Xintiandi in March

March through May brings perfect weather for wandering the outdoor shopping areas. Temperatures hover around 20°C and the historic buildings look stunning against spring skies. Autumn months from September to November offer similar conditions with fewer crowds. Summer gets brutally humid - you'll be ducking into air-conditioned malls every few blocks. Winter isn't terrible, but the outdoor dining areas shut down and the district loses some of its charm. Avoid Chinese New Year and Golden Week unless you enjoy being sardined with tour groups. Weekday evenings offer the best balance of atmosphere and manageable crowds.