China in April: Weather, What to Do, Travel Costs & More

April is one of the best times to experience China at its most vibrant and refreshing, with warm spring weather, blooming landscapes, and lighter crowds.

If you're planning to visit China in April, we're here to help. We've summarized this guide, which will take you through the best places to visit, the major festivals to experience, and a sample itinerary for a trip to China in April.

Leifeng Pagoda and the West Lake in Hangzhou

Is April a Good Time to Visit China?

Cherry blossoms in Nanjing in spring

Yes, it definitely is. April offers mild temperatures and clear skies across most of China. It's considered one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring nature views. Because it's warm enough for outdoor activities without heavy rain.

Also, it's the shoulder season in China. So you will find attractions that are less crowded.

Top Places to Visit in April in China

Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an form China's "Golden Triangle," and these three cities are great to visit year-round, which is why they top the list of must-visit cities in April.

In addition to culturally rich attractions like the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors, some sites with high vegetation coverage also become more popular during this time. Beijing is not cold in April as the temperature starts to warm up. In southern cities like Shanghai, many places are already in full bloom, such as the cherry blossoms in Gucun Park.

Besides the Golden Triangle, there are also other cities recommended for traveling in April.

Guilin

Aerial view of Li River in Guilin

• Average Temperature in April: 18-26°C (64-79°F)
• Highlights: Li River cruise, Yulong River Bamboo rafting, and Yangshuo countryside discovery

If you are considering the Li River cruise from Guilin city to Yangshuo, April is excellent. At this time, the karst mountains are lush and green in April, and the Li River is clear. The view is at its best in the morning, because mist creates iconic ink-painting scenery.

Fields and countryside areas in Yangshuo burst with spring flowers. The best way to enjoy the view of the countryside is by cycling along the country paths. You can stop at any time to take photos of the surrounding scenery.

Hangzhou

West Lake in Hangzhou

• Average Temperature in April: 13-22°C (55-72°F)
• Highlights: West Lake, Longjing Tea Plantation, Faxi Temple, etc.

In April, the scenery around West Lake in Hangzhou is full of vibrant colors. We suggest you walk along the paths along the lake to admire flowers or take a boat to enjoy the overall view. You'll find willow trees turning a bright, fresh green. Peach blossoms bloom in vivid pink along the causeways, and they frame the ancient pavilions. You may even spot mandarin ducks and other ducks playing in the water. Parks, and even temples like Faxi Temple, are adorned with large displays of vibrant flowers.

If you enjoy tea, April is the perfect time to visit Hangzhou's Longjing Tea Plantation, as it coincides with the tea-picking season. Not only can you taste the freshest Longjing tea of the year, but you can also experience how the tea is picked and processed and learn more about Chinese tea culture.

Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

Boating on Yangtze River in spring

• Average Temperature in April: 15-25℃ (59-77℉)
• Highlights: Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream Boat Tour, Baidi City, etc.

If you take a Yangtze River cruise in April, you'll see fresh green mountains and blooming spring flowers along the cliffs, and the water takes on a beautiful blue-green hue. The mild weather makes you feel comfortable when doing outdoor deck viewing, excursions, and shore walks.

Don't miss the gentle mist drifting around Shennv Stream, as it feels like you've stepped into a fairyland. And of course, there's Baidi City, a temple complex built on a small island, surrounded by stunning scenery.

Wuyuan

Rapeseed terraces in Huangling, Wuyuan

• Average Temperature in April: 10-19℃ (50-66 °F)
• Highlights: Jiangling, Wolong Valley, etc.

April is a great time to see Wuyuan's rapeseed flowers in bloom. Among all the spots, Huangling and Jiangling are some of the most iconic, famous for their sweeping rapeseed terraces. You can see layers of yellow flowers rippling across the mountains.

Another place worth visiting in Wuyuan in April is Wolong Valley. It's a peaceful area ideal for nature lovers - relatively less visited but great for photography. It's also an excellent spot for viewing waterfalls, with a natural drop of 730 meters. April is the high-water season, so you can expect more impressive waterfall scenery.

Nyingchi (Tibet)

• Average Temperature in April: 8-20°C (46-68°F)
• Highlights: Suosong (Sosong) Village, Bomi Peach Blossom Valley, etc.

In Nyingchi in April, you can capture the unique sight of blooming peach blossoms set against snow-capped mountains, which is a perfect scene for photography lovers. Among all the spots, our top recommendation is Suosong Village, where you can admire Mount Namcha Barwa or photograph the distant view of Duoxiongla Snow Mountain across the river.

If you're into cycling, consider another great option: Bomi Peach Blossom Valley. Its 30-kilometer corridor of peach blossoms is ideal for a scenic April bike ride.

Luoyang

• Average Temperature in April: 10-22°C (50-72°F)
• Highlights: Longmen Grottoes, Admiring Peony Festival, etc.

Luoyang, considered as one of the starting points of the Silk Road, has many cultural heritage sites to explore, including the Longmen Grottoes. The weather is mild in April, and the crowds are not too heavy. So it's a great time to stroll along the riverside and enjoy the scenery of the grottoes.

And April is when Luoyang's peonies are in full bloom. Many parks and botanical gardens host peony festivals, where you can find peonies in a wide range of colors.

Travel Costs in April in China

April has great value for travel. The prices of hotels and flights haven’t risen yet. There are fewer people, and many regions are at their most beautiful in spring. For example, if you visit China in April, a 4-star hotel in Beijing typically costs around 80-90 USD per night.

However, budget travelers need to pay more attention when it comes to the end of April. As the May Day Holiday (May 1-5) approaches, hotel and flight prices may increase. You may also find it more difficult to book train tickets during this time. Consider traveling with us, and we will take care of all the bookings for you.

Sample Itinerary for a China Tour in April

Apart from the Golden Triangle, this itinerary includes two cities that are perfect for traveling in April: Guilin and Hangzhou. The pace of this route is very relaxed, making it suitable not only for first-time visitors but also for middle-aged and elderly travelers.

• Day 1 to 4: Beijing
• Day 5 to 7: Xi'an
• Day 8 to 9: Guilin
• Day 10 to 12: Hangzhou
• Day 13 to 14: Shanghai

You can find a detailed itinerary about each destination from the link below. However, if you don't like this itinerary, feel free to let our travel consultants know your preferences and requirements, and we will adjust the route flexibly to meet your needs.

Chinese Festivals & Events in April

Ethnic people in Guilin gather for festivals

There are relatively few festivals in April, and since it's not a peak tourism season, there are fewer domestic travelers, making the overall experience more relaxing. Here are some major festivals in April in China.

Qingming Festival

In China, April 3rd to 5th is Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. During this period, families clean the graves of their ancestors, make offerings, and pay their respects. Schools also organize students to visit the tombs of historically significant figures to honor them.

It's a public holiday, giving Chinese citizens three days off. However, most people spend this break honoring their ancestors, so the number of domestic tourists is relatively low.

Sanyuesan (Third Day of the Third Month)

This is a festival of the Zhuang ethnic group, usually falling in late March or early April. During the festival, Zhuang people honor their ancestors, gather for meals, and hold various ethnic performances and activities.

Travel Tips for Visiting China in April

1. Pack layers. It's best to bring both short-sleeve and long-sleeve clothes. For your information, in April some parts of China can be warm enough for short sleeves.

2. A rain jacket or umbrella is useful. Because spring showers are possible, especially in southern China.

3. Respect local cultures. When visiting areas with many ethnic minorities, such as Nyingchi or Guilin, be mindful of local customs. The people are very friendly, and mutual respect is important.

4. Travel with us to make your trip easier. We can take care of everything for your trip in China, including a dedicated English-speaking guide, private transfers, and more, so you can enjoy your journey worry-free. Contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com and get your query for free.