How to Travel Around China in Typhoon Season
China is one of the countries most affected by typhoons in the world. Every summer and autumn typhoons hit the southeast coast of China and coastal cities often become targets of typhoon landings.
This page lists facts, warnings, and tips for travelers who want to travel during China’s typhoon season.
When Is Typhoon Season in China?
Typhoons may occur any time from May to December. Usually, July to September is the main typhoon season in China, especially September.
Where Do Typhoons Occur in China?
Typhoons often occur in southeast coastal provinces in China. According to the intensity, we can distinguish four areas of different levels of risk:
- Areas with high typhoon risk: Hainan (Haikou and Sanya), coastal Guangxi, Guangdong (Guangzhou and Shenzhen) and Fujian, Hong Kong and Macau
- Areas with medium risk: Zhejiang (Hangzhou), Shanghai, and coastal Jiangsu (Suzhou)
- Areas with low risk: Shandong (Qingdao) and northern coastal areas
- Generally no risk: Inland China
How to Travel in China’s Typhoon Season
It is not a problem to travel to China in typhoon season if you’re prepared. Typhoon weather can last for hours or even days, but sometimes the sun shines again right after rains and winds- which often offer great views.
1. Choose a Destination among the Low/No Risk Areas
China is a vast country and as mentioned above, most inland areas have almost no risk of the typhoon:
1) Northwest China: the Silk Road
China’s Silk Road starts from Xi’an in the east and goes west to the Pamirs. It was the land gateway to trade and cultural exchanges between the East and the West from the 1st century BC to the 14th century in ancient China and is a world-famous historical and cultural heritage today.
Traveling along the Silk Road, you can get far away from typhoon weather and admire the thousand-year-old ancient capital- Xi’an, the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye, the landmark Mogao Grottoes, along magnificent desert scapes up to Urumqi.
2) Adventurous Holy Land: Tibetan Region
Tibet is located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau known as the “Roof of the World”, with an average elevation of more than 4,000 meters- it faces no danger from typhoons. Everyone knows Tibet has the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, but the holy Potala Palace in Lhasa, the idyllic landscapes in Nyingchi, and the heavenly Nam Co Lake are also worth a visit.
3) Southwest China: Yunnan Province
Yunnan is a unique place gathering more than 20 minority ethnic groups in China. It also boasts all kinds of natural and cultural landscapes: the strange Stone Forest in Kunming, the mysterious Lugu Lake and traditional ancient towns in Lijiang, the tranquil Dali, and fairyland Shangri-La.
2. Buy Yourself a Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can protect you from financial losses when your trip suffers any negative changes due to typhoon weather, for example, your hotel needs to be closed or your flight/train is canceled. Make sure your insurance covers all the risks of typhoons.
3. What to Pack for Typhoon Weather
Just like traveling in the rainy season, you need waterproof clothes and shoes. Quick-drying shirts and trousers are also ideal for typhoon season, as well as a thin windbreaker.
4. Strictly Keep Your Eyes on the Weather Warning!
Delay or cancel your travel if there’s a weather warning. In case of inclement weather, pay close attention to radio, television, and news on your phone. If a typhoon hits the area, make sure your shelter can withstand possible heavy rains and winds and your food can last a day or two. It’d better have portable radios, flashlights, batteries, and candles ready.
5. Learn China’s Four Typhoon Warning Signals
The China Meteorological Administration uses four typhoon warning signals, which are broadcast to the public when a typhoon approaches:
- Signal blue: A typhoon may come within 24 hours with strong winds of 22 mph (39 kph) or higher. It is a warning to keep alert and flights and bullet trains may be delayed or canceled.
- Signal yellow: A typhoon with winds of 34 mph (62 kph) or higher is coming in 24 hours.
- Signal orange: A typhoon is expected to arrive in 12 hours with gale winds of 48 mph (89 kph) or higher. It warns the public to close schools and businesses and prepare their home or stay where they are as safe as possible.
- Signal red: It is predicted a typhoon with winds of 64 mph (118 kph) or higher may hit the area within 6 hours. A signal red is the most severe and the rarest, with devastating force.