China in August 2025: Guide to Beat the Summer Heat

In August, when most of China is already in summer, you can go to Beijing to feel the coolness of autumn, or Inner Mongolia to feel the warmth and exuberance of the local people, or Guizhou to feel the magic and wonder of nature.

China's Weather in August

China is a large, vast country that can be roughly divided into four regions, each with its own climatic characteristics.

Northern China

The climate in northern China is delightful, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 30℃ in Harbin, Jilin, and Liaoning. Though the inland is dry, there are showers along the coast, offering fresh air after the rainfall will be more suitable for traveling.

Southern China

At this time of year, rainfall in southern China is light, with clear sunny days and warmer temperatures averaging around 25 to 35℃, making it ideal for outdoor exploration in some greenery places like Yunnan and Guilin.

Guilin Longji Rice Terraces

Eastern China

August in eastern China is at the height of summer, with average temperatures above 27℃. Rain is also more plentiful, with occasional showers bringing a hint of coolness to Shanghai and Zhejiang. At this time, indoor exploration is more recommended.

Western China

Provinces in western China including Tibet, Gansu, and Ningxia are cooler, averaging around 12 to 25℃. It is a natural summer resort, with a big difference in temperature between morning and evening, and less precipitation.

Best Places to Travel in August

Beijing

As Beijing is about to enter fall in August, you can enjoy the cool autumn breeze and the radiant fall colors that can be seen everywhere. You can visit the Summer Palace to admire the different styles of garden architecture, or the Forbidden City to learn about the cultural connotations of China's ancient imperial palaces or explore the stories of time in Beijing's hutongs. If you have time, you can visit Chengde near Beijing. The man-made forest Sehanba or the summer resort will surely amaze you.

Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia in August has gradually regained its green vitality. The sheep on the grassland run freely, butterflies flutter on the golden hairpin flowers on the shore of Hulun Lake, and the Jiuqu River flows along the gullies. Mongolians on horseback lazily bask in the sun as you drive along the magnificent skyline, what a beautiful sight it will be.

Hainan

Hainan in August, the sun is just right, the sea is blue, no more suitable for traveling. Shimei Bay, Riyue Bay and Nanyan Bay let the tropical island flavor unfold in front of you. The Shenzhou Peninsula and Boundary Island give you a glimpse of the grandeur and beauty of the sea. Hainan is a place with a great leisure atmosphere, where you will get away from the stress of the city and relax with abandon.

Yunnan

Yunnan is an exotic place, when you come here in August, you will feel different Chinese characteristics. In the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, every leaf hides a secret and every breeze carries the murmur of the ancient Dai people. It is a kingdom of nature and a paradise for adventurers.

Guizhou

Be sure to make a trip to Guizhou in August to escape the summer heat and enter a natural oxygen bar. Huangguoshu Waterfall is a must-see attraction for every tourist who reaches Anshun. Of course, besides the waterfalls, there are many caves waiting for explorers to unveil their mystery.

What to Do in August

Escape the Summer Heat at the Royal Garden

While the vast majority of Chinese cities are still experiencing a hot August, Chengde already benefits from its own summer resort that combines the spirit of Jiangnan gardens with the majesty of northern architecture, making an outstanding representative of traditional Chinese garden art.

Follow the path from Lizheng Gate and explore the entire mountain resort in the decent forest at a leisurely pace, taking in a variety of architectural styles, from traditional Han Chinese buildings to Tibetan Buddhist temples, as well as Manchu specialties. You can also learn about the history and culture of the Qing Dynasty and visit the Emperor's Chambers, Court Halls and Study Halls to feel the atmosphere of royal life.

Ride on the Grasslands of Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia in August is a good choice to escape from the hot and prosperous city. It is a beautiful place full of natural beauty and mysterious culture, a natural summer resort with a cool and pleasant temperature of about 20°C.

Dip in the Mozhigrad River by canoe to feel the charm of nature, or head to Heishantou for its spectacular grassland, visit the ancient Mongolian ruins and experience equestrianism and archery to feel the unique culture of Inner Mongolia. As for dinner, there is nothing to look forward to more than enjoying a roasted whole sheep at the traditional Mongolian lodging yurt, singing and dancing around the bonfire with the enthusiastic Mongolian girls and boys, and sitting on the grassland late at night to count the stars, which is simply too romantic.

Inner Mongolia

Enjoy A Beach Vacation in Hainan

August in Hainan is for beautiful bays, spectacular mountains, amazing botanical gardens, and exciting surfing.

Shimei Bay, also known as the First Bay of Hainan with wash-up shores and white sand beaches, is suitable for all kinds of activities ranging from a lazy sunbath to an exciting beach volleyball. Or dive into the tropical botanical garden planted with a variety of rare plants for an in-depth understanding to appreciate the rich Southeast Asian flavor. What's more, Hainan has an exceptional variety of food, such as a variety of snacks made from variegated raw materials and local flavor restaurants, all of which make for a worthwhile travel experience.

Make Yourself A Tropical Flavor Vacation

When you step on the land of Xishuangbanna in August, you will be surrounded by the greenery of the tropical rainforest, where you can breathe fresh air and listen to the singing of birds as if you were in a mysterious primitive world.

You can visit the Wild Elephant Valley and see for yourself these huge animals roaming freely in the forest, or go to the Peacock Country and enjoy those beautiful peacocks dancing under the sun. Of course, there are also ethnic minority villages here for you to visit the Dai architecture, enjoy the Dai songs and dances, and taste the Dai food. In the evening, you can also join the bonfire party and drink and dance with them. Besides these, the night market in Xishuangbanna is also very rich, in which you can taste various cuisines featuring Dai flavor. It is a place that combines natural beauty, humanistic landscape and cuisine.

Experience the Nature Artistry

Chinese magnificent natural landscapes won't make you regret coming here in August, especially those inspiring karst landmarks in the southeast area offering both the vision experience and the cool temperature.

There are numerous caves in Guilin, where stalactites, stalagmites, stone flowers, and stone pillars are illuminated in a thousand colors. Dragon Palace Cave in Guizhou is dominated by dark river caves, which means you can row a boat into the water caves for a special experience. August is also the time to take advantage of the high-water period, offering opportunities to capture those grand waterfalls bustling with splashes and sparks, such as the Huangguoshu Waterfall and Detian Waterfall, full of charming and energetic tourist destinations.

Detian Waterfall

Events & Festivals

Yunnan Torch Festival

The Yunnan Torch Festival, known as the "Carnival of the East", is a solemn traditional festival of the Yi people. During the festival, people hold torches, burn them at night, dance and pray for a good harvest and peace. Torches and summer nights, passionate and joyful, bonfire parties, food festivals and ethnic beating and dancing are all adding even better wishes to the summer nights.

Hulunbeier Prairie Carnival

In August, the Mongolian people of the grasslands organize carnival activities such as wrestling, horse riding, archery and bonfire parties. You can see images of the local people in their traditional ethnic costumes galloping across the grasslands with great passion and excitement; bringing the best food from their own families to offer to the sacred mountain, praying for good weather and peace for their families, which is their emotion and gratitude for the harvest and nature.

Crowds & Costs

August is the peak traveling season in China, usually considered the prime time for domestic traveling, with prices for flights, hotels, and restaurants going up a bit. It is during the summer vacation when the flow of locals and traffic is high, making your advance booking quite necessary for an ideal room to sample the wonders of China.

China Travel Tips in August

Summer Protection

Most parts of China in August have higher temperatures and more intense UV rays. So when you travel to China in August, prepare sunscreen equipment such as sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water resources in advance to avoid sunburn and dehydration.

Take Care of Your Belongings

August is the peak traveling season with heavy foot and car traffic. When you're traveling in August, be sure to stay safe and secure your valuables. If you have children with you, be sure to watch over your children's safety.

Clothing Packing List

Some lighter and breathable clothes will be more helpful during your August journey in China, avoid wearing tights and other non-breathable clothes to facilitate body heat dissipation. If you are going to travel to western China, remember to bring an extra jacket to prevent the temperature difference between morning and evening.

Have A Unique Summer Holiday in China

From south to north, August in China will offer you different destinations. From the hot passion of Hainan, to the rich culture of Yunnan, to the summer resort of North, there is always a place that will catch your eye. Choose a place that intrigues you and start your August journey with Odynovo!