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Is It cheaper to Travel China During Spring?
Spring offers moderate travel costs in China, generally cheaper than peak summer season but more expensive than winter. Hotel prices in March and early April remain reasonable, but they start rising in late April and May as the weather improves.
Flight costs follow a similar pattern, with better deals available in early spring. Popular tourist sites maintain standard ticket prices year-round, though some scenic spots charge extra during peak flower seasons. Dining and local transportation costs stay consistent throughout the year.
To get the best value, plan your trip for March or early April when you can enjoy good weather and spring scenery while avoiding peak season prices. Book hotels and flights at least 2-3 months ahead for better rates.
China Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to China
What Months are Spring in China
China's meteorologically Spring runs from March to May. This season brings rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and the return of green landscapes across the country.
The most noticeable spring transition occurs along the Yangtze River region, where the famous "spring rain belt" moves northward, marking nature's awakening with cherry blossoms and plum flowers following close behind.
Different regions welcome spring at varying times. Southern China experiences spring first, with Guangzhou and Shenzhen seeing temperatures rise above 15°C (59°F) by late February.
Central China, including Shanghai and Hangzhou, follows in March. Northern cities like Beijing typically don't feel springlike until late March or early April, while Tibet and the far northeast may wait until May.
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Spring Weather in China
China's spring weather changes a lot from March to May. You can feel warm sun one day and cool wind the next. Most places see temperatures between 10-23°C (50-73°F). The south warms up first, while the north stays cool longer.
Rain becomes common in spring, with average rainfall of 130-180mm per month in southern regions. The south gets frequent light rain, while central China sees steady spring showers along the Yangtze River. The north stays drier with only 40-60mm monthly rainfall but sometimes gets dust storms from the desert.
China in March
| Region | Temp °C (°F) | Rainfall | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | 5-13 (41-55) | 20-30mm | Beijing, Xi'an, Datong, Luoyang |
| Central | 8-16 (46-61) | 60-80mm | Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing |
| South | 15-22 (59-72) | 100-150mm | Guangzhou, Yunnan, Hong Kong |
March brings warming temperatures as most of China enters spring. Average temperatures rise from 5°C to 15°C (41-59°F), with noticeable regional differences.
Light spring rains begin in the south and gradually move north. Southern cities see 100-150mm of rainfall, while central regions get 60-80mm. The north stays relatively dry with just 20-30mm.
Popular March destinations include:
- South: Guangzhou and Yunnan for early spring flowers
- East: Shanghai and Hangzhou for plum blossoms
- North: Beijing and Xi'an for fewer crowds and clearer skies
China in March: Weather, Where to Go (15 Places), What to Wear
China in April
April is one of the best months to visit China as spring reaches its peak everywhere. Temperatures become consistently pleasant, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) across most regions. Beijing enjoys comfortable days at 10-20°C (50-68°F), Shanghai warms up to 15-22°C (59-72°F), and Guangzhou feels almost summer-like at 20-26°C (68-79°F).
Rainfall increases but rarely disrupts travel plans. Central and southern regions see frequent light showers, perfect for spring flowers and green landscapes. Northern China becomes warmer and drier, ideal for outdoor activities.
This is prime time for cherry blossoms in Beijing, peony festivals in Luoyang, and hiking in Yellow Mountain. Tourist sites get busier but the weather makes April worth the crowds.
China Weather in April 2025: Warm Spring & Flower Festivals
China in May
May marks the transition from spring to early summer across China. Temperatures climb steadily, with most regions experiencing warm, comfortable days. Northern cities like Beijing warm up to 15-26°C (59-79°F), Shanghai feels summer-like at 18-25°C (64-77°F), and southern Guangzhou gets quite hot at 23-30°C (73-86°F).
Rainfall patterns shift, bringing the start of the rainy season to central and southern China. You can expect frequent afternoon showers, especially along the Yangtze River region. Northern China stays relatively dry and pleasant.
May is perfect for outdoor activities before summer heat arrives. Popular destinations include Guilin for its fresh greenery, Huangshan Mountain for clear views, and Tibet as it opens up for peak tourism season.
China in May: Weather, Temperature, Best Places & Festivals
Majoy Cities in China
| City | March °C (°F) | April °C (°F) | May °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 5-13 (41-55) | 10-20 (50-68) | 15-26 (59-79) |
| Xi'an | 6-15 (43-59) | 12-22 (54-72) | 16-27 (61-81) |
| Zhangjiajie | 8-15 (46-59) | 13-22 (55-72) | 18-27 (64-81) |
| Chengdu | 10-18 (50-64) | 15-23 (59-73) | 18-27 (64-81) |
| Chongqing | 11-18 (52-64) | 16-24 (61-75) | 20-29 (68-84) |
| Tibet (Lhasa) | 2-15 (36-59) | 6-18 (43-64) | 10-22 (50-72) |
| Yunnan (Kunming) | 10-20 (50-68) | 14-23 (57-73) | 16-24 (61-75) |
| Shanghai | 8-15 (46-59) | 13-20 (55-68) | 18-25 (64-77) |
| Hangzhou | 8-15 (46-59) | 13-22 (55-72) | 18-26 (64-79) |
| Huangshan | 5-12 (41-54) | 10-18 (50-64) | 15-24 (59-75) |
| Guilin | 10-18 (50-64) | 15-24 (59-75) | 20-28 (68-82) |
| Guangzhou | 15-22 (59-72) | 18-26 (64-79) | 22-30 (72-86) |
| Shenzhen | 16-22 (61-72) | 19-26 (66-79) | 23-30 (73-86) |
| Hong Kong | 17-22 (63-72) | 20-26 (68-79) | 24-30 (75-86) |
Top 8 Places to Visit in China During Spring
1. China Golden Triangle
The China Golden Triangle (Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai) shines brightest during spring, offering perfect weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Beijing comes alive with cherry blossoms in April, while the Great Wall shows off stunning views against clear spring skies. Temperatures of 10-20°C (50-68°F) make walking through the Forbidden City and Summer Palace particularly pleasant.
Xi'an offers comfortable weather for exploring the Terracotta Warriors and cycling the ancient City Wall. Spring temperatures of 12-22°C (54-72°F) are ideal for outdoor activities.
Shanghai showcases its famous spring gardens and water towns. With temperatures around 13-20°C (55-68°F), you can comfortably explore The Bund, Yu Garden, and take day trips to nearby traditional water towns like Suzhou, Hangzhou.
Beijing Xi’an Shanghai Travel Itinerary for First Timer to China
2. Guilin
Spring transforms Guilin into one of China's most picturesque destinations from March to May. The comfortable temperatures of 15-24°C (59-75°F) create perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
The Li River cruise becomes especially magical in spring, when morning mist wraps around the karst mountains and rape flowers carpet the riverbanks in yellow. Yangshuo, just downstream, offers ideal weather for cycling through rural villages and rock climbing on its famous limestone peaks.
Longji Rice Terraces presents two distinct views in spring: water-filled terraces creating mirror-like surfaces in March-April, followed by the first green shoots of rice in May.
Top 10 Guilin Tourist Attractions - Things to Do & Places to Visit
3. Zhangjiajie
Spring (April-May) is one of the best seasons to explore Zhangjiajie's famous sandstone peaks and Avatar-like landscapes. The weather warms to a pleasant 13-22°C (55-72°F). Crowds are smaller than peak summer season. The famous "clouds sea" effect is common in spring mornings
The Wulingyuan Scenic Area comes alive with fresh greenery and wildflowers, creating stunning contrasts against the towering rock formations. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers clear views from the Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain cable car.
Zhangjiajie Attractions: 14 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie
4. Yunnan
Spring makes Yunnan province truly spectacular, with its diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to tropical valleys. The weather is consistently pleasant, with temperatures in Kunming staying around 15-24°C (59-75°F), perfect for exploring the region's attractions.
Lijiang and Dali offer stunning views of blooming azaleas and cherry blossoms against the backdrop of snow-topped mountains. The ancient towns are less crowded than summer, while the weather remains comfortable for wandering cobblestone streets.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces present their most photogenic views in spring, filled with water that reflects the sky like mirrors. In tropical Xishuangbanna, spring brings the Water Splashing Festival in mid-April, celebrating the Thai New Year.
20 Things to Do in Yunnan: Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Yunnan
5. Tibet
Tibet emerges as a premier spring destination from late March, offering unique experiences across the season.
Late March to April is famous for the spectacular peach blossoms in Nyingchi (Linzhi). The Peach Blossom Festival celebrates this natural wonder, with the best views found in Bomi Peach Blossom Valley and along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, these pink blossoms create one of Tibet's most photographed spring scenes.
May brings perfect trekking conditions as temperatures rise to 10-22°C (50-72°F). This opens up opportunities for iconic treks around Mount Kailash, and even Mount Everest Base Camp becomes accessible. May also marks the start of the annual climbing window for Everest expeditions, though this requires special permits and extensive preparation.
Top 10 Tibet Attractions | 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Tibet
6. Luoyang
Luoyang transforms into a flower lover's paradise during spring, particularly in April when the city hosts its famous Peony Festival. As China's peony capital, the city showcases over 1,000 varieties of peonies across multiple gardens, with the Luoyang National Peony Garden being the highlight.
The best viewing time is mid-April when temperatures reach a comfortable 12-22°C (54-72°F). Combine your trip with other nearby attractions like the Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple.
Luoyang Attractions: Top 6 Things to Do in Luoyang
7. Hangzhou
Visit Hangzhou in Spring to see the most beautiful scenes. You can watch tea picking, take boat rides, and see cherry blossoms at Prince Bay Park. The weather is mild at 13-22°C (55-72°F). West Lake looks its best with green willows and pink peach blossoms all around.
Morning is special at West Lake. Light mist floats over the water, and you can take peaceful boat rides. In March, you'll see beautiful plum blossoms near Lingyin Temple. April brings the busy tea-picking season in the Longjing Tea fields. The hills turn bright green with fresh tea leaves.
Hangzhou Attractions - Top 10 Things to Do & Places to Visit
Festival & Events in China's Spring
March 15 to April 15: Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival in Tibet. During this time, thousands of peach trees bloom across the valleys.
March 22: Sanyuesan Festival, celebrating Zhuang ethnic culture in Guangxi Province. This traditional festival features folk songs, dancing, and various cultural activities.
April 4: The nationwide Qingming Festival, when families across China honor their ancestors by visiting tombs and making offerings.
April 5 to 25: Luoyang Peony Festival, showcasing China's national flower in countless varieties. The city becomes a spectacular garden with over 1,000 peony varieties in full bloom.
March 13 to 15: Dali March Street Festival, This ancient gathering brings together various ethnic groups for traditional markets, cultural performances, and trade, making it one of the largest folk festivals in southwest China.
April 13 to 16: The Water Splashing Festival takes place in Xishuangbanna, marking the traditional New Year of the Dai people.
May 1 to 5: Labor Day Holiday. During this five-day break, Chinese people enjoy traveling, sightseeing, and various outdoor activities as spring reaches its peak.
Chinese Festivals: 11 Traditional Celebrations in China
How to Plan a China Spring Tour
For a first-time visit to China, a 7-8 day classic route works well. You can explore the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, see the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and experience modern life in Shanghai. These cities show you both China's history and modern development.
If you have 10-12 days, start with the classic route and add one more place based on your interests. Nature lovers can visit Guilin's beautiful hills or Zhangjiajie's floating mountains. Flower enthusiasts might enjoy Luoyang's peony gardens or Nyingchi's peach blossoms. Yunnan is perfect for those who want to experience local festivals, see natural beauty, and enjoy warm spring weather.
For a complete China experience, plan 14-21 days to visit five to eight destinations. This longer trip gives you time to see both famous places and less-visited cities. You can travel at a relaxed pace, join local festivals, and really understand Chinese culture. The spring weather is mild, flowers are blooming, and tourist sites are less crowded than in summer.
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