If you're looking for a single answer, the best months to visit China are April, May, September, and October. These months offer the most reliable weather - mild temperatures and low rainfall - across the country's most popular tourist destinations, from Beijing and Xi'an to Shanghai and Guilin.
To help you pinpoint the absolute best month for you, it's more useful to consider what you want to do and see. The table below breaks down the top recommendations based on different travel goals.