China Spring Travel Guide: Weather, Festivals & Top Destinations

Spring is one of the best times to start a China tour. During this season, the country feels like it’s waking up—flowers start blooming, people spend more time outside, and everything just feels lighter. From foggy river towns in the south to historic cities up north, spring in China has a fresh, easygoing feel with some surprises along the way. If you’re thinking about spring travel in China, this guide will help you plan it right.

When Is Spring in China?

According to traditional China’s spring calendar, the season begins with Lichun, or “Start of Spring,” which usually falls on February 4 or 5 in the Chinese calendar. In folk tradition, spring covers the first three lunar months, starting from the Lunar New Year—also known as the Chinese Spring Festival—which is why the Chinese New Year is often seen as the first day of spring.

In modern meteorology, spring officially arrives when the average temperature stays above 10°C (50°F) for five consecutive days. By this standard, spring in China generally means March to May.

That said, China is a large country, and spring doesn’t arrive everywhere at the same time. In Southern China, some areas feel spring-like as early as January, while places like Yunnan, Chongqing, and Guangxi often warm up by February. By March, spring spreads across most of the south, while April brings clear spring conditions to Northern China. By May, even China’s far north finally joins the spring map. So if you’re wondering when springtime in China is, the short answer is: it depends on where you’re going.

Spring Weather in China

China’s spring weather is mild and generally traveler-friendly. It’s the transition season between winter and summer, so the weather can change quickly. You might get sunny mornings, cool evenings, and the occasional rain shower. Temperatures slowly climb, the air is fresh, and cities are nice to wander around. Even so, the weather in the spring of China still varies between the north and the south.

Spring Temperatures and Rainfall in China by Month

Spring Weather in Northern China 

As for the spring in Northern China, it usually comes with clear skies and warming days. But there is a big temperature difference between day and night. March can feel crisp, while by April and May, China’s spring weather and temperatures are really nice for getting out. It doesn’t rain much compared to the south, which makes it perfect for planning Beijing tours or visiting outdoor attractions. Just note that windy days are common in early spring, especially before April.

>> Recommended 11-day Northern China tour by speed train

Spring Temperatures in Northern China by Month

Spring Weather in Southern China 

In Southern China, spring rain is a real thing, especially from March to April, so you’ll often see several cloudy or rainy days in a row, before the sun suddenly comes out. At the same time, temperatures rise faster than in the north, and the air starts to feel more humid. Despite the rain, spring in Southern China feels lush and alive—rivers are full, rice fields turn green, and mountains look especially photogenic.

>> Recommended 11-day splendid Southern China tour

Spring Temperatures in Southern China by Month

What to Wear in China in Spring | Clothing Guide

Unlike preparing for a China winter tour, packing for the spring in China is all about flexibility. From March to May, temperature differences of 10°C (or more) in a single day are common. Layering is key—think T-shirts, long sleeves, and a light jacket you can easily take on and off. A windbreaker, denim jacket, or thin down jacket works well in early spring, especially in the north.

By April, spring outfits get more relaxed. In northern cities like Beijing or Xi’an, a long-sleeve shirt during the day is fine, but you’ll want a jacket after sunset. In the south, especially around Shanghai or the Yangtze River region, a waterproof outer layer is handy thanks to frequent spring rain in China. By May, Northern China feels comfortably warm, while southern cities like Guangzhou already feel close to summer—short sleeves are fine, with a light shirt for sun or air-conditioned spaces.

Top Things to See and Do in China in Spring

1. Flower chasing: Spring in China is basically one long flower show. Cherry blossoms, peach blooms, bright yellow rapeseed fields, peonies—you name it. 
2. Hiking in the mountains: Spring is great for hiking. It’s cool enough that you don’t feel drained, but warm enough to enjoy the views. 
3. Cycling around: This is definitely one of the best seasons for cycling in China. The air is fresh, the scenery turns lush, and you can ride for hours without melting in the heat.
4. Walking and trekking: China’s spring is made for wandering. Old towns feel more alive, rural paths are full of color, and national parks look their best after winter. 
5. Photography time: If you like taking photos, spring is hard to beat. The light is softer, colors look cleaner, and early mornings often come with a bit of mist that can turn the scene into something magical.

>> Recommended 16-day scenic China tour

Best Places to Go in China in Spring

Top Flower-Viewing Destinations

Spring of China is famous for flowers. Wuhan’s cherry blossoms usually peak in March, drawing visitors from all over Asia. In Tibet’s Nyingchi region, peach blossoms bloom against snow-capped mountains—one of the most unique spring scenes in China. Xinjiang’s Ili Valley is known for endless apricot blossoms, while Luoyang’s peony festival celebrates China’s “king of flowers” every April.

>> China’s top destinations in April for terraced fields & blooming flowers

Popular Hiking & Trekking Spots

Spring in China is one of the best times to get out and hike the Great Wall, especially sections like Mutianyu. Down south, the Longji Rice Terraces, one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China, start turning a fresh, bright green as farmers prepare the fields. Zhangjiajie is also one of the top spring destinations in China. The trails are surrounded by new leaves, and on misty days, the stone pillars rise out of the fog, which makes hiking there feel almost unreal.

>> Best China walking/hiking tours

Scenic Cycling Routes

If you’re into cycling, spring in China is the perfect excuse to get on a bike. Yangshuo, near Guilin, is a longtime favorite for a reason—flat roads, winding rivers, and those iconic karst hills all around you. Xiamen is great if you’re craving ocean views when cycling in China. The coastal bike paths are easygoing, with sea air and plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the view. And if you want something with a bit more history, riding a bike along Xi’an’s ancient city wall is surprisingly fun. 

Best Photography Hotspots

Looking for a photography tour in China in the spring? Wuyuan’s villages are a must-visit. They are surrounded by rapeseed flowers in spring, earning it the nickname “China’s most beautiful countryside.” Huangshan’s spring clouds and pine trees are legendary. Xiapu in Fujian attracts photographers with tidal flats and fishing scenes, while Lugu Lake in Yunnan has a totally different vibe—calm water, slow mornings, and mountains reflected like a mirror.

>> Top China countryside to enjoy rapeseed flowers

>> Recommended 20-day splendid China tour

Festivals in China in Spring

Traditionally, China’s Spring Festival is regarded as the first festival of the season. Visiting China in spring during this time, you’ll get the opportunity to catch the disappearing Spring Festival customs. Two weeks later comes the Lantern Festival, which gently wraps up the New Year buzz. By early April, Qingming Festival arrives, when people worship ancestors, but also go outdoors to enjoy the fresh weather of spring in China. 

Besides, many ethnic minority areas celebrate their own festivals in the spring in China. The Miao have the Sisters’ Festival, the Zhuang celebrate Sanyuesan, and the Dai kick off the season with the Water Splashing Festival. These festivals are lively, colorful, and packed with music, dancing, traditional clothes, and local food. Never miss them if you are into a festive atmosphere.

>> Explore China festival tours

China Spring Travel Tips

1. Keep an eye on the weather. China’s spring weather can change pretty fast, so it’s worth checking the forecast before heading out each day.
2. If you’re heading to the coast, sunscreen is a must. Planning to hike or visit the mountains? A lightweight rain jacket will save you sooner or later.
3. Flower season doesn’t happen all at once. Different regions bloom at different times, so it’s smart to check local flower updates before locking in plans.
4. Be prepared for pollen allergy. Spring means pollen and floating fluff in some cities. If you’re sensitive, bring a mask and any allergy meds you usually rely on.
5. Book early for hot spots. Spring in China is usually a peak season for travel, so book train tickets and hotels in advance.
6. If you want to avoid crowds, try less touristy places like Harbin. An early spring Harbin tour lets you see its Russian-style buildings and the thawing Songhua River without winter crowds.

>> More China travel tips

How to Plan Your China Spring Tour

For most travelers, a 7-9 day China spring travel itinerary works well. A classic route combines Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, mixing history, culture, and modern cities. With around 10 days, you can add Guilin, Chengdu, or Hangzhou for scenery and food. If you have two weeks or more, consider a deeper route—Yunnan landscapes or a Yangtze River cruise tour.

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If you find it overwhelming to plan a trip to China in spring, don't worry, you can travel with Easy Tour China, a local travel agency with over 20 years of experience in tailor-made China tours. We can customize a perfect trip for you according to your preferences.