China in June 2026: Travel Guide to the Shoulder Season

Is June a good time to take a trip to China? Will it be busy in the mainly tourist cities? What are the best places to visit in China during this month? Are there any unique festivals or events to experience? If you are planning a China tour in June and have a series of questions, read on. Here are the answers.

China's Weather in June

You may have heard that June isn't the best time to travel to China because it marks the start of summer and can get hot. While that's true for some regions, it doesn't tell the whole story. China is vast, and in fact, many places are very pleasant to explore in June.

• Northern China is generally comfortable this month, with average temperatures at 20-28℃ (68-82℉). Most of the days are sunny, ideal for outdoor activities. The vast grasslands in this area are in their prime viewing season. Beijing, however, is an exception. It can get quite hot in June during the daytime, so be prepared for higher temperatures.
• Western China is especially inviting, with average temperatures around 10-25℃(50-77℉). In Xinjiang, Tibet, and Sichuan, the grasslands are lush and dotted with wildflowers, making them perfect for hiking. Qinghai's lakes also glow with more vivid colors under the clear June skies.
• Southern China tends to be warm, averaging around 15-25℃ (59-77℉) in Yunnan, Hunan, and Guizhou, which is great for mountain climbing, rafting, and wandering through ancient towns. In coastal provinces like Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian, June can bring rain and wind, the average temperatures are usually around 25-32℃ (77-90℉). So, check the forecast if you're planning beach or boating activities.
• Eastern China is mild and a little humid, with temperatures around 26℃ (79℉) in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui. It's a good time to explore historic cities, scenic towns, and offshore islands. Mt. Huangshan is especially beautiful in summer, offering refreshing mountain landscapes.

Crowds & Costs

June is considered the shoulder season for traveling in China, which means you will generally avoid large crowds and find hotel and flight prices at normal levels.

Since the long summer school holiday doesn't start until around June 26, you will only notice a gradual rise in visitor numbers and costs toward the end of the month. Though, it is still far cheaper than the peak months of July and August.

Do keep in mind that the Dragon Boat Festival (usually in mid-June and lasting three days) draws many domestic travelers. During the festival, crowds may be larger and costs a bit higher.

For the best value and fewer crowds, aim to visit during the first half of June before the holiday rush begins.

Best Places to Travel in China in June

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie

June is one of the best times to see Zhangjiajie in its full glory. The towering sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are covered in fresh greenery, and mist often rolls through the valleys, creating a dreamlike scene. Don't miss the glass bridge over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon if you're up for a thrill!

A thing to note is that June can bring afternoon showers. So pack a lightweight raincoat and wear shoes with good grip for slippery trails. And it is better to do your exploration in the morning for clearer views before clouds roll in.

Qinghai

Qinghai's salt lakes are at their most dazzling in June, reflecting bright blue skies. Chaka Salt Lake is famous for its mirror-like surface, while Taijinaier Salt Lake glows in shades of emerald and turquoise. If you want to see multiple lakes, the best way is to take a private tour with an experienced driver and a comfortable vehicle.

Though Qinghai enjoys a cool highland climate in June, the sun's rays are still strong. Don't forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Yunnan

Black Dragon Pool

Yunnan shines in June with blooming flowers, crisp mountain air, and fewer tourists compared to peak season. This vast province in the southwestern corner of China offers an incredible variety of experiences. Cycle along the shores of Erhai Lake in Dali, wander the narrow alleys of Lijiang Old Town, hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge as the river rushes with snowmelt, or take a boat ride on Lugu Lake surrounded by delicate summer blossoms. For photographers, June is also a perfect time to capture the snow-capped Meili Mountains glowing gold at sunrise.

The only drawback might be the occasional rain showers, but they are usually short-lived. If the rain comes, simply duck into a cozy café and wait it out. Also, keep in mind that as you travel from Kunming to Dali to Lijiang, the weather gets gradually cooler. Pack a light jacket, and if you're planning to hike Yulong Snow Mountain, be sure to bring warm clothing. It can get very cold at higher elevations.

Guilin

Some travelers may advise against visiting Guilin in June since the weather turns hot, humid, and rainy. But that same weather also brings lush greenery to the karst peaks and fuller rivers, making the scenery even more dramatic. So we think Guilin still deserves a spot on the list.

Take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Xingping to see landscapes so iconic they're printed on the 20 yuan note. For a quieter experience, try bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, where calm waters mirror the limestone peaks and countryside.

June is also a special time to visit the Longji Rice Terraces. This is the farming season, so you'll see villagers planting rice in shimmering, water-filled fields that look like giant mirrors cascading down the mountainsides.

Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

What to Do in June

Chinese Mountains Climbing

June is one of the best months to lace up your hiking shoes and head into China's spectacular mountains. Beyond the famous Avatar-like peaks of Zhangjiajie, you'll find Mount Huangshan in Anhui, Mount Emei in Sichuan, and Mount Tai all at their most beautiful this time of year. Expect lush greenery, wildflowers in bloom, and if you're lucky, the magical sight of a rolling sea of clouds.

Explore the Vast Grasslands

China's grasslands reach their greenest in June, making it the perfect season to visit Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia or the Yili Grassland in Xinjiang. You can take a leisurely walk, try horseback riding, or simply enjoy the endless open views and fresh air. For a more immersive experience, you may visit local families to sample unique dairy delicacies and learn about nomadic traditions.

Experience the Dragon Boat Festival

One of June's biggest cultural highlights is the Dragon Boat Festival, which usually falls in mid-June. In 2026, it will be celebrated on June 19.

The festival is marked by colorful dragon boat races, lively celebrations, and traditional foods like zongzi. Beyond watching the races, you may also get the chance to join hands-on activities such as making rice dumplings, weaving colorful ropes, or crafting fragrant sachets.

Keep in mind that the festival is also a public holiday in China, so expect larger crowds at popular tourist sites.

Rice Dumplings

China Travel Tips in June

Prepare Sunscreen Items

The sunshine is abundant in June, so please take sunscreen measures especially if you are traveling to the high-altitude areas in Qinghai, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Sichuan, as well as on the islands. Please bring sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and silk scarves to protect your skin and eyes.

Stay Hydrated

Although June is early summer and the overall temperature is not too high, it occasionally warms up suddenly, and even in the north, the maximum temperature sometimes reaches over 30℃. Please keep hydrated when traveling in June and it is recommended to carry medication to prevent heatstroke.

Coastal Destinations: Go Early in the Month

If you plan to travel to the southern and eastern regions, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Beihai, and Sanya, it is recommended to go in the first half of Jun. In the second half of June rain usually increases and winds can be strong in these areas.

Travelling to China in June? Check Out These Great Itineraries

Golden Triangle with Avatar Mountains - 10 Days. Marvel at Shanghai's skyscrapers, explore Xitang's canals, be awestruck by Zhangjiajie's Avatar mountains, uncover Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, learn Taichi, cycle its ancient city wall, and conclude in Beijing, visiting the Great Wall and Forbidden City.

Highlights of China with Yunnan - 20 Days. Explore Beijing's iconic Great Wall and Forbidden City, delve into history with Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, marvel at Yunnan's Stone Forest and rice terraces as well as discover its ancient towns, enjoy Li River's scenic beauty, and appreciate Shanghai's cultural fusion along the Bund.

Real Taste of China: Food & Culture - 14 Days. Indulge in Peking Duck after exploring the Great Wall, savor wheat-based cuisine after admiring the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, challenge your taste buds with spicy hot pot in Chengdu home to giant pandas, and immerse in tea culture in Guangzhou and Hong Kong.