April is when China truly comes alive. The cold of winter is gone, flowers bloom across the country, tea fields turn bright green, and mountains are wrapped in soft spring mist. With warm days, comfortable evenings, and clear skies, April is one of the most enjoyable months for exploring China’s cities, nature, and cultural landscapes.
Whether you’re planning a family-friendly spring holiday, a romantic getaway among blossoms, a solo hiking trip, or your first journey to China, April gives you the perfect balance of scenery, weather, and crowd levels.
For travelers choosing the best month to visit, here’s our full comparison guide:
Best Time to Travel to China
Below is your expert, updated April travel guide, covering the best places to visit, real temperature ranges, who each destination suits, travel tips, spring itineraries, and what to pack for a smooth, enjoyable trip.
Quick Summary: Top Places to Visit in April
| Destination | Why Visit in April | Best For | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou | West Lake blossoms & tea fields | Couples, families | 10–20°C |
| Suzhou | Classical gardens & water towns | Culture lovers | 9–18°C |
| Wuyuan | Late rapeseed bloom & ancient villages | Photography | 12–22°C |
| Nyingchi (Tibet) | Peach blossoms early April | Adventurers | 5–18°C |
| Qingdao | Cherry blossoms | Couples, families | 8–17°C |
| Beijing | Ideal sightseeing weather | First-timers | 8–20°C |
| Xi’an | Warm, clear days | History lovers | 10–22°C |
| Shanghai | Gardens, parks, museums | City travelers | 10–18°C |
| Zhangjiajie | Clear views & perfect hiking | Adventurers | 10–18°C |
| Huangshan | Sea of clouds + spring green | Hikers | 8–15°C |
| Jiuzhaigou | Melting snow + turquoise waters | Nature lovers | 5–17°C |
| Yunnan Loop | Clear, dry, warm weather | Families & couples | 10–22°C |
| Sanya | Last good month before heat | Beach lovers | 24–30°C |
| Xishuangbanna | Tropical warmth + Dai culture | Families | 18–30°C |
China Weather in April
April brings comfortable warmth across the country.
North China (Beijing, Xi’an, Datong)
- 8–22°C
- Sunny and dry — the best month for classic sightseeing
- Cherry blossoms in some parks
East China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou)
- 10–20°C
- Light rain, but fresh and green
- Flowers everywhere
South China (Guilin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen)
- 18–28°C
- Warm and humid
- Perfect for river cruises, hiking, outdoor activities
Southwest China (Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet)
- 10–22°C
- Dry skies
- Ideal for photography and trekking
Best Places to Visit in China in April
1. Hangzhou – West Lake in Full Spring Bloom
Best For: Couples, families, first-timers
Weather: 10–20°C
Why April: Green willows, cherry blossoms, and morning mist around West Lake
April is one of Hangzhou’s most beautiful months.
Top experiences
- West Lake boat ride
- Longjing Tea Village (fresh tea-picking season)
- Bamboo forest walks
- Ancient streets & silk shops
2. Suzhou – Gardens, Canals & Blossoms
Best For: Culture lovers, families, couples
Weather: 9–18°C
Suzhou’s classical gardens reach their spring peak in April:
- Humble Administrator’s Garden
- Lion Grove Garden
- Tongli & Zhouzhuang water towns
- Perfect for slow, cultural travel.
3. Wuyuan – Late Rapeseed Bloom + Ancient Villages
Best For: Photographers, couples
Weather: 12–22°C
April still brings brilliant gold rapeseed flowers across mountain valleys, especially in:
- Huangling Village
- Likeng Village
- Jiangling Terraces
- A dream for spring photography.
4. Nyingchi (Tibet) – Peach Blossom Wonderland
Best For: Adventure travelers & repeat visitors
Weather: 5–18°C
Why April: Early April still sees full peach blossom season
Nyingchi is lower altitude than Lhasa, making it ideal for first-time Tibet travelers.
Highlights:
- Peach blossom villages
- Basum Lake
- Snow-capped mountains
- River valleys
5. Qingdao – Cherry Blossom Season
Best For: Couples, families
Weather: 8–17°C
April is cherry blossom season in Qingdao’s Zhongshan Park, one of China’s top blossom-viewing areas.
Also enjoy:
- Coastal boardwalks
- Tsingtao Brewery Museum
- European-style old town
6. Beijing – Best Weather of the Year
Best For: First-time visitors
Weather: 8–20°C
April is the ideal month for:
- Great Wall hiking (clear skies)
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
- Temple of Heaven
- Warm but not hot, dry, and crowd levels still moderate.
7. Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors + Comfortable Evenings
Best For: History lovers, families
Weather: 10–22°C
April offers:
- Great museum conditions
- Evening walks on Xi’an City Wall
- Perfect biking weather
- Peaks of spring blossoms
8. Shanghai – Spring Gardens & Riverside Walks
Best For: City travelers, couples, families
Weather: 10–18°C
April brings:
- Cherry blossoms in parks
- Riverside walking weather
- Ideal museum days
- French Concession spring atmosphere
9. Zhangjiajie – Clear Views & Perfect Hiking Season
Best For: Adventure travelers
Weather: 10–18°C
April is one of the best months to see:
- Floating sandstone pillars
- Tianmen Mountain skywalk
- Forests turning green
- Less fog than March, fewer tourists than summer.
10. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) – Sea of Clouds + Spring Greens
Best For: Hikers, photographers
Weather: 8–15°C
April is:
- Less crowded
- Comfortable for long hikes
- Photogenic (clouds, sunrise, fresh pines)
11. Jiuzhaigou – Turquoise Waters + Snow Melt
Best For: Nature lovers
Weather: 5–17°C
April brings:
- Clear water visibility
- Fewer crowds than autumn
- Snowy peaks + spring valleys
- A very underrated spring destination.
12. Yunnan (Dali–Lijiang–Shangri-La) – Clear, Dry, Sunny
Best For: Families, couples, nature travelers
Weather: 10–22°C
April is nearly perfect for:
- Dali’s Erhai Lake bike rides
- Lijiang Old Town
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Shangri-La’s Tibetan culture
- Dry skies and clean air make photography excellent.
13. Sanya – Last Month of Perfect Beach Weather
Best For: Families, seniors, couples
Weather: 24–30°C
April is the final month before Sanya turns very hot and humid.
Best for:
- Snorkeling
- Beach resorts
- Island hopping
14. Xishuangbanna – Tropical Warmth
Best For: Families, culture lovers
Weather: 18–30°C
April brings:
- Rainforest ecology
- Dai culture
- Elephant Valley
- Water splashing festival (mid-April)
More Recommended Trips for April
April Travel Tips for China
- Temperatures rise quickly in April — bring layers for cool mornings and evenings, especially in northern and mountain regions.
- Southern and eastern China may have light spring rain; keep a compact umbrella or raincoat handy.
- Flower festivals and blossom dates vary each year; check local forecasts for Wuyuan rapeseed fields, Nyingchi peach blossoms, and Qingdao cherry blossoms.
- Avoid travel during the final days of April, when prices rise before the May Day holiday (May 1–5).
- Mountain destinations like Zhangjiajie and Huangshan offer excellent spring hiking conditions — but hotels often book early.
- Cherry blossom season peaks in Hangzhou, Qingdao, and Shanghai in early April; go on weekdays to avoid local crowds.
- April is also tea-picking season in Hangzhou’s Longjing Village — a unique cultural experience worth adding to your itinerary.
- Air quality improves in most cities in April, making it one of the best months for city walking and outdoor photography.
What to Pack for China in April
- Light jacket or windbreaker for breezy mornings and evenings.
- Sweaters or long-sleeve shirts for layering.
- Breathable T-shirts for warmer daytime exploration.
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for parks, cities, and mountain trails.
- Sunscreen for outdoor destinations — UV levels increase in spring.
- Light raincoat or umbrella for unexpected spring showers.
- Allergy medication, especially if sensitive to pollen from willows, rapeseed, or cherry blossoms.
- Warmer layers for higher-altitude areas like Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, and Shangri-La.
- A small daypack for water, snacks, and personal items during hikes.
FAQ
Is April a good time to visit China?
Yes—April is one of the best months for warm temperatures, clear skies, blooming flowers, and comfortable travel conditions. It’s ideal for cities, mountains, lakes, and cultural trips.
Where is warm in China in April?
Sanya, Xishuangbanna, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Yunnan (Dali–Lijiang–Kunming) offer mild to hot weather, perfect for outdoor activities and family vacations.
Where can I see flowers in April?
Hangzhou’s willow greens, Suzhou’s classical gardens, Wuyuan’s late rapeseed blooms (early April), Nyingchi’s peach blossoms (very early April), and Qingdao’s cherry blossoms. Many parks in Shanghai and Beijing also display spring flowers.
Is China crowded in April?
Most of April has moderate crowd levels. The final week (April 28–30) becomes busy as travelers prepare for the May Day holiday. Popular flower spots may be busy on weekends.
What should I pack?
Layered clothing for changing temperatures, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a light raincoat, and allergy medication. Bring warmer layers if visiting mountains.
Is April good for hiking?
Yes—April is one of the best hiking months. Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou, and Yunnan all offer mild temperatures, clear air, and excellent visibility.
