Expert: Victoria Hamilton - 7/2/2009

Question
hi.  i am just beginning research into a china trip for most of August.  are there any regions that won't be sweltering in August? since it's such a big country and i plan on returning, i thought i might focus this trip on whatever region(s) might be comfortable in August.  Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Jason,

Good question! Is there really anyplace in all of this country that will not be sweltering? I think the answer is 'no'! Well I tell a lie...if you are inland in cities like Beijing or Chengdu (where the pandas are) you're in for a rough summer of high humidity and general sticky weather and thunder showers each day (but only for about 15 mins). If you go to seaside places like Qingdao and Dalian Im sure you will have a far more pleasurable experience! But of course a trip to China and not seeing Beijing is just wrong! The best time to come here is actually mid sept to mid oct but in the winter it gets bitterly cold.

You could try the south around Guangxi or Yunnan Provinces, they are usually very warm but I think less polluted. It really is a tough question as most of China gets affected by the heat during August.

Is there anything in particular that you want to see? Maybe I can help more in that area and let you know if that region hots up in August!

Victoria.