We crossed China as a couple for 18 days: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai. Here is what August was like, why we wouldn't choose it again if we had other options, which periods to avoid and how to plan your days if August is your only choice.
August weather: hot all the time
In 18 days we never had a cool day. It was hot in all six cities. Chongqing and Chengdu were the toughest: close to scorching, even in the evening. Factor that in if, like us, you plan lots of walking up stairs and through old streets.
Crowds: huge until 20 August
In the first part of the trip, in Beijing and Xi'an, the famous sights were packed. From 20 August the crowds dropped noticeably. In Chongqing, Hongyadong still gets very crowded after 7 pm: go before sunset.
Planning summer days
- Start early. Forbidden City entry at 9:30, Mutianyu Great Wall 8:00–16:00, pandas and Leshan leaving at 8:00, Zhangjiajie leaving at 8. Pandas are most active in the morning.
- Keep walks for the evening. Cycling the Xi'an city wall at sunset, walking Qiansimen Bridge in Chongqing, the Bund lit up in Shanghai.
- Book ahead. With August crowds, we booked trains, hotels and day tours from Italy.
- Check closing days. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so we went on a Sunday.
August city by city
| City | Dates | What it was like |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 15–18 Aug | Hot, very crowded |
| Xi'an | 18–21 Aug | Hot, crowded until the 20th |
| Chengdu | 21–23 Aug | Close to scorching |
| Chongqing | 23–25 Aug | Close to scorching, Hongyadong packed at night |
| Zhangjiajie | 25–28 Aug | Hot, fewer crowds |
| Shanghai | 28–30 Aug | Hot, fewer crowds |
Would we go in August again?
Only as a last resort, if there's really no other time you can travel. The trip worked, but it was hot every day, Chongqing and Chengdu were close to scorching and it was packed until 20 August. If August is your only option, aim for the second half of the month, which was calmer for us.
Periods to avoid: Chinese New Year and Golden Week
Besides August, we'd avoid China's two longest national holidays, when millions of people travel:
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): in 2027 it falls on 6 February. The official holiday lasts several days (in 2026 it ran from 15 to 23 February).
- National Day Golden Week: 1–7 October.
Before booking, check the official public holiday calendar that the Chinese government publishes each year.
FAQ
Is August a good time to visit China?
Only as a last resort, if you can't travel at any other time. We found heat everywhere, near-scorching Chongqing and Chengdu, and huge crowds until 20 August. If you do go in August: early starts and evening walks.
Which periods should you avoid for a China trip?
Besides August, Chinese New Year (6 February in 2027, with several days of holiday) and Golden Week, 1–7 October.
Which cities are hottest in August?
On our trip, Chongqing and Chengdu, which were close to scorching.
When are there fewer crowds in August?
We saw crowds drop after 20 August.
How many days do you need for China?
We used 18, including 2 flight days, for 6 cities.
Plan your trip
Open our 18-day itinerary day by day, or get Itinero free on iPhone and plan yours, even offline.
