In this study, we synthesize available data from isotopes, sedimentology and climate modelling together with an extensive mesowear analysis of North Chinese “Hipparion” faunas of Baode. We build on previous research and enlarge the range of analysed localities. Our results show that climate during accumulation of the older localities (7.5 Ma) was more humid than that of the youngest locality (5.7 Ma), while the intermediate localities (∼6.5 Ma) accumulated under variable climatic conditions. Our results generally confirm those of previous studies, but highlight temporal and spatial variation within localities. We suggest that this is caused by variation in monsoon strength as evidenced by various proxy records.