Visiting China in April

With summer in full swing, it can be extremely hot and humid across China in July. It’s the hottest month of the year in Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an, with temperatures well over 30C, plus a higher chance of typhoons in the south and east.

The best way to escape the heat if you’re planning a holiday in China this month is to head into the mountains, where the air is cooler at altitude. However some areas are extremely rainy as well, so it’s best to avoid trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge this month, as paths can become blocked after landslides.

Head to Yunnan, where it’s pleasantly warm in Lijiang but not too hot – it is likely to be rainy as well, but you can still enjoy spotting mountain lakes, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and visit the Naxi villages or Shaxi in the Tibetan foothills, with its historic market from its time as an important trading post between China and India.

There are carpets of flowers in Jiuzhaigou National Park, although you can expect plenty of rainfall here if you’re hiking, while in northern Sichuan, it’s slightly less wet around Songpan as you explore the grass plains and mountains here, home to semi-nomadic tribes. You can still expect to see rain for much of the month though.

Otherwise, stick to lakes and rivers to cool the worst of the heat. If you’re planning a Yangtze River cruise, this is shoulder season and you’ll find some cool breezes off the rivers. You’ll struggle to stay cool south of the river though.

Festivals: The Ghost Festival, or Hungry Ghost Festival takes place during the seventh lunar month, a traditional Buddhist and Taoist festival where it’s believed restless spirits roam the earth. Rituals include preparing food for these hungry ghosts and burning incense, plus making offerings to help release souls which have been undeservedly condemned to the underworld.

Best for: Heading into the mountains