China Weather in April

China ushers in spring in April. Temperatures across the country have basically stabilized, making it generally quite comfortable. However, there's a big temperature difference between day and night, and it's still cold in Northeast China and high-altitude areas. Rainfall mainly occurs in South China and East China, mostly in the form of showers.

Is April a Good Time to Visit China

April is a great time to visit China. In terms of weather, it's right in many places at this time, neither too cold nor too hot. Whether you're hiking in the mountains or strolling in the city, you can have a wonderful travel experience. From a tourism perspective, China's peak travel season has just begun, and there aren't too many travelers yet, so the scenic spots aren't overly crowded.

However, you'd better avoid the Qingming Festival. It's a public holiday in China, and people have a 3-day break. During this time, they'll go out traveling, making scenic spots and restaurants much busier than usual.

China Weather in April in Southern Regions

In South China, the weather in April is warm and comfortable, so spring or autumn clothes will do. This season is just when the Longji Rice Terraces are being irrigated. The fields are filled with water.

Looking down from the observation deck, the terraces look like numerous mirrors piled up in the valley. You can clearly see the reflections of the sky, clouds, and mountains. It's like a dreamy sky mirror.

What to Wear in Southern China in April

In Guangxi and Guangdong, you can wear a long-sleeved shirt or a short-sleeve shirt for the upper body, paired with a light jacket. As for pants, jeans or sports pants are all fine. In Hainan, you can opt for a short-sleeved T-shirt, shorts, or casual pants for the lower body.

China Weather in April in the Northern Regions

In North China, it's cold in the morning and evening, but comfortable at noon and in the afternoon. It's best to choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off. This month, the flowers on the mountains at Jinshanling Great Wall are in bloom, with apricot blossoms and peach blossoms here and there. They look really beautiful paired with the ancient Great Wall.

It's perfect for hiking while enjoying the flowers, and you can feel how profound history is and how beautiful nature is.

What to Wear in the Northern Part of China

Wear long-sleeved T-shirts, hoodies, and a vest in the morning and evening. In the noon and afternoon, take off the vest or change into a shirt or a thin jacket. For your lower body, wear a pair of jeans.

China Weather in April in the Northwest Regions

Qinghai and Gansu are very cold. In Xinjiang, Shaanxi, and Ningxia, it's cold in the morning and evening, but comfortable and even a bit warm at noon and in the afternoon. When visiting these places, you should bring clothes of varying thicknesses.

In April, the ice at Sayram Lake starts to melt. The lake surface is half ice and half water, surrounded by mountains. The sky and the lake reflect each other, creating a stunningly beautiful scene, just like a fairyland.

What to Wear in Northwest China in April

In Xinjiang, Shaanxi, and Ningxia, you can wear a long-sleeved shirt, put on a fleece jacket over it, and then add a thin jacket.

If you're going to Qinghai and Gansu, swap the jacket for a down jacket. For the lower body, cotton pants will do in all these places. Also, it's best to bring gloves and a hat because the wind here is quite strong.

China Weather in April in Central Regions

In Central China, the weather is cool and comfortable, so autumn clothes are just right. At this time, taking a cruise on the Three Gorges is wonderful. The scenery on both sides is all lush and green, really poetic. Pink peach blossoms and white cherry blossoms dot the mountains and rivers, giving you a romantic feeling.

What to Wear in Central China in April

Upper segments: Long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, light jacket

Lower segments: Sports pants or casual pants

China Weather in April in the Eastern Regions

In April in Shandong, it's cold in the morning and evening, so you need to wear winter clothes. At noon, it becomes cool, and you can wear autumn clothes. In other places, the weather is comfortable, and wearing spring or autumn clothes is just fine. This area is near the sea, so there's more rainfall compared to other places.

At this time, the rape flowers around Hongcun are in full bloom. The golden flower fields set off the Hui-style buildings with white walls and black tiles, just like a vivid rural painting.

What to Wear in Eastern China in April

In Shandong, you should wear a long-sleeved shirt, a hoodie, and a cotton-padded jacket on your upper body in the morning and evening. At noon, you can swap the cotton-padded jacket for a thin jacket.

For your lower body, wear a pair of cotton-padded pants. When going to other places, just wear a long-sleeved or short-sleeved T-shirt with a thin jacket over it.

China Weather in April in the Southwest Regions

In high-altitude areas like Tibet and northern Yunnan, it's very cold, so winter clothing is a must. In other regions, the weather is pleasant, and spring or autumn attire will suffice.

In Shangri-La, you can visit Tibetan households, savor local delicacies, and listen to stories about Tibetan Buddhism. You can also follow the ancient Tea Horse Road to seek out traces of history.

What to Wear in Southwest China in April

In high-altitude regions like Tibet and northern Yunnan, it's very cold. For upper body wear, you should put on thermal underwear, layer a sweatshirt over it, and then wear a down jacket on the outermost layer.

For the lower body, opt for down-filled pants. Don't forget to bring gloves and a hat. In other areas, a sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt with a light jacket over it will be sufficient.

China Weather in April in the Northeast Regions

It's still very cold in Northeast China in April, and winter clothes are needed. The collective heating supply stops this month, but air conditioners can be used for heating indoors.

Strolling along Central Avenue in Harbin, you can experience a unique feeling that blends historical charm, European style, and local hustle and bustle. This century-old street is a landmark attraction in Harbin and also the first pedestrian street in China, holding the city's memories and culture.

What to Wear in Northeast China in April

Upper segments: Thermal underwear, short down jackets

Lower segments: Cotton pants or down pants

Accessories: Gloves and hats

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting China in April

1. Book Early for Peak Travel Periods

April marks the beginning of China’s busy travel season. During public holidays and major festivals, popular attractions, high-speed trains, and hotels can sell out quickly. If your trip falls during these times, it’s best to book in advance.

For example, destinations like Beijing and Chengdu are especially busy during the Qingming Festival (early April). Southern hotspots such as Guilin and Zhangjiajie attract many visitors during the Easter holiday. Meanwhile, Luoyang becomes very popular during the Luoyang Peony Festival in April.

2. Be Prepared for Pollen Season

April is when flowers bloom across much of China. If you are sensitive to pollen, consider wearing a mask and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors to reduce contact with pollen.

3. Pack for Spring Showers

April often brings more rain, so it’s wise to pack a foldable raincoat, waterproof shoe covers, and a compact umbrella. If your itinerary includes hiking or mountain trips, bring a waterproof, breathable jacket and waterproof hiking shoes to stay comfortable in changing weather.

Top Destinations in China in April

In April, you can go hiking in North China, take a cruise in South China, or go cycling in the countryside.

Beijing

April is one of the best months for outdoor activities. Hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall near Beijing enables tourists to do some exercise, while at the same time appreciating the amazing ancient workmanship and the gorgeous hilly surroundings.

How to get to Mutianyu Great Wall: Take Line 13, Line 2, or the Capital Airport Express to Dongzhimen Station. Exit from Exit B, then take a bus to Mutianyu Great Wall. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs CNY40. Two buses are departing every day, at 8:00 and 10:00.

Guilin

Taking a cruise on the Li River from the Guilin city center, you will have a 360°view of the Li River near Guilin. You will also observe farms and villages, water buffalo, and the extraordinary karst landscape. Boats are air-conditioned, and meals are provided to help visitors enjoy a four-hour cruise.

You should board the three-star cruise ship at Mopanshan Pier and the four-star cruise ship at Zhujiang Pier.

How to Get to the Port: It takes 40 minutes and costs CNY 50 to take a taxi from Guilin Station to either Mopanshan Pier or Zhujiang Pier.

Yangshuo

Yangshuo is situated at the end of the Li River Cruise. Old streets are well preserved in the town, and there is a quiet pastoral life in the rest of the county. You can spend time riding bicycles on the country footpaths, seeing an amazing Impression Sanjie Liu show, or strolling past the folk shops.

How to Get to Yangshuo: Take a bus from Guilin Station or Qintan Passenger Transport Station to Yangshuo. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs CNY 25.

Departure times from Guilin Station: 10:10

Departure times from Qintan Passenger Transport Station: 10:30, 11:30, 12:00, 13:10, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 19:30, 20:30

China Weather by Month

• China Weather
• China Weather in January
• China Weather in February
• China Weather in March
• China Weather in May
• China Weather in June
• China Weather in July
• China Weather in August
• China Weather in September
• China Weather in October
• China Weather in November
• China Weather in December

Booking Your China Tour with Us

Still hesitating about where to go for a trip? Or unsure what else to pack? Just contact your travel advisor! They can recommend suitable places for you and also give you thoughtful advice based on your itinerary.

• Half-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Tour
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