Travel Tips
Weather Overview
The best time of year to visit Yunnan and Sichuan is between March to April and
September to November. Yunnan is a mountainous area, with high elevations in the
northwest and low elevations in the southeast, with the Tropic of Cancer running
through its southern part. The month of May is likely to be the rainiest month.
Summer is the peak season of Yunnan tourism. However, it’s not a great idea to arrive
in China or travel during significant holidays as hotel prices reach their maximum and
transport can become tricky.
Festivals & Religious Ceremonies
New Year's Day - 1 January
Chinese New Year - February; is a week-long holiday for most.
International Women's Day - 8 March
Tomb Sweeping Festival - First weekend in April; a popular three-day holiday.
International Labour Day - 1 May; for many, a three-day holiday.
Youth Day - 4 May
International Children's Day - 1 June
Dragon Boat Festival - June
Birthday of the Chinese Communist Party - 1 July (not a public holiday)
Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army - 1 August
Mid-Autumn Festival – September/October
National Day - 1 October; the big one – a week-long holiday.
Visas and border crossings
Always check the embassy website of the country you visit for visa requirements and
border crossing procedures, as these can change unexpectedly. For example, the
regulations for Chinese border crossings change frequently and randomly. At the
borders, ensure you have your visa and other papers in order before arrival.
At the time of writing, the following apply:
All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the entry date
and at least two blank pages. A Round-trip ticket and proof of a hotel reservation or an
invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The letter should
state information on the planned visit with dates of arrival and departure, places of
visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial
source for expenditures. During my visit, the Chinese consulate in Vientiane was one of
the easiest offices to obtain a Chinese visa.
Traffic and Road conditions
Please remember that Mainland China drives on the right-hand side of the road. The
weather and road conditions can make long-distance cycle touring challenging. Most
main roads and highways are in excellent condition, but cycling is prohibited. Rural
roads are scenic but often in need of improvement with steep gradients.