When to Go: Beijing to Shanghai

No matter the month, there's great weather in some part of this region. In spring and summer, head to the coast at Qingdao and, farther north, Beidaihe and Shanåhaiguan. Save the arduous ascents up Huangshan and Taishan for autumn, when the crowds and temperatures have died down.

Traveling a country of 1.3 billion is difficult when the 1.3 billion are also on vacation. The eastern region of China is heavily populated, and during the two weeklong public holiday periods, it seems like everyone takes to the road (or train, or plane).

Avoid traveling during the Chinese New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar and usually falls at the end of January. The weeklong National Day holiday at the start of October can easily be avoided with a bit of planning.