A week's trip to China - best time and other quries

Question

We are a senior couple from Mumbai and decided to visit China this year.( Beigung and Xiang) Have to start the process now.

Two quries at this stage

1.Our window is from August to November. We plan to spend few days in Seoul on our way back. What is the best time for weather,site-seeing and cost perspective?

2 Any suggestion for airlines? We have travelled Cathey which is good but bit pricey.Are others like Vietnam airlines etc decent?

3 Any other important point which we should know now.before starting visa / airticket etc -probaly not but still asking .

Thanks for any response

Answer

Planning a trip to Beijing and Xi’an (Xiang) from Mumbai between August and November is a great idea, but there are a few considerations for weather, cost, airlines, and pre-trip preparation. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Best time for weather, sightseeing, and cost:

Between August and November, the climate varies significantly:

August: Summer in China. Beijing and Xi’an can be hot (30–35°C), humid, and sometimes rainy. Tourist sites are crowded due to summer holidays. Flights and accommodation may be slightly more expensive than the shoulder months.
September to early October: Considered the best period. The weather is mild (20–28°C), with less rain, making sightseeing comfortable. Golden Week in early October can be very crowded and expensive, so avoid the first week of October if possible.
Late October to November: Autumn is cooler, crisp, and less crowded. Beijing and Xi’an have beautiful fall foliage, especially in parks and around the Great Wall. Prices tend to drop compared to peak summer and Golden Week, making it a cost-effective option.

Overall, mid-September to late October is optimal for a combination of pleasant weather, sightseeing comfort, and reasonable costs.

2. Suggested airlines:

Since you have previously traveled with Cathay Pacific and found it good but pricey, there are other decent options for flights from Mumbai to Beijing or Xi’an:

Vietnam Airlines: Offers good service and competitive fares. Usually involves a stopover in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Singapore Airlines: Excellent service, clean planes, but fares may be slightly higher.
Air China: Direct flights to Beijing from Mumbai are available, reasonably priced, though service is basic compared to Cathay.
Korean Air / Asiana: Stop in Seoul, decent service, and good connectivity.

Check for flight schedules and layovers. Sometimes, flights via South-East Asian hubs (Singapore, Hanoi, Bangkok) offer cheaper fares than direct flights.

3. Other important points before starting visa/air ticket process:

Check the visa requirements for China well in advance, including documents, photos, and processing time (usually 1–2 weeks, longer if additional documents are required).
Book flights and accommodations once you have a clear travel window. Avoid booking during Golden Week if possible.
Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and delays.
Keep local transport options in mind: Beijing has excellent subway and metro connectivity; Xi’an has taxis and a metro system. Understanding this helps plan day trips efficiently.
Check health advisories and any Covid-related entry requirements, though currently most restrictions have been lifted.
Plan internal flights or trains in advance if you intend to visit multiple cities; high-speed trains in China are convenient and cost-effective.

In summary, aim for mid-September to late October, choose a reliable airline that fits your budget and comfort needs, and start visa and ticket arrangements early to avoid delays. Consider Golden Week, local transport, and travel insurance as part of your preparation.

A week's trip to China - best time and other quries

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