Peter N-H - China in April
 

Hi Peter,<BR><BR>I'm hoping you can help me. I'm visiting China (Beijing, Xian, Suzhou, Shanghai), arriving April 17. What is the weather like? I have no idea what to pack since I am travelling to Thailand after, which is hot &amp; humid.<BR><BR>Thanks for your help,<BR>Lana

We followed almost the same route with the addition of Guilin on the Li River and also Hong Kong in April. When we were in Beijing is was very cold. It is on the same latitude as Toronto, Canada which is near where we live. We had spring jackets and layered with many sweatshirts underneath and were still cold. By the time we ended up in Shanghai at the end of our two week vacation it was pushing 30 Celsius or 90 Fahrenheit. Pack accordingly. I believe at this time of year anything could happen. Hong Kong was hotter than Shanghai.

Go to this site for weather history/monthly averages.<BR><BR>http://www.usatoday.com/weather/fore...emps-index.htm

Thanks guys.<BR><BR>Sprig, I live in Toronto, so your description really helps. I just don't know how I'm going to fit winter clothes and summer clothes in my backpack!<BR><BR>Can't wait to go!

Bejing and Xian should be comfortable in the middle of April. It would be quite abnormal to be very cold at that time of year for these two places. Shanghai and Suzhou should be nice. And Thiland will be hot.<BR><BR>I think what you need to pack in addition to summer cloth is just a sweater. In case you are running into some rare cold weather, buy another sweater in Beijing or Xian; you can find tons of such things with relative good quality and very inexpensive. <BR><BR>Since you are likely buy other stuff during the trip, try to pack lightly. At the end, you will be glad that you did.

peter'please e-mail me a copy of your uodated walking tour of beijing. thanks,joan e-mail:[email protected]

Kang,<BR><BR>Buying a sweater in China is a great idea. But will clothes from China fit North Americans? I'm 5'7&quot; and regular build.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Lana

In Beijing or Xian, no problem. There will be huge selections for your size description. <BR><BR>If you bring a sweater with you, chances are that you don't have to buy any more cloth. Last time I left Beijing was 2 years ago on April 2. It was seasonable and I only needed a thick sweater. Beijing tends to have a short spring. By April 17, you will be just fine.<BR>

Thanks Kang! I appreciate your help.

What will the weather be like mid-april in Dali/Lijiang area of Yunan?

The other thing that you may get in the spring in Beijing is a dust storm.