China is huge: winters are cold in the north (minus 5°C common in Beijing), summers hot in the south (35°C common in Guangzhou). Spring (Mar-May) is mild but windy; autumn (Sep-Nov) is the most comfortable season.
Winter in the north: down jacket, hat, gloves, thermal underwear. Summer in the south: t-shirts, sunscreen, umbrella. Spring and autumn: light jackets plus long sleeves — the daily temperature range is wide, so layers are the smartest approach.
Special notes: northern winters have indoor heating, southern ones often do not; southern summers are humid. Carry an umbrella — in many Chinese cities rain arrives without warning.
