China in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited China in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Terracotta Army without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Shanghai felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best mapo tofu I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

vast natural scenery was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.