In early May and summer, with lush vegetation, it is the perfect time to visit famous mountains and rivers and taste the early summer scenery. From the misty rain of the water towns in Jiangnan to the coolness of the southwestern plateau, from the blue waves of coastal cities to the lingering peonies of ancient capital cities, May in China presents a bright and vivid travel picture. Here are 14 selected Chinese May luxury travel destinations that blend seasonal charm, cultural sophistication, and high-end experiences, embarking on a luxurious journey alongside early summer.

 

1. Hangzhou

The lotus flowers in West Lake are beginning to bloom

Temperature: Minimum 18 ℃ • Maximum 28 ℃
Highlights: Lotus Leaf Fields in West Lake, Longjing Village Tea Banquet, Nine Streams and Eighteen Streams Hiking, Song City's "Jiangnan Smoke and Rain" Performance, Outside the Building Crab Powder Tofu
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May, in Hangzhou, the lotus leaves of the "Quyuan Wind Lotus" on West Lake first bloomed, and the boat sailed through the blue waves, enjoying the magnificent scenery of "endless green lotus leaves reaching the sky". Longjing Village holds a "Spring Tea Tail Banquet" where tourists can experience the subtle differences between Mingqian Longjing and Yuqian Longjing, paired with snacks such as lotus root powder and osmanthus cake. The Nine Streams and Eighteen Streams Trail provides shade and clear water, making it an excellent choice for hiking to escape the heat.
The Songcheng Scenic Area continues to perform 'Jiangnan Smoke and Rain', interweaving water screen projections with live dance performances to recreate the spring scenery of Jiangnan depicted by Bai Juyi. The Louwailou Restaurant launched the "May Crab Feast", which featured the Taihu Lake Lake crabs with rice wine. Crab meat and tofu were delicious and smooth, making them the finishing touch of early summer taste.

 

2. Suzhou

Tiger Hill

Temperature: Minimum 19 ℃ • Maximum 29 ℃
Highlights: Wisteria trellis in Humble Administrator's Garden, Pingjiang Road Pingtan night performance, Tiger Hill Tower shadow spring deep, Yangcheng Lake hairy crab fresh, Su style boat spot, Biluochun tea
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May in Suzhou, the wisteria flower racks in the Humble Administrator's Garden poured down like a purple waterfall, complementing the pavilions and towers, becoming the most romantic check-in point in the garden. The Pingjiang Road Historic District has extended the night performance time of Pingtan, and Wu Nong's soft language appears more gentle in the night breeze. The shadow of Huqiu Pagoda is reflected in Jianchi during the deep spring season. The ancient cypress is lush and green, and visitors can climb the pagoda to overlook the interweaving of Suzhou New City and Ancient City.
Although Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are not yet in their most fertile season, the "June yellow" has begun to show its freshness and sweetness, with a slight overflow of crab roe. When eaten with ginger vinegar, it enhances the flavor. Suzhou style boat spots are shaped with glutinous rice and bean paste, and made into goldfish, jade rabbits and other shapes. They are exquisite Dim sum at Suzhou boat banquet. Biluochun tea is produced on Dongshan Island, with a green tea soup and a rich aroma. It is a great treat for guests in the tea town.

 

3. Nanjing

Traveling through ancient and modern times, Nanjing City

Temperature: Minimum 17 ℃ • Maximum 27 ℃
Highlights: Jiming Temple Rose Corridor, Zhongshan Tomb wutong Avenue, Qinhuai River Night Tour Upgrade, Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup Upgrade, Jinling Roast Duck, Plum Blossom Cake
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May, in Nanjing, the Rose Corridor of Jiming Temple entered its peak flowering period, with pink, white, and deep red roses climbing onto the ancient walls, forming a "flower wall" landscape that attracted photography enthusiasts. The wutong Avenue of Zhongshan Mausoleum is covered with green shade, and the sun shines through the leaves, making it a perfect path for cycling and walking. Qinhuai River Night Tour launches the theme of "Painting Boat Poetry Wine", where tourists can enjoy Jinling Roast Duck on the painting boat, admire the lights on both sides of the river, and enjoy Kunqu Opera performances.
Nanjing cuisine upgrade, adding seasonal Artemisia annua and Toona sprouts to duck blood vermicelli soup, adding even more spring freshness; Jinling roast duck has crispy skin and tender meat, paired with thin pancakes and sweet bean sauce, making it the protagonist of the night banquet. Plum cake is made of glutinous rice, filled with Red bean soup, and sprinkled with osmanthus on the surface. It is sweet but not greasy. It is a traditional Nanjing snack.

 

4. Kunming

Seagulls flying in Haigeng Dam, Dianchi Lake

Temperature: Minimum 15 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
Highlights: Yuantong Mountain jacaranda, Yunnan University Rose Garden, Shilin Jianfeng Spring, first taste of wild mushroom hotpot, fresh baked flower cake, Steamed chicken in casserole health
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May in Kunming, the blue Jacaranda of Yuantong Mountain bloomed, with a sea of purple flowers contrasting with the blue sky and white clouds, creating a dreamlike scene resembling a "Purple Cloud Wonderland". In the Rose Garden of Yunnan University, edible roses are blooming one after another. Tourists can experience making rose sauce and taste freshly baked versions of rose flower cakes. The Jianfeng Peak in Shilin Scenic Area appears even more verdant in the deep spring season, with sunlight penetrating through the crevices of the rocks to form a long corridor of light and shadow. Tourists can walk through it to experience the natural wonders.
During the first tasting season of Kunming wild mushroom hotpot, fresh mushrooms such as Boletus edulis and Qingtou mushroom are gradually being launched, paired with local chicken soup base, which is delicious and nourishing. Fresh flower cakes are freshly baked and sold, with a crispy outer skin and a fragrant rose filling, making them the first choice for souvenirs. Steamed chicken in casserole is steamed with steam, and the soup is clear and delicious. Chinese medicine such as medlar and angelica are added to it, which has more health preserving effects.

 

5. Dali

Dali Bai ethnic group screen wall

Temperature: Minimum 16 ℃ • Maximum 26 ℃
Highlights: Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor Flower Sea, Cangshan Ximatan Mountain Rhododendron Tail Season, Xizhou Ancient Town Rice Planting Experience, Bai Ethnic Three Tea Ceremony Upgrade, Sour and Spicy Fish with Jasmine Tea, Milk Fan Ice Cream
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May, in Dali, the rapeseed fields along the Erhai Lake ecological corridor came to an end, replaced by fields of chrysanthemums such as cosmos and marigold, which were colorful and picturesque. Cangshan Ximatan Mountain Rhododendron has entered its final season, and tourists can seize the last opportunity to enjoy it by taking the cableway directly to the top of the mountain, overlooking the magnificent scenery of the "Rhododendron Corridor". Xizhou Ancient Town held a rice paddy transplanting experience activity, where tourists can step into the paddy fields barefoot and experience traditional farming culture.
The Bai ethnic group's three tea ceremonies have been upgraded, with the addition of themed tea snacks such as "Cangshan Snow" jasmine tea and "Erhai Moon" osmanthus cake, symbolizing the four scenic spots of Dali. Sour and spicy fish is mainly made from Erhai crucian carp, seasoned with sour papaya and chili, and has a sour and spicy appetizing effect; Milk fan ice cream roasts the milk fan until slightly crispy, paired with ice cream balls, interweaving milk and sweet flavors, making it an innovative dessert for summer.

 

6. Lijiang

Lijiang Black Dragon Pool

Temperature: Minimum 14 ℃ • Maximum 24 ℃
Highlights: Rose covered walls in Shuhe Ancient Town, Blue Moon Valley in Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier Park, Purple Vine Corridor in Heilongtan Park, Braised Pork Rib Hot Pot with Mushroom, Chicken Bean Jelly with Rose Sauce, Naxi Bonfire Party
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May, in Lijiang, the ancient town of Shuhe, roses climb up the white walls and tiles, creating a romantic scene of "roses filling the walls". Tourists can stroll along and take photos to check in. The Blue Moon Valley Lake in Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier Park appears blue-green in deep spring, like a gem set between the valleys. Visitors can take an electric scooter to tour around the lake. The wisteria corridor in Heilongtan Park is in full bloom, with purple flower clusters falling like waterfalls, complementing the ancient architecture.
Adding seasonal mushrooms such as chicken fir and boletus to the braised pork ribs hotpot enhances the deliciousness of the soup; Chicken bean jelly paired with rose sauce, sour and spicy with a hint of sweetness, has become an innovative way of eating traditional Naxi snacks. The Naxi bonfire party has been upgraded to include activities such as Dongba script lantern riddles and Naxi ancient music performances. Tourists can participate in interactive activities and experience the charm of Naxi culture.

 

7. Beijing

Beijing Shichahai in May

Temperature: Minimum 16 ℃ • Maximum 28 ℃
Highlights: The Summer Palace lotus blooms, the Yuanmingyuan peony rhymes, the new products of the Palace Museum Jiaolou coffee, Beijing style roast duck with spring bamboo shoots, Zhajiangmian with Chinese toon sprouts, Pea puree cake with jasmine tea
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May, in Beijing, the lotus flowers at the "Moonlight over the Lotus Pond" scenic spot in the Summer Palace began to bloom. Cruise boats passed through the lotus leaves, enjoying the poetic scene of "small lotus flowers only revealing their sharp corners". The lingering charm of the peonies in the Yuanmingyuan remains, and late bloomed varieties such as "Zhao Fen" and "Er Qiao" still bloom, complementing the ruins of the Western style buildings, blending historical and natural beauty. The Palace Museum Corner Tower Coffee has launched "early summer limited edition" drinks, such as "Lotus Latte" and "Jasmine Cold Extract", paired with Palace Museum cultural and creative desserts, becoming a popular check-in spot for internet celebrities.
Beijing style roasted duck paired with seasonal vegetables such as bamboo shoots and fragrant sprouts makes it more tender and fresh; Zhajiangmian with Chinese toon sprouts, tender bean sprouts and other dishes have a rich taste. Pea puree cake with jasmine tea, sweet but not greasy, has become a classic match for Beijing tea in early summer.

 

8. Xi'an

A ray of sunlight shone through the window and hit Huaqing Pool

Temperature: Minimum 18 ℃ • Maximum 30 ℃
Highlights: the lingering charm of late cherry trees in Qinglong Temple, the upgraded version of Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty in Tang Paradise, the night performance of Everlasting Regret in Huaqing Palace, Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup with sugar and garlic, roujiamo with Liangpi, steamer cake with almond tea
Other recommended travel dates: April, May, and October
In May in Xi'an, although the evening cherry blossoms at Qinglong Temple have come to an end, some varieties still bloom, complementing the ancient temple. The Tang Furong Garden has upgraded its performance of "Dreaming Back to the Tang Dynasty", adding water screen projection and live dance to recreate the bustling scene of Chang'an in the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The night performance of "Song of Everlasting Regret" at Huaqing Palace continues, set against the backdrop of Mount Li, telling the love story between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei. The lighting, stage design, and plot are perfectly integrated.
Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup with sugar and garlic can relieve greasy taste; The meat bun is crispy and the meat is salty, fragrant and juicy. It is refreshing to eat with Liangpi. Zeng Gao is steamed with glutinous rice, red dates, and red beans. It has a soft and glutinous taste, sweet but not greasy. When paired with almond tea, it becomes a great dessert in early summer in Xi'an.

 

9. Chengdu

Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Blue Tears

Temperature: Minimum 20 ℃ • Maximum 30 ℃
Highlights: Qingcheng Mountain summer resort, Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, Du Fu Thatched Cottage Wisteria Corridor, hotpot upgrade, Chuanchuanxiang with ice powder, rabbit head with plum wine
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May, Qingcheng Mountain entered the summer season in Chengdu. The temperature between the mountains is pleasant. Tourists can climb the mountain on foot to feel the tranquility of the Taoist holy land. Although Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Water Releasing Festival has ended, its lingering charm has not disappeared. Tourists can visit Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Water Conservancy Project to learn about ancient irrigation wisdom. The wisteria corridor of Du Fu Thatched Cottage is in full bloom, with purple flower clusters falling like waterfalls, complementing the thatched cottage and bamboo forest, forming the elegant charm of "reading poetry under wisteria flowers".
Chengdu hotpot has launched the "Early Summer Menu", adding seasonal vegetables such as tender bamboo shoots and fragrant sprouts, paired with a spicy base made of butter, making it a hot and satisfying dish. Chuan Chuan Xiang paired with ice cream powder becomes a powerful tool for relieving spiciness; Rabbit head paired with plum wine, with a moderate sour and sweet taste, becomes a summer appetizer.

 

10. Sanya

The first ray of sunshine in the morning falls on the beach in Sanya

Temperature: Minimum 26 ℃ • Maximum 34 ℃
Highlights: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, Wuzhizhou Island Coral Reef Protection, Nanshan Temple Sea Avalokitesvara, Seafood Feast Upgrade, Qingbu Liang with mango, coconut rice with jackfruit
Other recommended travel dates: May, June, and November
In May, Sanya, Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park boasts lush vegetation, allowing visitors to take cable cars through the rainforest and appreciate the diversity of tropical plants. The Wuzhizhou Island Coral Reef Protection Project continues, allowing diving enthusiasts to observe the coral reef ecology and tropical fish populations up close. The Sea Guanyin Villa at Nanshan Temple is grand and majestic, where tourists can pray and make wishes, and experience Buddhist culture.
Sanya Seafood Feast has been upgraded, adding seasonal seafood such as lobster, grouper, and Hele crab, paired with garlic, salt and pepper cooking methods, making it incredibly delicious. Clear and cool with mango, cool and relieve heat; Coconut rice with jackfruit, with coconut and fruit fragrance, becomes a dessert in early summer in Sanya.

 

11. Mount Huangshan

The top of Mount Huangshan is full of clouds

Temperature: Minimum 18 ℃ • Maximum 28 ℃
Highlights: frequent cloud sea in Mount Huangshan, rice planting in Xidi Hongcun, intangible cultural heritage handicraft in Tunxi Old Street, stinky mandarin fish with hairy tofu, Mount Huangshan Shaobing (Baked cake in griddle) with Qimen black tea
Other recommended travel dates: May, June, and October
In May, the sea of clouds frequently appears in Mount Huangshan Mountain. Tourists can take the cableway up the mountain to enjoy the fantastic scene of "clouds and mist" at the Guangming Peak, Shixin Peak and other scenic spots. Xidi and Hongcun Ancient Villages hold rice paddy transplanting experience activities, where tourists can participate in traditional farming and experience the rural life of "painting in the countryside". Tunxi Old Street's intangible cultural heritage handmade shop has launched new products, such as Huizhou ink, Sheyan, bamboo carving, etc., making it a great place to purchase specialty souvenirs.
Mount Huangshan cuisine has been upgraded. Stinky mandarin fish is paired with hairy tofu to form a unique flavor of "smelly and delicious"; Mount Huangshan Shaobing (Baked cake in griddle) with Qimen black tea is a classic combination of Huizhou traditional snacks.

 

12. Zhangjiajie

Huanglong Cave Exploration

Temperature: Minimum 20 ℃ • Maximum 30 ℃
Highlights: Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot Peak, Tianmen Mountain glass walkway, Huanglong Cave, Tujia Sanxia Pot with Rock Fungus Stewed Chicken, Pueraria Root Powder with Honey
Other recommended travel times: April, May, and June
In May, in Zhangjiajie, the peak forest of Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot Scenic Area is more green in the deep spring. Tourists can take the Bailong Sky Ladder to Yuanjiajie to enjoy the "Heaven and Earth Column", "The First Bridge in the World" and other strange peaks and rocks. The glass walkway of Tianmen Mountain is suspended on the cliff. Tourists can experience the excitement of walking in the air and overlook the spring scenery at the foot of the mountain. The Huanglong Cave is lined with stalactites, and exploring the cave offers natural wonders such as underground rivers, stalagmites, and stone flowers.
The combination of Tujia three pot and rock ear stewed chicken has a rich flavor and is a traditional delicacy of the Tujia ethnic group; Kudzu root powder paired with honey has a smooth and refreshing taste, making it a unique snack in Zhangjiajie. Each destination is equipped with luxurious accommodation options, such as Hangzhou Xizi Lake Four Seasons and Suzhou Park Hyatt Hotel, combining early summer scenery and high-end services to create a luxurious journey that accompanies early summer. Whether it's the misty rain in the water towns of Jiangnan or the coolness of the snow capped mountains on the plateau, there is always a scenery in May in China that can become the most beautiful early summer poem in your heart.

13. Dunhuang

The pearl in the desert, crescent moon spring

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
Highlights: Mogao Grottoes murals, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring, Desert Starry Sky
Other recommended travel dates: September/October
Dunhuang has a moderate climate in May, and the Mogao Grottoes' mural art is exquisite and unparalleled. The Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring "coexists with mountains and springs, and sand and water coexist". The desert starry sky is pure and can capture the wonders of the Milky Way.
High end accommodation is recommended at Dunhuang Villa or Dongyi Hotel, paired with delicacies such as donkey meat and yellow noodles, apricot peel water, etc., to experience the dual charm of Silk Road culture and desert camping.

 

14 Wangxian Valley (Shangrao)

Wangxian Valley is like a fairyland

Temperature: Minimum 15 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
Highlights: Cliff Homestay, Canyon Hiking, Handmade Snack Street
Other recommended travel dates: June/July/August/September/October
In May, Wangxian Valley is lush with greenery, and cliff homestays are built along the mountain. Hiking in the canyon allows you to enjoy waterfalls and springs. Handmade snack street is now available for sale, with fragrant snacks such as Qingming cake and Dengzhan cake.
Recommended high-end accommodations include Xiansu Cluster or Guju Homestay, paired with bonfire parties and folk performances, to experience the tranquility of Gan style and hidden life.