Visiting China in May

Like April, the weather in May makes it one of the best times for a holiday in China with a few exceptions. The first week of the month includes national Chinese holidays, so it’s best to avoid this period as everywhere tends to be very busy, and transport and accommodation get booked up well in advance. It’s also the start of the typhoon season, although the worst of the rains don’t usually arrive until July, but be prepared for wetter weather on the east coast and in the south including Hong Kong.

If you’re hoping to visit Shanghai, you won’t be alone. I’s a popular month to do so but it’s still a good idea to go now before the worst of the summer rain, heat and humidity. If you want to escape the crowds, head up into the Yellow Mountains to hike amid the gorges, or find tranquillity among the Buddhist temples on the little islands of Putuoshan. The pretty canalside water towns are unlikely to be quiet either but the chance to explore this attractive corner of eastern China shouldn’t be missed.

It’s one of the peak months for flowers in the mountains of Yunnan, with rhododendrons blooming vividly on the slopes. Base yourself at lovely Lijiang in the shadow of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you can see the sparkling lakes and Naxi villages nearby, cook traditional Chinese dishes in Dali, or marvel at the foothills of the Himalayas as you enjoy a taste of Tibet in Zhongdian (now renamed as Shangri-La). Follow in the footsteps of traders as you follow the ancient Tea Horse Road between China and India, home to one of the last preserved markets which once dotted this trade route. Or head right into the peaks for the challenging trek at Tiger Leaping Gorge, with some of the best conditions this month.

In northern Sichuan and Gansu, there’s another taste of Tibetan culture as you discover semi-nomadic tribes, yak herders and Buddhist monasteries in the grassy plains and mountains around Songpan and in Xiahe.

You’re not limited to mountains if you’re hoping to get outdoors in China in May. Cycle among the karst peaks at Yangshuo in the south, and see the rice terraces of Ping’an and Longji, where it’s usually less rainy than in April. Or head to Jiuzhaigou National Park and the rainbow terraced pools of Huanglong, with warm days for hikes to hidden waterfalls.

It’s also a perfect month for exploring China’s historic cities. Pingyao ancient city is a maze of traditional courtyards, small teahouses, cobbled alleys and Buddhist temples, which will transport you back to the China of centuries past. See the Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter of Xi’an and the Forbidden Palace and hutongs of Beijing, not forgetting a chance to walk part of the Great Wall. In Datong, you can see the Yungang cave complex and UNESCO World Heritage site here too, or slow down in Chengdu among the historic teahouses – save time to see the pandas while you’re there.

Festivals: The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually at the end of May (or early June) with exciting dragon boat races held in many cities and towns across the country. The Chinese holiday commemorates the poet Qu Yuan and it’s traditional to eat sticky rice dumplings called Zongzi too.

Best for: Exploring the whole country, trekking and hiking in mountains and national parks, historic cities, Beijing, Xi’an