China Weather
Introduction to China Climate
In China, a vast land spanning many degrees of latitude with complicated terrain, climate varies radically. China has a variety of temperature and rainfall zones, including continental monsoon areas. In winter most areas become cold and dry, in summer hot and rainy.
Five Temperature Zones
Temperatures vary a great deal. Influenced by latitude and monsoon activities, in winter, an isotherm of zero degrees traverses the Huaihe River, Qinling Mountains, and southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Areas north of the isotherm have temperatures below zero degrees and south of it, above zero. Mohe in Heilongjiang can hit an average of 30 degrees centigrade below zero, while the temperature of Sanya in Hainan Province is above 20 degrees. In summer, most of areas are above 20 degrees centigrade despite the high Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and other mountains such as Tianshan. Among these hot places, Turpan Basin in Xinjiang is the center for intense heat at 32 centigrade on average.
Cold-Temperate Zone
north part of Heilongjiang Province and Inner Mongolia (Representative city: Harbin)
Mid-Temperate Zone
Jilin, northern Xinjiang, and most of Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia (Representative cities: Beijing, Shenyang, Dalian, Urumqi, Hohhot, Dunhuang, Lanzhou)
Warm-Temperate Zone
area of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, Shandong, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Hebei Province (Representative cities: Xi’an, Taiyuan, Luoyang, Jinan, Qingdao, Zhengzhou)
Subtropical Zone
South of isotherm of Qinling Mountain-Huaihe River, east of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (Representative cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Guilin, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Chengdu)
Tropical Zone
Hainan province, southern Taiwan, Guangdong, and Yunnan Province (Representative cities: Haikou, Sanya)
Monsoon
In summer, a southeast monsoon from the western Pacific Ocean and a southwest monsoon from the equatorial Indian Ocean blow onto the Chinese mainland. These monsoons are the main cause of rainfall. Starting in April and May, the summer rainy season monsoons hit the southern provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. In June, the rains blow northward, and South China gets more rainfall with the poetic name, plum-rain weather, since this is the moment when plums mellow. North part of the country greets its rainy season in July and August, says farewell in September; gradually in October the summer monsoons retreat from Chinese land. Eastern China experiences many climate changes, while the northwest area is a non-monsoon region.
Payment, Currency & Refunds
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), debit cards, and bank transfers. For guests who are already in China, we can also support Alipay and WeChat Pay for certain bookings.
Can I pay with an overseas credit card?
Yes. Most of our online payments support overseas credit cards. If your card is declined, please try another card or contact your bank to enable international online payments, then try again.
In which currency will I be charged?
Our default currency is RMB (CNY). For some international cards, you may see an estimated amount in your local currency on your bank statement. The final amount depends on your bank’s exchange rate and fees.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. All online payments are processed through secure, encrypted payment gateways. We do not store your full card number or CVV on our servers.
How do refunds and cancellations work?
Our refund and cancellation policy depends on the product type and how many days before departure you cancel. Before you pay, we will send you a clear policy. After a refund is processed, it usually takes 7–15 business days for the money to return to your account, depending on your bank.
Travel Tips & Cultural Notes
Is English widely spoken in China?
In major cities and tourist areas, you can usually find English signs in airports, train stations and hotels. Many young people speak some English, but in smaller cities and local restaurants English may be limited. We recommend keeping your hotel card, important addresses and key phrases written in Chinese, and using translation apps to help in daily communication.
Can I drink tap water in China?
Tap water in most cities is not recommended for direct drinking. Hotels usually provide bottled water or a kettle for boiling water. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available in convenience stores and restaurants.
What should I know about public toilets in China?
You will find both Western-style and squat toilets, especially in big cities. Many modern malls and airports are clean and well-equipped, but in older areas facilities can be basic. It’s a good idea to carry some tissues and hand sanitizer, as paper is not always provided.
Do I need to tip in China?
Tipping is not a strong custom in mainland China. In most restaurants, taxis and shops, tipping is neither expected nor required. In high-end hotels or private tours, you may offer a small tip to guides or drivers as a gesture of appreciation, but it is always voluntary.
Is there anything I should know about queuing and personal space?
In most cities, people queue for services such as buying tickets, boarding trains and paying at counters. Public spaces can be crowded, especially during holidays, so personal space may feel smaller than in some countries. Staying patient and keeping your belongings close is recommended.
Is internet access easy in China?
Most hotels, cafés and many public areas offer Wi-Fi, and local SIM cards or eSIM plans are widely available. Some international websites and apps may not be accessible; many locals use Chinese apps for maps, ride-hailing, food delivery and payments. Before your trip, we suggest checking which apps you may need and preparing offline maps as a backup.
Is it safe to travel in China?
China is generally considered safe for travelers, with low rates of violent crime. As in any country, you should still be careful with your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious of unsolicited invitations to “tea ceremonies”, art galleries or shopping stops from strangers, and always confirm prices clearly before agreeing to a service.
Is there a dress code when visiting temples or cultural sites?
Most places do not require formal clothing, but we recommend modest dress when visiting temples and religious sites—covering shoulders and knees, and removing hats or sunglasses inside main halls. Always follow on-site signs and respect local customs.
