When to Go

Fall and spring are the ideal times to visit the region. Spring, especially April and May, has very comfortable temperatures, and the trees and flowers are in full bloom. Hangzhou's spectacular cherry blossoms are out in spring, dotting the gardens surrounding the West Lake. Summers are hot and muggy, and winters are short (the temperature rarely dips below zero) but miserably wet, windy, and chilly. Typhoons can strike any time from late summer through autumn. The region has a long and very pleasant fall season, with moderate weather and clear skies lasting into early December. Chinese tourists flood in during the long weekends in April, May, and June (which change according to the lunar calendar), "Golden Week" (always the first week of October), and during Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February), so avoid traveling during these times.