As a result of its size, China experiences a wide range of temperatures and climates, which in turn influences the flora and fauna. The range of climates range from the tropical South, to the Siberian-like wastes of the North, the dense forests of the East, and the arid desert plateaus in the West - quite some contrasts!

As a result of these divisions, the range of activities you can do all year round is enormous. In February, for example, you could be swimming in the sea in Hainan, or building ice sculptures in Harbin.

The West and Northwest have a difficult climate. At higher altitudes, there are huge fluctuations in temperature between day and night, and winters are very harsh. In these areas are two large deserts, the Gobi and the Taklamakan.

Beijing is located in the Northeast of China. Due to its position, it is classified as having a continental climate. There are big differences between summer and winter temperatures, with averages of 26°C in the summer, and -5°C in the winter.

Beijing winters are cold and dry, whilst the summers are hot and humid. The best seasons to visit Beijing in are autumn and spring, when the temperature is more pleasant, and the weather is clear.

Whilst rain isn't overly common, when it does come, it's normally torrential. Summer sees the most rainfall, and is the equivalent to the monsoon season. Occasionally there is heavy rain on the Eastern cost of China.

Beijing gets a fair amount of rain, though not as much as in the South of China. The average annual rainfall is 620mm, with two thirds of that falling in July and August. In the spring, occasionally there are dust storms, a result of intensive farming and dry soil to the Northwest of Beijing.