China is a wonderful place to visit, but you need to plan your trip carefully. If you want to avoid long queues and high prices, it’s better not to travel during China’s major public holidays.
The busiest times are the Spring Festival, the National Day Golden Week from October 1 to 7, and the Labour Day holiday starting on May 1. During these periods, huge numbers of Chinese people travel around the country. Famous tourist sites become very crowded. Train and flight tickets sell out fast, and hotels raise their prices a lot. Smaller holidays such as the Qingming Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival also bring more visitors.
If you want a more comfortable trip, go in the shoulder seasons, like early April or September. The weather is nice, and there are far fewer tourists. That said, if you are interested in experiencing local festival culture, you can travel in holiday periods. Just make sure to book your transport and accommodation months ahead of time.
China has plenty to see. Choose a less busy time, and your trip will be much more enjoyable.