Spring (March–May) is one of the best times to travel in China. Temperatures become mild, flowers bloom across the country, and both cities and nature destinations show their most colorful scenery. Whether you’re planning a first trip to China or looking for new places to explore, spring offers the ideal balance of comfort and beauty.
Why Spring Is Great for Traveling in China
- Mild temperatures and pleasant weather
- Cherry, peach, apricot, and rapeseed blossoms
- Clear visibility for mountains, lakes, and outdoor scenery
- Long daylight hours for relaxed sightseeing
- Great for families, first-timers, and photography lovers
Spring is the perfect moment to enjoy China’s landscapes, culture, and outdoor activities — all with comfortable weather and fewer travel challenges than summer or winter.
Best Flower & Blossom Tours (March–April)
Cherry blossoms, peach flowers, and rapeseed fields reach their best from March to April. Our blossom routes follow the peak bloom times for the most scenic spring views.
Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys seasonal landscapes.
Tips: Spring Flower Calendar in China: Cherry Blossoms (late March–April), Rapeseed Flowers (March), Peach Blossoms (March–April), Rhododendrons & Azaleas (March–May)
Nature & Landscape Tours
Spring is one of the best seasons to explore China’s mountains, rivers, lakes, and fresh green scenery. Clear visibility, soft light, and mild temperatures make outdoor sightseeing especially beautiful and comfortable.
Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and travelers who enjoy dramatic landscapes.
Culture & City Spring Tours
Spring’s mild temperatures make it an ideal season for exploring China’s historic cities, classical gardens, ancient towns, and cultural landmarks. Clear skies and comfortable days allow for relaxed walking, sightseeing, and cultural experiences.
Family-Friendly Spring Trips
With comfortable weather and easy transportation, spring is one of the best times for a family trip to China. Gentle walks, kid-friendly attractions, and stable spring conditions make travel smooth for children and seniors.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Spring Tours
Spring brings comfortable weather and vibrant landscapes to many of China’s lesser-visited regions. These routes are perfect for repeat travelers or anyone looking for cultural depth, unique scenery, and quieter experiences.
China Weather Overview in Spring
| Region | Temperature (°C) | Spring Weather | Travel Notes | Best Month (Mar–May) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North China (Beijing, Xi’an) | 8–20°C | Mild, sunny, occasional wind | Great Wall hiking, spring blossoms, city sightseeing | April → peak blossoms; May → warm & clear |
| Northeast China (Harbin)** | 5–15°C | Cool, gradually warming | Late-spring forest hikes; early March still cold | May → best warmth; March for last ice views |
| East China (Shanghai, Suzhou)** | 12–22°C | Warm, light rain, slightly humid | Best for Suzhou gardens, water towns, parks | April → ideal gardens; May → vibrant & warm |
| Southwest China (Yunnan) | 10–25°C | Sunny, dry, very comfortable | Top spring scenery; Luoping rapeseed flowers | March → Luoping flowers; April → perfect weather |
| South China (Hainan, Guangzhou)** | 20–30°C | Warm to hot, brief showers | Beach trips, food tours, warm-weather escapes | March–April → best beach weather |
| West China (Tibet, Xinjiang)** | 0–18°C | Cool, dry, big temperature swings | Good for Lhasa city tours; avoid high altitude early | April–May → best conditions |
Month Highlights
- March — Cool mornings, early blossoms, light crowds.
- April — Peak spring: warm, colorful, and ideal for most destinations.
- May — Warm and vibrant; great for mountains and beach escapes.
Things to Do in China in Spring
Spring is one of the best seasons for outdoor activities, nature experiences, and cultural discoveries across China. Mild temperatures and colorful landscapes make it easy to enjoy both cities and natural scenery. Here are some of the top things to do during a spring trip in China.
Cherry Blossoms and Spring Flowers
Spring is peak bloom season across China. Enjoy cherry blossoms in Wuhan and Nanjing, peach flowers in Tibet and Xinjiang, and golden rapeseed fields in Wuyuan and Luoping.
Classical Gardens and Water Towns
Mild spring weather makes Suzhou Gardens, Hangzhou’s West Lake, and water towns like Wuzhen and Tongli especially beautiful for walking, boating, and photography.
Explore Mountains and Scenic Parks
Fresh greenery and soft spring light bring places like Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou (late spring), and Guilin to life. This is one of the best seasons for gentle hiking and panoramic viewpoints.
Enjoy River Cruises and Outdoor Activities
Take a Li River cruise in Guilin, a bamboo-raft ride in Yangshuo, or a lake walk around Erhai and West Lake. Spring temperatures make outdoor activities relaxing and comfortable.
Experience Spring Tea Culture
Spring is the harvesting season for China’s famous teas. Visit Longjing tea villages in Hangzhou or tea fields in Sichuan and Fujian to join tea-picking and tasting experiences.
Explore Ancient Towns in Comfortable Weather
Old towns such as Lijiang, Dali, Zhujiajiao, and Pingyao feel lively and refreshing in spring, with outdoor markets, festivals, and pleasant streets for slow exploration.
China Spring Travel Guides & Inspirations
Best Places to Visit in Spring in China
Spring Festivals & Travel Peaks in China
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day)
Usually early April
Very busy for domestic travel
Book trains, hotels, and popular attractions early
Flower Festivals Around China
Many cities host cherry blossom, azalea, and rapeseed events throughout March–May.
Tea-Picking Season (Hangzhou, Fujian, Sichuan)
Try a hands-on tea farm experience — a unique spring activity.
With comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery, spring (March–May) is an excellent time to travel across China. Many destinations reach their visual peak, offering blossoms, fresh greenery, and great outdoor conditions. Below are the top places to visit in China in spring.
- Suggested trip duration: 6–10 days
- Temperature: 12–22°C (varies by city)
- Best for: relaxed travelers, first-timers, families, culture lovers
Suzhou
- Suggested trip duration: 2–3 days
- Temperature: 10–20°C
- Best for: culture lovers, seniors, slow travel
- Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
- Temperature: 15–25°C
- Best for: families, first-timers, relaxed travel
Xinjiang
- Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
- Temperature: 10–18°C
- Best for: photographers, nature lovers, culture explorers
Beijing
- Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
- Temperature: 10–22°C
- Best for: first-timers, families, culture lovers
Travel Tips for Visiting China in Spring
Packing Tips
Light jacket & layers
Waterproof jacket or umbrella
Sunscreen
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
Allergy medication (blossom season)
Power bank & moisture protection for cameras
Weather Tips
Expect light spring drizzle, especially in southern China
High-altitude areas (Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Yunnan) are cold in mornings
Fog is common in mountain areas → great for photography
Crowd Tips
Avoid early April (Qingming Festival) if possible
Family Travel Tips
Top spring picks for kids: Chengdu, Guilin, Hangzhou, Yunnan
Smooth transportation and child-friendly attractions
FAQ
Is spring a good time to visit China?
Yes — it’s one of the best seasons for weather, flowers, and scenery.
Where is warm in spring?
Yunnan, Guilin, Guangzhou, Xishuangbanna, and Hainan are warm from March onward.
Where can I see cherry blossoms?
Wuhan, Nanjing, Shanghai, and many parks across East China.
Does it rain a lot in spring?
Light rain is common, but long travel days remain comfortable.
Which month is best?
April → peak blossoms + mild weather.
Is spring good for Jiuzhaigou or Zhangjiajie?
Yes — April and May offer fresh colors and great visibility.
Best places for families in spring?
Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guilin, Yunnan.
