Most travelers we’ve talked with say that adjusting to Chinese clock time was not as difficult as they’d imagined.  For North Americans, the day-long flight and nighttime arrival were actually helpful to encourage a full night’s sleep once they reached their hotel.

Unexpectedly, what threw most people off was the early sunrises and sunsets.  In eastern China in the summer, sun-up was about 4:30 am, with sunset at 7:30 pm.  And in southern China, when the sun goes down, darkness comes immediately. For Canadians and Americans from northern states, this was a real shock.

There are three reasons for this strange schedule. 

First, China – which is as wide across as the 48 US states, or Australia – uses only one time zone.  So, if you are in the middle of the country – say Xi’an or Chongqing – your sunrise and sunset happen at “normal” times.  In the far west – Xinjiang – sunset happens “in the middle of the night” and sunrise takes place “in the middle of the morning.”

Second, China does not use Daylight Savings Time, so you’re missing an hour of daytime right from the start.

Finally, the rapid change from light to darkness in Guangzhou is because that city is so much closer to the Equator, where sunlight is striking Earth head-on.  In cities farther away, such as Seattle and Sydney, the curve of the Earth allows for long twilight (also why Alaska has midnight sun in the summertime),  If you’re from Florida, or vacationed in Mexico, you’ve experienced the same “lights out” effect at sunset.

In Beijing, there is activity 24 hours, so you can always find something to watch or do.  But in the smaller cities – and even Guangzhou – you may be awake before the locals.  Consider it an opportunity to reflect on your trip, and as the city comes to life, to observe everyday routines most tourists never see.