China in April

The spring is cool and dry in northern China. There is barely any rain, and by April highs average around 20 °C (68 °F) in Beijing and the surrounding areas. Even the weather in freezing Harbin in the icy northeast starts to relent in spring. The city's snow melts and by April lows are above zero Celsius (32 °F) and average highs a balmy 12 °C (54 °F). Spring proves an ideal time to visit northern China before the harsh heat of summer heat kicks in.

March and April is warm and dry in central China, with the country's 'three furnace-like cities, Chongqing, Wuhan and Nanjing quickly begin to warm up with average highs a comfortable 22 °C (72 °F) in April. Though not as bone dry as in winter or as wet as in the summer monsoon seasons. There are the occasional showers with precipitation averaging between 40 to 80 mm per day across the three famed cities. Most days are dry, but on some an umbrella is needed.

Southern China has a humid subtropical climate, warm to hot the whole year round. March, before the rains, is warm and dry(ish). April sees warm, mainly dry spring weather in southern China. Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, sees highs of 25 °C (77 °F) degrees throughout the season and lows of around 10 °C (50 °F), with minimal rain (though it picks up in June) before the bursting of the spectacular summer monsoon.

The spring is cool and dry in northwest China, many people choosing this time to visit to avoid the extremes of winter cold. In Lanzhou, capital of Gansu, high temperatures range from minus 3 to 6 °C (27 - 42 °F) in March and 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F) in April, the vast majority of the days dry.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic China

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,800
See Itinerary

A Journey Across the Rooftop of the World: Beijing to Lhasa by Train

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,800
See Itinerary

China's Natural Wonders: National Parks and Pandas

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $18,800
See Itinerary

China's Silk Road

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,600
See Itinerary

Colors of Northwest China: Zhangye Danxia & Jiayuguan

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Datong to Pingyao

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Exploring the Yangtze

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

Nomadic Travels through Qinghai Province: Xining to Guide

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,800
See Itinerary

Riding the Dragon's Back: Adventures in Guilin & Longsheng

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,200
See Itinerary

Silk Road Whirlwind: From Urumqi to Turpan

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,100
See Itinerary

Recommended Festivals For China in April

Qingming Jie

April

This one-day festival, also known as tomb sweeping day, is followed by two further days of holiday and is devoted to paying respects to ancestors. Throughout China, people clean the tombs of their relatives and make symbolic offerings. Families also take spring outings to enjoy nature and fly kites, which they release for good luck.

Location Countrywide, China

Water Splashing Festival

April

This joyful popular three-day celebration is the most important festival of the Dai people. There is a carnival parade and a free-for-all water fight, food and craft markets and dragon boat races. People listen to scriptures and build Buddha statues at the temple; these are then splashed with water in a cleansing ritual.

Location Xishuangbanna, China

Sister's Meal Festival

April/May

This three-day festival is a chance for the Miao people to experience love and courtship. Young women dress in elaborate clothes and jewelry, and young men woo them with parcels of rice. If they receive two chopsticks in return, they may court the lady. There is Lusheng dancing and music, as well as bullfights within the festivities.

Location Lusheng, China

Sanyuesan

March

At this one-day festival, the various peoples of Guangxi province get together to celebrate love. Lovers give each other letters and gifts, and express their feeling through dancing and singing. The Li people hold open air parties in colorful dress with traditional food, competitions and music with a big bonfire in the evening.

Location Guangxi, China

Red Clothes Festival

April-May

On this one-day festival, the people from tribes all around Guangxi province come together, wearing their best traditional clothes, all in red. There are games and competitions including beauty parades, folk drumming, sports and tug-of-war. Young men and women try to find love and there is folk music and dancing.

Location Guangxi, China

Lusheng Reed Pipe Festival

Celebrated in many different places - In Lusheng it is September (biggest one)

This is a popular four-day festival celebrated by the Miao ethnic minority of Guizhou. The Lusheng reed pipe dates back to the Tang dynasty and, as a symbol of Miao history, is played throughout the festival at ceremonies and performances of traditional dances. There are horse races on the third day and bullfighting on the fourth.

Location Lusheng, China

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