China in March

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

Get a real feel for China on this luxury 10-day tour that whisks you through Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Stay at some of the country’s most prestigious hotels while taking in key sights, from the Temple of Heaven, to the Great Wall of China, to the Terracotta Warriors, Yu Gardens, and more.

Duration
10 days, 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,100
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China's Magnificent Mountaintops by Private Jet

Spend 11 days traveling in sheer luxury as your private jet whisks you across China’s mountaintops. Starting in Beijing, you’ll discover the lush Shangri-La valley on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, observe colorful cliffs in Zhangye Danxia, and stay overnight in luxury hotels like Banyan Tree and Songstam.

Duration
11 days, 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,200
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An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Explore the world’s most majestic peaks on this 22-day Himalayan adventure. You’ll trek through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India, staying at luxury hotels and lodges like the Amankora or Uma by COMO. You’ll walk along the Great Wall of China, visit the ancient Potala Palace, and search for Bengal Tigers in Chitwan.

Duration
22 days, 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $28,000
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China's Natural Wonders: National Parks and Pandas

Journey through China’s most picturesque landscapes on this exciting 13-day luxury journey. You’ll hike through the stunning Yellow Mountain and Jiuzhaigou National Park, tour Tibetan villages of the Zharu Valley, and play with Pandas in Chengdu, while staying at luxury hotels like Amanfayun or Banyan Tree.

Duration
13 days, 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $24,500
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China's Silk Road

Journey across China’s ancient trade route, meandering from Shanghai, to Xian, Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Kashgar. You’ll stay in hotels fit for aristocrats as you learn about what life was like for traders at sites like the Bund, the Terracotta Warriors, the City of Sands, White Horse Pagoda, the Grand Bazaar, and more. 

Duration
10 days, 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,000
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Colors of Northwest China: Zhangye Danxia & Jiayuguan

Travel through the remote, stunning corners of Northwest China on this colorful journey that will take you from Beijing to undiscovered Zhangye Danxia and Jiayuguan. Your camera will be challenged to capture the real life epic beauty at sites like Jiayuguan Fortress, the Danxia landforms, Bingguo Rock area, and more.

Duration
4 days, 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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Datong to Pingyao

Step back into China’s indelible past on this insightful 4-day journey through Datong and Pingyao. This luxury tour will take you to ancient monasteries and UNESCO-listed sites, including the Yungang grottoes, Shanhua Monastery, and the Nine Dragon Screen, while staying at the luxurious boutique Jing’s Residence.

Duration
4 days, 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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Exploring the Yangtze

Meander in luxury down Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze, on this phenomenal 4-day boat journey that passes by some of China’s most stunning landscapes and fascinating cities, moving from Chongqing, past the Three Gorges Dam Project, and on to Xiling Gorge, being rocked to sleep at night aboard your cruise ship.

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

Experience a mesmerizing eight-day journey through China’s Qinghai Province. You’ll take in such epic sights as Qinhai Lake, the Yellow River and Dredzong Monastery, while interacting with local noamds and learning about their traditions.

Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,600
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Riding the Dragon's Back: Adventures in Guilin & Longsheng

Spend 5 days touring the stunning, vibrant landscapes of Southern China on this luxury journey through Yangshuo, Ping An, Xiaozhai, and Guilin. You’ll explore Guilin City, capture the limestone karsts of the Li River, visit picturesque rice terraces, and spend a night at the remarkable Li-An Lodge.

Duration
5 days, 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,800
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Recommended Festivals & Events For China in March

Lusheng Reed Pipe Festival

Lusheng, China 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.

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.

The Naxi people celebrate this one-day festival every year to honor the jade dragon snow mountain hero who protects the Lijiang area. They visit the Sanduo statue in the temple and make ceremonial animal sacrifices. The families of the community cook and share food, while playing games set to music and dancing.

The Miao people are an ethnic minority of Guizhou province and those in Nankai come together to celebrate their culture in this one-day festival. They wear authentic traditional dress and put on plays and performances of Lusheng reed pipe music with folk dancing. Visitors flock to enjoy the food market and carnival atmosphere.

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