders and head to Shaxi in the Tibetan foothills, on the ancient Tea Horse Road between China and India. In the shadow of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it’s cool enough to get outdoors despite the rain, whether you explore around pretty Lijiang or the Naxi villages. It’s the rainiest month of the year around Zhongdian (or Shangri-La) though, while the succession of wet months also makes it harder to trek Tiger Leaping Gorge.

In Jiuzhaigou National Park, the rains have left lakes and waterfalls fuller than ever, with some dry weather between the showers here, as well as around Songpan in northern Sichuan. Unless your focus is on hiking, it’s best to wait another month if you’re planning when to go to China.

Best for: Heading into the mountains