For most Chinese, spring has already kicked in! Its striking land awakens and is a riot of color right now. In spite of the drizzle, China in spring season makes a compelling case for all travelers and promises to ignite the wanderlust in the new year.
There are soft outdoor adventures to the tea plantation fields in the mountainous areas, and delightful old town or water town vacations. Got a need for a fascinating photography destination? Find yourself the colorful blooming flowers that blend into the fresh green hugs.
On this post, we will take you through some of the best places to visit in China in spring that offer fantastic travel experiences for active families, romantic couples, and leisure senior travelers.
Best Spring China Travel Destinations - a Quick Glance
| Destination | Best Visit Month | Key Highlights | Average Temperature | Suggested Days |
| Wuyuan | Mid-Mar - Early Apr | Rape flower terraces, Huizhou-style architecture | 10°C - 20°C | 2-3 days |
| Nyingchi | Late Mar - Mid-Apr | Peach Blossom Valley against snow-capped mountains | 5°C - 15°C | 3-4 days |
| Jingmai Mountain/Puer | Mar - May | Spring tea picking, tea culture experience | 15°C - 25°C | 3-4 days |
| Hangzhou | Mar - May | West Lake scenery, Longjing tea culture | 12°C - 22°C | 2-3 days |
| Guilin | Mar - Apr | Li River landscape, karst topography | 15°C - 25°C | 3-4 days |
| Zhouzhuang | Mar - May | Classic water town, spring night views | 12°C - 22°C | 1-2 days |
| Wuzhen | Mar - May | Ancient town charm, waterside scenery | 13°C - 23°C | 1-2 days |
| Hongcun | Mar - Apr | Huizhou architecture, rape flowers | 10°C - 20°C | 1-2 days |
| Luoping | Late Feb - Mid-Mar | Vast rape flower sea, karst peaks | 12°C - 22°C | 1-2 days |
| Xishuangbanna | Apr | Dai Water-Splashing Festival | 20°C - 32°C | 3-4 days |
| Xi'an | Mar - May | Historical sites, cultural exploration | Approx. 5°C - 25°C | 3-4 days |
Tea Plantations in Spring: Experiencing Culture and Picking Tea Leaves
Travelling to China in spring offers visitors a great opportunity to explore the birth places of top Chinese teas – Longjing green tea in Hangzhou, Maofeng tea in Huangshan, Wuyi Rock Tea in Wuyishan and Pu-erh Tea in Yunnan. Most of the teas have their harvest time with busy tea-picking in spring and summer. You can join a China tea tour and pick the very fresh tea leaves along with the experienced tea farmers.
Hangzhou: Longjing Tea
One of China's most renowned green teas and a vital symbol of Chinese tea culture, Longjing Tea originates from the West Lake area of Hangzhou. It is characterized by its vibrant green color, rich aroma, sweet taste, and elegant appearance. Spring Longjing Tea is particularly prized.
Best Experience Time: Before China's Qingming Festival, from late March to early April. Visit Longjing Tea Plantation Village or Meijiawu Tea Plantation to experience Longjing tea culture and participate in tea-picking activities.
>> Recommended: One Day Hangzhou Tea Culture Tour
Wuyi Mountain: Rock Tea (Wuyi Rock Tea)
The Wuyi Rock Tea, which grows on the Danxia rock walls between Wuyi Mountain, is a representative of Chinese oolong tea. Da Hong Pao is the most representative variety among them, and it was once presented as tribute to the royal court in ancient China.
Best Experience Period: Mid-April to early May. The climate is mild, and it is during the period when new tea is harvested. For tea enthusiasts, you can learn about the production process of rock tea and appreciate the natural and cultural heritage of Wuyi Mountain.
>> Recommended: 6 Days Fujian Tea Culture tour to Anxi and Mt. Wuyi
Yunnan: Pu'er Tea
Pu'er Tea not only enables you to learn about the tea culture of the ethnic minorities in Yunnan and the history of the Tea Horse Road, but also reveals the local way of life. Best Experience Period: March to May is an excellent time for spring harvest. You can also visit ancient tea gardens and experience tea-making by ethnic minorities.
>> Recommended: 4 Days Yunnan Tour to Birthplace of Puer Tea
Ancient Water Towns in Springtime: Romantic Atmosphere and Traditional Lifestyle
Several romantic water towns scatter in East China’s Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai cities. When spring comes, these old corners of the world are energetic and lively again with the blooming flowers. The time-honored architectures, stone-paved lanes, various arched bridges, quint docks with ferries, and the twisting rivers and streams together create an intoxicating scene.
Zhouzhuang
It is about one hour's drive from Shanghai. Zhouzhuang is known as "the first water town in China". With its crisscrossing canals, ancient bridges from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and white walls and dark blue tiles - it has completely preserved the historical appearance and living atmosphere of the Jiangnan water town.
Travel Tips:
- Suggested duration of visit: Half a day to 1 day
- Tour mode: You can experience the rowing boat tour
- Recommended delicacies: Wan San Li, Aobao tea, local sweet cakes
- Recommended 3 Days Suzhou Weekend Getaway with Zhouzhuang Water Town
Tongli
Located in Wujiang District, Suzhou, Tongli is more peaceful and simple compared to Zhouzhuang. The ancient town retains a large number of local residents. The Retreat Garden within the town is one of the masterpieces of Chinese garden art.
Travel Tips:
- Suggested duration of visit: Half a day
- Transportation: There are buses from Suzhou North Square Bus Station, Suzhou South Station, and Wuzhong Bus Terminal to Tongli. It takes about 1 hour.
- Recommended delicacies: Braised pork, sock-bottom pastry, local rice wine
- Recommended 3 Days Suzhou Tongli Water Town Tour
Wuzhen
The ancient town of Wuzhen is divided into East Gai and West Gai. East Gai has a strong local atmosphere and is suitable for daytime visits. West Gai, on the other hand, has particularly charming night scenes, with the rivers, lights, and ancient buildings complementing each other.
Travel Tips:
- Suggested duration of visit: 1 day or 1 night
- Recommended delicacies: White fish soup, braised mutton, Dingxiang cake
Discovering China’s Old Capital – Xian
Where to go in China in spring? Here vibrant spring blooms in Xian.
The breeze blows gently, flushing out the depressing winter blues. People get out of home, and walk on the old streets, have leisurely cycling on the ancient wall, and ascend the old pagodas to enjoy the breath of spring. For a China spring tour in Xian, visitors should not miss Terra Cotta Warriors and the distinctive local food and snacks.
Travel tips:
- Weather: The average temperature in Xi'an during spring (from March to May) ranges from 8°C to 22°C, with little rainfall. April and May are the most comfortable months, making them one of the best times for traveling throughout the year.
- What to wear: In March, Xi'an is just beginning to enter spring. You still need to wear a light down jacket or a thick coat. From April to May, a windbreaker, a light jacket, and a knitted sweater will suffice.
- Best places to visit for spring landscapes: Huashan Mountain, Xingqinggong Park, Qujiangchi Ruins Park, and Hujiao Waterfall
- Recommended 5-day Xian Tour with Mt. Huashan
Best Hiking Destinations with Spring Landscapes
For those seeking spring destinations in China for hiking and outdoor activities, the wondrous Avatar mountains of Zhangjiajie, the striking Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin, the dramatic vistas of Karst landscape in Yangshuo offer scenic trails.
Guilin & Yangshuo - Karst Landscape and Rural Hiking
One of the best destinations in China, Guilin's springtime landscape is exceptionally beautiful, where idyllic rural scenery meets karst formations. On your Guilin tour, hike along the Li River, Yulong River, and secret rural paths, traversing rapeseed flower fields and green rice paddies.Hiking Tips:
- Hiking Difficulty: Low to Medium
- Weather: Temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, with possible light rain
- Best for: Families with children, beginners, photography enthusiasts
Hiking to Longji Rice Terraced Fields
It is tempting to spend your China spring break with a hike to Longji (in Guilin) to see the marvelous rice terraces. Now the rows of fields are irrigated and filled with water, providing great photo opportunities. Moreover, visitors can experience charming Zhuang and Yao minority culture.
- Recommended Route: Ping'an Village; Ping'an Village → Jinkeng Village
- Hiking Difficulty: Low to Moderate
- Best for: Travelers who enjoy blending natural scenery with cultural experiences, photography enthusiasts
Zhangjiajie - The Spring Wonderland of Towering Peaks
In spring, the quartz sandstone peak forest in Zhangjiajie comes back to life, yet still hidden in the mist. You will love hiking through the canyons, streams and the primeval forest on your Zhangjiajie tour.
Hiking Tips:
- Best Time: April to May, with mild climate and temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius
- Recommended Routes: Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, Tianmen Mountain
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Hikers with some physical fitness, nature lovers
- Recommended 6-day Zhangjiajie Hiking Tour
Southwest China: Celebrate the Traditional Festivals of Ethnic People
Spring becomes a fun-filled season, when the friendly and enthusiastic ethnic people in Southwest China (mainly in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces) celebrate their magnificent festivals. Join the local people, put on their colorful festival clothes, and enjoy the carnival by celebrating the Sister's Meal Festival of Miao People, Water-Splashing Festival of Dai People, March Street Festival (March Fair) of Bai people, etc.
Travel Tips
Fujian Hakka Earthen Building with Spring Scenery
Hakka Earthen Buildings in South China’s Fujian province are still well preserved and embraced by the beautiful green world in spring. With its unique shape, ingenious structure, and large scale, Hakka Earthen Building or Tulou building was seen as the unknown missile ramps with secret weapon by an American spy in 1970s. Now people have the chance to descend into this mysterious world.
Travel Tips
- Recommended Areas: Yongding Tulou, Nanjing Tulou Cluster (Talukeng, Yunshuyao)
- Clothing and Equipment: There are many mountain paths, it is recommended to wear comfortable and slip-resistant shoes.
- At ETC, we offer customized, private in-depth tours. You can stay in the traditional Chinese-style guesthouses and experience the real life of the Hakka people.
- Recommended 3 Days In-depth Hakka Tulou Tour from Xiamen
Flower Blossom Destinations China
China Spring vacations offer a great opportunity to shake off the rust from a long winter and enjoy all kinds of flowers blossoming. Make your way to Luoping in Yunan or Wuyuan in Jiangxi to witness seas of golden rape flowers, which mix perfectly with the Karst mountains and ancient Huizhou architectures separately. While in Luoyang, you will see the grand Peony Festival from April 1 to May 7.
Luoping County Rapeseed Flowers in Yunnan
Best Flower Viewing Period: Late February – Mid-March
As spring arrives, tens of thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers bloom among the karst mountains in Loping County, interweaving with villages, sunrises, and morning mist. It is one of the most popular spring destinations for photographers in China.
>> Top China Countryside to Enjoy Rapeseed Flowers in March
Wuyuan Rapeseed Flowers
Best viewing time: March
Whether you prefer a leisurely hike or photography, in Jiangxi Province's Wuyuan, the ancient villages with white walls and black tiles are surrounded by rapeseed flowers. Don't miss it.
>> Recommended 9 Days China Photography Tour of Hangzhou/Wuyuan/Yellow Mountain
Nyingchi Peach Blossoms
Best Flower Viewing Time: March - April
Planning a spring trip to Tibet, China? Make sure you visit Nyingchi. Wild peach blossoms bloom along river valleys at elevations of 2,500–3,000 meters, creating a uniquely beautiful spring landscape against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, grassy meadows, and Tibetan villages.
>> China’s Top Destinations in April for Terraced Fields & Blooming Flowers