Winters in China’s north and northeast fall between November and December and March and April respectively and are extremely cold with temperatures falling to -40°C.

On the flipside, Hong Kong is stiflingly hot and humid from April to September with temperatures climbing to 38°C. This is also the rainy season with typhoons like to hit between July, August and September. Not a good combo.

Chinese New Year is celebrated across the country in late January or early February and is an amazing celebration of fireworks, lanterns, decorative red scrolls, gifts and feasting with the family. It can be busy, but that only adds to the party atmosphere.

China’s ‘Golden Week’, or National Day Holiday is held from 29th September to 10th October and everyone in the country – that’s 1.4 billion people – has this week off. Most travel to domestic cities causing logistical chaos. Avoid it, unless of course your idea of fun is getting caught in a confusion of camera straps.

Labor Day Holiday in China is three days - 1st May to 3rd May - and this period plus two days either side should be avoided; huge crowds, high travel costs, long queues and overcrowded transport are just a few frustrating side effects.

China in June starts to warm up considerably, and though it can be quite rainy, plant life is vibrant, river levels are high, and the Longji rice terraces are irrigated, with the water creating shimmering, mirror-like surfaces.

Post-National Day Holiday, mid to late October is a delightful month, with mild temperatures, little rain and lush, colourful foliage.