WHEN TO TRAVEL TO CHINA

Location

Climate

Major cultural events

Throughout the year, China celebrates many festivals and events that are well worth experiencing. Here are some of the most important:

• Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) The Lunar Festival: generally celebrated between late January and mid-February, this festival marks the beginning of the lunar year and is accompanied by numerous festivities such as traditional dances, fireworks and offerings to the gods.
• Lantern Festival Taking place around 15 days after Chinese New Year, this festival features magnificent lantern lighting and dragon dance performances.
• Qingming Festival (Festival of the Dead) The Day of the Dead: celebrated in early April, this day consists of paying homage to ancestors by cleaning their graves and making offerings.
• Dragon Boat Festival Qu Yuan: usually in June, this festival celebrates the memory of the poet Qu Yuan with dragon boat races and the eating of glutinous rice dumplings.
• Mid-Autumn Festival The festival, celebrated in September or October, is an opportunity for families to get together to admire the full moon and enjoy moon cakes.

Public holidays in China

China has several public holidays throughout the year. It's important to be aware of these dates when planning your trip, as they can affect the cost of your plane tickets, crowds at tourist sites and the availability of accommodation. Here's a list of the main Chinese public holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Chinese New Year (date varies according to lunar calendar)
• International Workers' Day (May 1st)
• National holiday (October 1)

Low and high season in China

China has low and high seasons, depending on the weather, school vacations and cultural events. Here's an overview of the different periods:

Low season (November to March)

The period between November and March is China's low season. During this period, the climate can be harsh in some parts of the country, with low temperatures and abundant snow, especially in the north. On the other hand, accommodation and flight prices are generally lower, and tourist sites less crowded.

Mid-season (April to June and September to October)

April to June and September to October are the shoulder seasons in China. Visit spring and thefall generally offer a pleasant, temperate climate in most parts of the country, with mild temperatures and low rainfall. This period is ideal for exploring China without having to deal with the crowds or the summer heatwave.

High season (July and August)

Summer in China (July and August) is the peak season, when temperatures can reach record highs and rainfall can be heavy in some regions. It's also the time of the school vacations, which means that tourist sites and cities are busier. Accommodation and flight prices are also higher during these months.

Taking regional particularities into account

As China is a vast and diverse country, it's important to take into account the specific climatic features of each region when planning your trip. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best time to visit various popular regions:

• Beijing and northern China Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are the best times to enjoy a pleasant climate and avoid the summer heatwave or the rigors of winter.
• Shanghai and the east coast Spring and autumn also offer a comfortable climate in this region, with mild temperatures and low rainfall.
• Southern China and Hong Kong Autumn: Autumn (October to December) is the best time to visit this region, as temperatures are cooler and rainfall less abundant than in summer.
• Tibet and mountain provinces The period between May and October is generally the best time to visit these regions, when temperatures are mild and roads passable. However, extreme weather conditions and the risk of avalanches make winter travel inadvisable.

Immigration statistics for China

According to recent data, the number of foreigners living in China has increased considerably in recent years. In 2018, the number of foreigners residing in China was estimated at around 1 million, an increase of around 40% compared to 2000. Among these foreigners, the most represented nationalities are Asians, followed by Europeans and Americans. The Chinese provinces with the highest number of foreigners are Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing and Jiangsu. The main reasons for moving to China vary from individual to individual, but generally include employment opportunities, study, business or the search for a better quality of life.

Trends among foreign students

Studying in China has become increasingly popular with international students. In 2018, there were around 492,000 foreign students in China, a figure that has been rising steadily since the 2000s. The most represented countries of origin among foreign students are South Korea, Pakistan, India and the USA.

Most popular visas in China

There are several types of visa to enter China, each with different requirements. Here are the most commonly requested visas:

• Visa L : This visa is intended for tourists wishing to visit the country for a short period, generally up to 60 days.
• Visa F : This visa is issued to foreign visitors coming to China for cultural exchanges, visits or short-term internships.
• Visa M : The M visa is intended for business travelers to China.
• Visa Z : This type of visa is issued to foreign workers who have obtained employment in China.
• Visa X1/X2 : These visas are intended for foreign students coming to China to study at a Chinese institution.
• Visa Q1/Q2 : Q visas are intended for family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents who wish to travel to China for a family visit.

It is important to note that the requirements and duration of validity of each visa may vary according to the nationality of the applicant, the nature of the trip and other specific factors. It is therefore essential to consult the relevant authorities for precise information on the visa application process.

International tourism figures for China

In recent years, China has become one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. In 2018, the country welcomed around 141 million international visitors, representing an increase of 1.2% on the previous year. The majority of foreign tourists to China come from neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea, THE Japanthe Russiathe Malaysia and the Thailand. However, a growing number of visitors also come from other parts of the world, notably Europe and North America.

Popular tourist destinations in China

Thanks to its rich culture, history and geography, China offers a wide variety of tourist attractions. Among the most popular destinations are :

• The Great Wall of China
• The Forbidden City
• Xi'an's terracotta warriors
• The Summer Palace in Beijing
• The rice terraces of Yunnan
• The ancient city of Lijiang
• The Huangshan Mountains

Economic impact of international tourism in China

International tourism in China has a significant impact on the national economy. In 2018, revenue generated by the tourism sector reached around US$127 billion, an increase of 3% on the previous year. This growth is mainly attributed to the Chinese government's efforts to promote the country as a tourist destination and facilitate access for foreign visitors by easing visa regulations and improving tourism infrastructure.

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