Best Time to Visit Changzhi

Spring and autumn: the sweet spots

April and May are the best months here, and October is just as good. Days are mild, nights are cool, and rain is light. In April the highs reach about 20°C. By May it's warm enough for a T-shirt at midday, though you'll want a jacket after dark.

Changzhi sits on a high plateau, so the air feels fresher than on the hot plains to the south. That suits the Taihang Mountains, which are the main reason to come. Spring is good for the cliffs and canyons of the Taihang Grand Canyon area, and for easy day trips out of the city. September is also rated Excellent, though it's wetter than October.

October is the one to pick if you like clear, settled days and autumn colour in the hills. Mornings turn properly chilly by the end of the month.

Summer: green, warm, then very wet

June is warm and still fairly dry, with highs near 30°C. It's a fine month for hiking and for wandering villages with old temples, which Shanxi has plenty of.

July is another story. It's the wettest month by far, at 195 mm on 15 days, and the air gets sticky. August is also wet, with the same 15 rainy days. Showers often arrive in the afternoon, and mountain paths turn muddy and slippery. If you come in July or August, keep plans loose and stay near the city. Hills look wonderfully green, though, and the heat never gets harsh.

Summer is also when Chinese families travel most, because school is out. Popular mountain spots fill up at weekends. Sights in the city itself stay fairly calm.

Winter: cold, dry and quiet

December and January are rated Poor, and it's easy to see why. Highs stay just above freezing, nights drop to around -8°C, and the wind has a bite. The upside is that it's dry and fairly sunny, with only a few days of precipitation.

If you hate crowds, winter is yours. Hotels are quiet and you'll often have sights to yourself. The cold does make long hikes unpleasant, so stick to museums, temples and warm noodle shops. Try local braised dishes and hot, sour vinegar-flavoured food, which Shanxi is famous for.

The big event is Chinese New Year, in late January or February. Many people travel home, and some small restaurants close for several days. Expect firecrackers, red lanterns and family meals. March and November are cool but Good, and they make decent shoulder-season choices when you want fewer people.