Understand China Time: A Complete Guide

When planning your China travel, one of the first things you'll want to check is the time in China. For instance, there is a four-hour time difference between Northeast and Northwest China, and Beijing Time is 8 hours ahead of London Time. These may be difficult to adapt to, especially when it’s your first time to China. With the help of this ultimate guide, you'll understand China time and the world time difference, so as to travel smoothly in China.

What is China Time

China uses a unified standard time of UTC+8 for the whole country, which is called "Beijing Time" (internationally known as China Standard Time). It is eight hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), meaning China to GMT time conversion is GMT+8. In addition, China does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Since all parts of China adopt one time zone, regardless of whether you are in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or any other region in China, the time displayed on your clock will be consistent. If someone asks, “What time is it in China?”, the answer is always based on Beijing Time.

Why Does China Use One Time Zone?

Before 1949, China was divided into five time zones, ranging from west to east, namely the Kunlun Time Zone (UTC+5), the Sinkiang-Tibet Time Zone (UTC+6), the Kansu-Szechwan Time Zone (UTC+7), the Chungyuan Time Zone (UTC+8), and the Changpai Time Zone (UTC+9). During that period, each time zone of China had different times, which were more in line with local conditions.

However, this division of time in China proved overly complicated, invisibly increasing workload for various sectors, such as railway scheduling and broadcasting, which required frequent adjustments. Furthermore, multiple parallel time zones could readily foster regional divisions and fragmentation, whereas a unified time standard facilitates better command and management.

Therefore, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, for the convenience of management and international communication,a unified time based on UTC+8 has been adopted, which is commonly known as Beijing Time

>> Recommended 16-Day Scenic China Tour

How Beijing Time Impacts Travel in China

When traveling in China, the impact of unified time in China on most areas is minimal and can be even negligible. But if you are visiting cities in western China, such as Urumqi and Lhasa, the impact will be greater. Hence, you need to check out the main influences of China time on tourism and travel tips for the China time zone.

1. Transportation

In China, train, flight, and bus schedules adhere to Beijing Time. Consequently, when planning your China tours, make sure to double-check your departure and arrival times and arrive at the station or airport early to prevent any inconvenience caused by China’s time differences.

2. Outdoor Activities

In western regions of China, the times of sunrise and sunset are relatively later. More often than not, in Xinjiang, you will seldom see the sunrise before 9 am in winter and the sunset before 10 pm in summer. This brings a long daytime, providing more opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You can go on a long hike, venture into deserts in China, and immerse yourself in the vast grassland.

3. Dietary Habits

Your dietary habits may also be affected. The lunch time in China’s western regions spans from 1 pm to 3 pm, while dinner is served from 8 pm to 11 pm. Also, night markets are particularly lively and remain open until early morning, where you can experience China’s nightlife. Shops stay open until 10 pm, and streets are bustling even when it gets dark at 11 pm during summer. Therefore, it's vital to align your daily schedule with the local rhythm to avoid hunger by relying solely on Beijing Time.

4. Opening of Scenic Sites

Some attractions follow local time for their opening hours. Therefore, please verify before your visit.

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China Time Difference Compared to Other Countries

It is also crucial to understand the time difference between China and major countries in the world when planning a China trip. Below are the Chine time differences compared to other countries to help you manage your flight schedules, reserve accommodation, and even deal with jet lag.

China Time Difference Compared to Asian Countries

>> Check out how to plan a China tour from Singapore and China tour from Malaysia

China Time Difference Compared to American Countries

>> Check out our China Tours from USA and China tours from Canada

China Time Difference Compared to European Countries

>> Check out our China Tours from UK

China Time Difference Compared to Oceania Countries

Notes: 

• "+" indicates that the city/country is ahead of China in time. (e.g., +2h means 2 hours ahead of China)
• "–" indicates that the city/country is behind China in time. (e.g., –4h means 4 hours behind China)
• Some countries or regions, like China, Singapore, and Malaysia, do not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Strategies for Managing Time Differences & Overcoming Jet Lag

Since there might be a time difference between China and your location, you may need to struggle with jet lag. If you wonder how to plan travel with a time difference, below are some practical tips for you. 

Before Your Flight: Pre-adjust in Advance

1. Align Your Schedule with the China Time

If you are traveling eastward, such as departing from Europe, try to go to bed an hour earlier each night a few days before your trip to China. If you are traveling westward, such as departing from the United States, try to stay up an hour later. Additionally, you can also try to schedule your meals according to the time in China.

2. Ensure Adequate Sleep

In the nights leading up to your flight, make sure to get high-quality sleep and don't let fatigue become an accomplice to jet lag.

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Say goodbye to coffee and alcohol 12 hours before takeoff. Stay hydrated, and keep your body refreshed.

During Your Flight: Minimize Disruption to Your Biological Clock

1. Adjust Your Watch Time

Set your watch from your local time to China time. Let time tell you that a new life has begun.

2. Sleep According to the China Time

Decide whether to sleep or not based on the China time zone after takeoff. If it is evening in China during your flight, attempt to sleep on the plane. Utilize headphones, earplugs, or eye masks to improve your sleep quality. Conversely, if it is daytime in China, try your best to resist the natural inclination to sleep and spend your time reading or watching movies.

Upon Arrival: Quickly Anchor to the New Time Zone

1. Expose Yourself to Natural Light

Spend more time outdoors during the day, as sunlight can strongly stimulate the adjustment of your biological clock. Use thick curtains to block out light at night and create a "dark" signal.

2. Eat on Time

During your travel in China, follow the local dining habits to help your body adapt to the new rhythm and China time faster. Eat more protein for breakfast (to stay alert), and have a light dinner with minimal spiciness (to aid sleep).

3. Maintain a Regular Schedule

Sleep according to the China time zone to gradually adjust to the new environment.

Embark on Your China Tours with ETC

Planning a trip to China can be quite complex, and understanding China time is just the first step. Feeling overwhelmed? Then you can start your China trip with Easy Tour China. We are a professional travel agency specializing in China tours with over 20 years of experience. When traveling with us, you don't have to worry too much about the China time difference, as our professional guides will take care of everything, ensuring you have a delightful time in China. Here are some of our classic China tour packages for your inspiration.

8-Day Golden Triangle Tour to Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai

10-Day China Panda Tour

12-Day Essence of the Silk Road Tour

If you would like to customize your China travel itinerary, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Further Reading

China Tour Planning: Worse Time to Visit China

Best Time to Travel to China