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Best Places to Visit in China in April: Spring in China (2026)

Written by Sally Guo Updated Mar. 11, 2026

Spring is a season of renewal — and one of the best times to travel.

In China, spring unfolds like a grand feast moving from south to north. Thanks to the country’s vast land and diverse landscapes, the arrival of spring happens in layers. While the south is already bursting with flowers in March, the north is only just waking up in April, as the snow melts and the first warmth of the season arrives.

In this article, we’ve selected some of the most beautiful places to visit in China during spring. Whether you love the misty charm of southern water towns or dream of exploring awakening mountains, a journey between March and April is something you won’t want to miss.

Best spring destination in China
Best Places to Go in Spring in China

While there's some rain, it's the perfect time for a refreshing getaway. With the Easter holiday approaching, gather your family and friends for an unforgettable spring trip to China!

1. Guilin - A Hundred Miles of Picturesque Scenery

Guilin boasts unique karst landforms and beautiful landscapes. The Li River is at its best in spring, with temperatures between 18-28°C. Drift on a bamboo raft from Xingping to Yangdi to see cormorant fishermen and picturesque reflections. 

From March to April, golden rapeseed flowers blend with karst mountains and villages with white walls and grey tiles. Riding along the Yulong River in Yangshuo feels like being immersed in an ink painting. A light mist and drizzle create a veil over the karst peaks.

In mid-April, the Longji Terraces are filled with water. At this time, the water's surface sparkles and reflects the blue sky and white clouds, like a large mirror. Standing on the terraces and waiting for the sun to rise, with golden sunshine pouring over the terraces, you will feel like your soul has been purified.

After April, the river enters its high-water season, making waterfalls and caves even more spectacular.

Guilin in spring
Guilin Li River in spring

Recommended Spring Tours in Guilin:

2. Zhangjiajie - Awakening Forests & Magical Mountains

In spring, Zhangjiajie has temperatures between 12-22°C, with frequent rain and mist. Peaks appear and disappear in the sea of clouds.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the famous attractions in Zhangjiajie, often known as the "Cloudless Paradise Stretching for Thousands of Li". It is famous for its spectacular stone pillars, deep canyons, and cliffs. In April, flowers bloom all over the park, covering the mountains with colorful blossoms, making it look like a magical fairyland.

At Yuanjiajie, the "Hallelujah Mountains" seem like floating fairylands. The fresh green along Golden Whip Stream, shrouded in mist, feels like stepping into Pandora from "Avatar."

The winding road up Tianmen Mountain offers thrilling views through the mist, and the glass walkway gives a breathtaking look into the canyon. After April, the "Heaven’s Gate Breathing Mist" phenomenon often occurs.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Recommended Spring Tours in Zhangjiajie:

3. Yunnan - A Sea of Spring Blossoms

In spring, Yunnan has pleasant temperatures between 15-25°C. The sunshine is gentle, and the weather is perfect for escaping the cold or heat. Kunming, known as the "City of Spring," is full of blooming flowers all year round. The cherry blossoms on Yuantong Mountain are especially beautiful.

From February to March, Luoping's fields of rapeseed flowers look like a golden carpet. The layered fields and karst mountains are perfect for photos. During this time, the Yuanyang rice terraces reflect the sky like mirrors and are a breathtaking World Heritage site.

In mid-April, Xishuangbanna's Water Splashing Festival is a joyful event. People celebrate the Dai New Year with water blessings, dancing, and sky lanterns.

Spring is an ideal time to explore Yunnan's classic route, with fewer tourists. You can enjoy cycling around Dali's Erhai Lake, hike the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, and relax in the peaceful ancient towns with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background.

yuanyang rice fields
Yuanyang rice fields in spring

Recommended Spring Tours in Yunnan:

4. Bijie, Guizhou - Vast mountains covered with blooming azaleas

Spring in Guizhou feels like a romantic celebration that lasts for 100 days. While many places are just beginning to warm up, Guizhou is already alive with colorful blossoms and fresh green leaves. It’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature and local life.

March to April is the best time to visit Bijie’s Baili Azalea. Known as the largest natural azalea garden in the world, it stretches across 125.8 square kilometers of ancient azalea forests. When the hills are covered in blossoms, the landscape becomes a breathtaking sea of color.

In March, the average temperature in Guizhou is 10°C–16°C. In April, it rises to 12°C–20°C. In the mountainous areas, the temperature difference between day and night can be quite large.

Vast mountains covered with blooming azaleas
Vast mountains covered with blooming azaleas

Recommended Tours in Guizhou:

5. Huangshan - Huizhou villages amid rapeseed flower seas

The Yellow Mountain scenic area belongs to Huangshan City. In March and April, Yellow Mountain is in the depths of spring, with the scent of spring pervading every corner of the mountains. 

Large patches of azaleas can be seen in places like Yuping Tower, Beihai, Xihai, and Shixin Peak. Every April and May, the azaleas bloom, with pink ones resembling morning glow and red ones like flames, turning the entire mountain into a sea of flowers, like a beautiful scroll painting.

In spring, Huizhou's villages like Xidi and Hongcun resemble ink paintings. From March to April every year, when the rapeseed flowers bloom, these places feel like a hidden paradise and are perfect for sketching.

Xidi is like an unfolded painting where you can ride a bike, go hiking, and enjoy the flowers. Only by experiencing these activities in person can you truly appreciate the beauty of this springtime scenery.

Visiting Hongcun in spring not only allows you to admire the ancient houses with Huizhou characteristics but also to see the iconic black-tiled and white-walled buildings. The rapeseed flowers bloom brilliantly among these black-and-white villages.

Huizhou villages amid rapeseed flower seas
Huizhou villages amid rapeseed flower seas

Recommended Spring Tours in Huangshan:

6. Suzhou and Hangzhou - Misty Spring in Jiangnan Water Towns

Spring is the perfect time to explore the water towns of Jiangnan. The weather is comfortable, with temperatures spanning 11 to 22°C. Along the rivers, willow trees begin to sprout fresh green leaves, while pink peach blossoms and white magnolias quietly come into bloom. Almost every corner looks like a picture, making it easy to capture beautiful moments.

Two of the most iconic places in this region are Suzhou and Hangzhou. Here you’ll find arched stone bridges, gentle canals, and traditional houses with white walls and dark tiled roofs—the classic scenery that defines the charm of Jiangnan. Walking through these cities in spring feels like stepping into a living painting.

Hangzhou West Lake in Spring
Hangzhou West Lake in Spring

Recommended Spring Tours in Hangzhou:

7. Xiamen - Garden on the Sea

Gulangyu Island seems to have been awakened by spring, with vitality emanating from every corner. In March, purple jacarandas bloom on the island, creating a sea of flowers that contrasts beautifully with the blue sea and sky. When the breeze blows, petals fall like rain.

In May, the bougainvilleas on Riyuang Rock bloom, with bright red flowers that vividly contrast with the ancient rocks. Standing on the rock and overlooking the entire island, you can take in a breathtaking view of the blue sea, blue sky, red-tiled roofs, and green trees.

The perfect weather in Xiamen offers a serene, crowd-free escape by the seaside.
The perfect weather in Xiamen offers a serene, crowd-free escape by the seaside.

8. Nyingchi - Blossom on the Plateau

Nyingchi has a temperature range between 10-20°C. In March, the peach blossoms in Peach Blossom Valley bloom, with pink and white flowers contrasting beautifully against the snow-capped mountains and temples. Inside the valley, peach trees nestle at the foot of the mountains and beside temples, resembling a picturesque scroll.

In April, azaleas in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon compete in splendor. Trekking along the canyon's footpaths allows for a close-up view of the majestic Mount Namjagbarwa. Inside the canyon, the river roars, its sound intertwining with the songs of birds and insects on both banks, creating a symphony of nature.

Peach Valley in Nyingchi
Peach Valley in Nyingchi

9. Luoyang - A Vitality Scenery in the Ancient City

The temperature in Luoyang is around 15°C. The peony flowers in front of the Longmen Grottoes bloom, displaying vibrant colors - red like fire, white like snow, and pink like dawn clouds. The fragrance of the flowers is refreshing and soothing.

In April, precious varieties such as Yao Huang and Wei Zi in the Peony Garden compete in splendor, each flower resembling meticulously carved artwork. At this time, Luoyang not only boasts spectacular grottoes and fragrant peonies but also welcomes spring at the White Horse Temple.

The ancient temple's grass turns green, and spring fills the branches. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting a golden glow on the temple's architecture as if covering it with a layer of mystery.

Peony in Luoyang
Peony in Luoyang

What Is Spring Like in China?

China's spring varies greatly between the south and the north.

Southern China: Expect rainy and humid weather, with rainfall between 300 and 700 millimeters, mostly in April and May. Temperatures gradually rise from 15°C to 25°C, and humidity is high.

Northern China: It's drier here, with only 50 to 150 millimeters of rain. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C, and there can be a big difference between day and night temperatures.

If you happen to encounter bad weather during your trip, don't be too discouraged. There are always regrets in travel. Try to think of it from another angle. Perhaps this bad experience caused by the weather will become the most unforgettable memory of your trip.

Related Reading:

Practical Tips for Traveling in China in Spring

April marks the start of China’s peak travel season. During public holidays and major festivals, popular attractions, high-speed trains, and hotels can fill up quickly. If your trip overlaps with these dates, it’s wise to book in advance. If your schedule is flexible, try to avoid these periods to enjoy fewer crowds and a smoother travel experience.

For example, destinations like Beijing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou can be especially crowded during the Qingming Festival (early April), the Labor Day holiday (early May), Canton Fair (April to May). Southern highlights such as Guilin and Zhangjiajie also attract many travelers during Easter. Meanwhile, Luoyang draws large numbers of visitors during the Luoyang Peony Festival in April.

Related Reading: China Public Holidays in 2026

Book Your Spring Trip with China Travel

China Travel is a professional travel agency. If you encounter any problems during your trip, you can always contact us, and our travel consultants will do their best to meet your travel needs.

Upon your arrival in China, a warm-hearted tour guide holding a small flag with your name will greet you, escort you to the hotel, and assist you with check-in procedures. The next morning, the tour guide will wait for you in the hotel lobby according to your itinerary and accompany you to the scenic spots.

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