Boshan

Introduction

Boshan is the southernmost district of Zibo, in central Shandong province. It sits at the southern edge of the city, so your travels here take you to the far end of Zibo rather than its centre.

When to go

Boshan has a warm temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, but they are not evenly balanced: winters and summers run long, while spring and autumn pass quickly. Rain and temperature are unevenly distributed through the year, so it pays to match your visit to the season you can handle.

• Spring: The shortest season, dry with little rain and prone to drought and frost. Days are sunny but parched, and nights turn cool.
• Summer: Long, hot and rainy, with frequent thunderstorms and gusty winds. Rain arrives in heavy bursts, so pack for downpours as well as heat.
• Autumn: Short, with temperatures gradually dropping and less rain than summer. Skies are often sunny and clear, making it a comfortable time to be outdoors.
• Winter: The longest season, dry and cold with little rain and more north winds. Frost is common and the chill lingers.

Three days in Boshan

Day one: Base yourself in Boshan, in Shandong, and use it as your starting point for exploring the surrounding area. In spring the days are long and the skies are clear, so make the most of the daylight. Summer is warm, so plan your walking for the cooler parts of the day. Autumn is short, so if you visit then, keep your plans flexible. Winter is bitterly cold, with frost, so dress accordingly.

• Spend your first day getting oriented in Boshan itself.
• Keep an eye on the rain, which can change your plans at short notice.

Day two: Head out from Boshan towards Zibo, the larger city in Shandong that shares the region with it. The days are long in spring and summer, giving you plenty of time to travel and look around. In autumn, the season is short, so fit in what you can while the weather holds. Winter brings frost and cold, so limit your time outdoors.

• Use Zibo as your second-day destination.
• Check the skies before you set out, as rain is possible.

Day three: Return to Boshan and spend your final day at a slower pace. Spring and summer offer the longest days, so you can spread your activities out. Autumn passes quickly, and winter is cold with frost, so plan a shorter day if you are visiting then. Rain can arrive at any time of year, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

• Finish your three days back in Boshan.
• Let the season and the rain guide how much you do.