I was hoping to book a trip to China in September or October, but I've left it too late and the one I want to do is fully booked. The only dates they have left are the second half of August. <BR> <BR>What is the weather like in August in Shanghai and in the Three Gorges/Yangtze area? Is it unbearably hot and/or very wet? <BR> <BR>Please help me, I need to book my holiday before I go out of my mind!!!! I need to be able to look forward to that break.

I was there a few years ago in August. It's really *very* hot. Not so hot that we regretted going, however...but we're used to New York/Washington DC summers, which are quite different from anything you have in Britain. I think it will be a wonderful trip and that you should book it -- unless I am underestimating your tolerance for heat (or, as they say around here, "It's not the heat -- it's the humidity.").

It will be very hot and humid, all right. The area where the 3 Gorges cruises usually start, around Wuhan, is known as "The 5 Furnaces", for obvious reasons. You will undoubtedly be uncomfortable at times but, as the previous poster said, it's not so hot that it should put you off missing a wonderful experience. Take it slow, wear a large hat, drink plenty of water and enjoy!

I forgot to add -- in my experience, your hotel and the cruise ship will be air-conditioned, so you'll have plenty of places to cool off.

Thanks everyone for your comments - it sounds like it's hot & humid but bearable. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, my boss wouldn't let me have the time off in August due to other people's holidays, so I can't go on the tour I most wanted to do. <BR> <BR>Fortunately, however, I've found another which I think will end up being just as good as the first, and dates were free in October, Hooray! So, the weather should be a bit better.

You lucked out - the weather is awesome in October!

Anna, <BR> <BR>The weather is typically great in October. E-mail me if you would like some help on your trip. <BR> <BR>Cheers, <BR> <BR>Michael