March marks the true beginning of spring in China. Temperatures warm up across the country, flowers begin to bloom, skies get brighter, and both cities and nature return to life. It’s one of the best months for comfortable travel, whether you’re planning a relaxing family trip, a romantic getaway, or an adventure into China’s most beautiful spring landscapes.
If you’re still exploring which month fits your travel style, see our month-by-month overview:
Best Time to Travel to China
Below is your complete March travel guide, with trustworthy tips, weather insights, the best destinations, itineraries, packing advice, and FAQs to help you plan confidently.
Quick Summary: Where to Go in March
| Destination | Why Visit in March | Best For | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wuyuan | Golden rapeseed flower seas | Couples, photographers | 8–18°C |
| Nyingchi (Tibet) | Peach blossom season | Adventurers, repeat visitors | 2–15°C |
| Hangzhou | West Lake spring scenery | First-timers, couples | 8–17°C |
| Suzhou | Classical gardens in bloom | Culture lovers, families | 7–15°C |
| Guilin & Yangshuo | Misty karst spring landscapes | Nature lovers | 10–18°C |
| Kunming | Mild “eternal spring” climate | Seniors, families | 8–20°C |
| Xishuangbanna | Tropical rainforest warmth | Families, culture lovers | 18–28°C |
| Sanya | Warm beaches | Families, couples | 22–28°C |
| Chengdu | Mild spring + pandas | Families | 10–18°C |
| Shanghai | Museums, parks, cherry blossoms | City travelers | 8–15°C |
| Zhangjiajie | Misty peaks + fewer crowds | Adventurers | 5–15°C |
| Huangshan | Sea of clouds + fresh spring | Hikers, photographers | 4–12°C |
| Yunnan (Dali–Lijiang) | Clear skies, dry climate | Nature & culture | 8–18°C |
China Weather in March: What to Expect
March is one of the most pleasant months to travel in China.
North China (Beijing, Xi’an)
- Still cool: 5–15°C
- Sunny, dry, comfortable
- Early blossoms begin late March
East China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou)
- Classic spring weather: 8–18°C
- Early cherry blossoms
- Occasional showers
South & Southwest China (Guangzhou, Guilin, Yunnan)
- Mild and warm
- March is peak spring scenery month
- Great for outdoor trips
Tibet / Western China
- High-altitude but manageable: 2–15°C
- Nyingchi is one of the best spring destinations worldwide
1. Wuyuan (Jiangxi) – China’s Most Beautiful Spring Village
Best For: Couples, photographers, families
Weather: 8–18°C
Why Visit: Rapeseed flower fields covering mountains and ancient villages
Wuyuan is famous for:
- Golden rapeseed flower seas
- Ancient Hui-style villages
- Stone bridges and rivers
- Soft spring mist in the mountains
Why March?
It’s the peak bloom month, usually between March 10–25.
2. Nyingchi (Tibet) – World-Famous Peach Blossom Valley
Best For: Adventure travelers, photographers, repeat visitors
Weather: 2–15°C
Every March, Nyingchi transforms into a pink valley of peach blossoms, backed by snow peaks. It’s one of China’s most dramatic spring landscapes.
Highlights
- Peach blossom villages
- Lower-altitude Tibet (easier for beginners)
- Snow mountains, lakes, rivers
3. Hangzhou – West Lake in Early Spring
Best For: First-time travelers, couples
Weather: 8–17°C
March brings gentle temperatures, willow greens, and cherry blossoms to West Lake. It’s one of the most poetic places to welcome spring.
Top sights
- West Lake
- Longjing Tea Village
- Broken Bridge (famous spring scenery)
4. Suzhou – Gardens in Bloom
Best For: Culture lovers, families
Weather: 7–15°C
Classical gardens burst into spring life in March:
- Humble Administrator’s Garden
- Tiger Hill
- Old canals and stone bridges
Excellent for slow-paced cultural travel.
5. Guilin & Yangshuo – Misty Karst Landscapes
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers
Weather: 10–18°C
Spring mist wraps the limestone karst mountains, creating a dreamy landscape perfect for photography.
Top things
- Li River cruise
- Karst valley bike rides
- Tea plantations
6. Kunming – Spring All Year, Perfect in March
Best For: Families, seniors
Weather: 8–20°C
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Kunming is mild and comfortable year-round.
March is ideal for:
- Stone Forest
- Dianchi Lake
- Flower markets
- Easy, comfortable weather
7. Xishuangbanna – Tropical Warmth
Best For: Families with kids, culture lovers
Weather: 18–28°C
Xishuangbanna feels more like Southeast Asia:
- Rainforest trekking
- Wild elephant valley
- Dai minority culture
- Warm, sunny weather
8. Sanya – China’s Warmest March Destination
Best For: Families, seniors, couples
Weather: 22–28°C
March is one of the best months for Sanya:
- Sunny days
- Beach swimming
- Snorkeling
- Family-friendly resorts
It’s less hot than summer and less crowded than February.
9. Chengdu – Mild Spring + Pandas
Best For: Families, first-time travelers
Weather: 10–18°C
Why visit in March?
- Pandas more active in cooler weather
- Perfect hotpot weather
- Huanglongxi Ancient Town
- Day trips: Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Qingcheng
10. Shanghai – Cherry Blossoms, Museums & Skyline Views
Best For: City travelers
Weather: 8–15°C
March offers:
- Early cherry blossoms
- Pleasant city walks
- Museum season
- Parks & riverside pathways
- Great for culture + modern city lovers.
11. Zhangjiajie – Misty Floating Mountains
Best For: Adventure travelers
Weather: 5–15°C
Zhangjiajie in March is mystical:
- Mountain mist around sandstone pillars
- Fewer tourists compared with April–October
- Cooler temperatures for hiking
12. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) – Sea of Clouds
Best For: Hikers, photographers
Weather: 4–12°C
March brings:
- Chances for sea of clouds
- Fresh green buds
- Beautiful sunrises
- Lower crowds
13. Yunnan Loop (Dali–Lijiang) – Clear Skies & Snow Peaks
Best For: Nature, culture, first-time visitors
Weather: 8–18°C
March is one of the best times for:
- Erhai Lake cycling
- Lijiang Old Town
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Warm, sunny days
- Cool, comfortable nights
More Recommended Trips for March
March Travel Tips for China
- Flower seasons vary by region; check bloom forecasts for Wuyuan, Nyingchi, and Hangzhou before planning.
- Bring layers — temperatures change quickly between morning, daytime, and night.
- March is peak pollen season; allergy medicine is helpful, especially in Yunnan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.
- Expect occasional rain in southern China; keep a small umbrella or light raincoat with you.
- High-altitude areas (like Nyingchi) require slow acclimatization; avoid rushing on your first day.
- Book early for Wuyuan and Nyingchi during peak bloom weeks since hotels fill up fast.
- Mountain destinations (Huangshan, Zhangjiajie) may still be cool and misty — great for photos, but choose good footwear.
- March is not a major holiday month in China, so travel is generally smooth and less crowded.
What to Pack for China in March
- Light jacket or windbreaker for mild spring days.
- Sweaters or long-sleeve shirts for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for nature trips and gardens.
- Raincoat or umbrella for occasional southern showers.
- Sunscreen — UV is stronger in Yunnan, Hainan, and high-altitude regions.
- Allergy medication if sensitive to spring pollen.
- Warmer layers for mountain destinations like Huangshan or Zhangjiajie.
- Small backpack for day trips, especially in parks and flower fields.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit China?
Yes—March is one of the best months for comfortable temperatures, early spring scenery, and flower seasons. It’s also quieter and more affordable compared with April–October, making it ideal for families, couples, and first-time travelers.
Where is warm in China in March?
Sanya, Xishuangbanna, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and parts of Yunnan (Dali, Lijiang, Kunming) offer mild to warm temperatures. These destinations are great for outdoor activities, spring photography, and family trips.
Where can I see flowers in March?
Wuyuan’s rapeseed fields, Nyingchi’s peach blossoms, Hangzhou’s willow greens, and Suzhou’s classical garden flowers all reach peak beauty in March. Many cities also begin cherry blossom season in late March.
Where should I avoid in March?
High-altitude destinations like Yading Natural Reserve, parts of western Sichuan, and upper Tibet may still be snowy, cold, or inaccessible. Some mountain roads remain unsafe early in the month.
Is China crowded in March?
Generally no—March sits between major travel seasons, so attractions are more peaceful than February (Chinese New Year) and April (spring holidays). Flower hotspots like Wuyuan and Nyingchi may be busier on weekends.
What should I pack?
Bring layers for temperature changes, a raincoat or umbrella for southern showers, and comfortable shoes for walking. If visiting flower destinations, pack allergy medication. For mountain areas, add a warm jacket.
