10 BEST places to visit in China in March

Looking for the best places to visit in China in March?

This is one of the most beautiful months to explore the country, as spring begins to bloom, temperatures become milder, and famous landmarks are less crowded.

Whether you want to see cherry blossoms, walk along the Great Wall, or experience ancient culture, March offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and adventure. From vibrant cities to breathtaking mountains and hidden gems, there’s something for every traveller.

Here are the 10 BEST places to visit in China in March for an unforgettable spring getaway!

1) Beijing – The Great Wall & Imperial Landmarks

Beijing, China’s historic capital, is one of the best places to visit in March, offering mild spring weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful blooming trees.

As winter fades, the city comes to life with clear blue skies, fresh air, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F), making it a great time to explore famous landmarks without the summer heat.

Walking along the Great Wall of China, especially at quieter sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling, is much more enjoyable in the cool spring air. The Forbidden City, with its ancient palaces and golden rooftops, looks stunning under the bright March sun.

Visitors can also enjoy local culture in the traditional hutongs (old alleyways), stroll through the peaceful Temple of Heaven Park, or admire cherry blossoms in Yuyuantan Park. March is also a great time to try Beijing’s famous Peking duck in one of the city’s top restaurants.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Beijing

1. What is the weather like in Beijing in March?

March is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F), making it perfect for exploring outdoor landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

2. What are the best things to do in Beijing in March?

Visitors can walk along the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, visit the Temple of Heaven, and see cherry blossoms in Yuyuantan Park as spring begins.

3. Why is March a good time to visit Beijing?

March offers fewer crowds, comfortable sightseeing weather, and the start of spring blooms, making it a great time to experience Beijing’s history, culture, and outdoor attractions.

2) Guilin & Yangshuo – Karst Mountains & River Cruises

Guilin & Yangshuo, located in southern China, are among the best places to visit in March, offering lush green landscapes, misty karst mountains, and peaceful rivers.

As spring begins, the region comes alive with blooming flowers, fresh mountain air, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). March is the perfect time to take a Li River cruise, where you can admire the famous limestone peaks rising from the water, creating one of China’s most breathtaking natural scenes.

In Yangshuo, you can cycle through endless rice fields, visit ancient villages, or take a bamboo raft ride along the Yulong River, surrounded by stunning countryside views. The Reed Flute Cave, filled with colourful rock formations, is another must-visit attraction in Guilin.

With fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and vibrant spring scenery, Guilin & Yangshuo in March offer a peaceful and magical escape into China’s most iconic landscapes.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Guilin & Yangshuo

1. What is the weather like in Guilin & Yangshuo in March?

March has mild temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with misty mornings and fresh spring air, making it perfect for river cruises and outdoor activities.

2. What are the best things to do in Guilin & Yangshuo in March?

Visitors can take a Li River cruise, cycle through Yangshuo’s countryside, explore Reed Flute Cave, and ride a bamboo raft along the Yulong River.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Guilin & Yangshuo?

March offers lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and a peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy China’s most beautiful karst mountain scenery in perfect weather.

3) Hangzhou – West Lake & Tea Plantations

Hangzhou, one of China’s most scenic cities, is a fantastic place to visit in March, when spring blossoms begin to bloom, the weather is mild, and the famous West Lake looks breathtaking.

With temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F), it’s the perfect time to take a leisurely boat ride on West Lake, where weeping willows, peach blossoms, and ancient pagodas reflect beautifully on the water.

March is also the best time to visit the Longjing tea plantations, as fresh tea leaves begin to grow, and visitors can watch tea farmers handpick leaves for Hangzhou’s famous Dragon Well Tea. The Lingyin Temple, surrounded by misty hills and ancient Buddhist carvings, offers a peaceful escape into China’s rich history and spiritual traditions.

Walking or cycling along the causeways of West Lake is especially magical in spring, with soft breezes and the scent of blooming flowers in the air. With fewer tourists, fresh spring landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, Hangzhou in March is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, tea enthusiasts, and history explorers.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Hangzhou

1. What is the weather like in Hangzhou in March?

March has mild temperatures between 8°C and 16°C (46°F to 61°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities like boat rides, temple visits, and tea plantation tours.

2. What are the best things to do in Hangzhou in March?

Visitors can take a boat ride on West Lake, visit the Longjing tea plantations, explore Lingyin Temple, and walk along the beautiful willow-lined causeways.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Hangzhou?

March brings blooming peach blossoms, misty lake views, and the start of fresh tea harvests, creating a peaceful and scenic spring experience in one of China’s most famous cities.

4) Zhangjiajie – Avatar Mountains & Glass Bridge

Zhangjiajie, home to China’s most surreal landscapes, is a fantastic place to visit in March, when misty peaks, fresh spring air, and fewer crowds create a magical experience.

This breathtaking destination in Hunan Province is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

In March, temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), making it cool but comfortable for hiking through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where you’ll see thousands of karst peaks covered in mist.

The Tianzi Mountain cable car ride offers stunning aerial views, while the world’s highest and longest glass bridge over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is perfect for thrill-seekers.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Zhangjiajie

1. What is the weather like in Zhangjiajie in March?

March has cool temperatures between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with fresh spring air and misty landscapes, making it perfect for hiking and sightseeing.

2. What are the best things to do in Zhangjiajie in March?

Visitors can explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, walk on the glass bridge over the Grand Canyon, take the Tianzi Mountain cable car, and hike to Heaven’s Gate on Tianmen Mountain.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Zhangjiajie?

March offers fewer crowds, cooler hiking weather, and misty mountain views, creating a magical and peaceful experience in one of China’s most unique landscapes.

5) Xi’an – Terracotta Army & Ancient City Walls

Xi’an, one of China’s most historic cities, is a fantastic place to visit in March, offering mild spring weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful seasonal scenery.

As the former capital of ancient China and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is home to incredible cultural and historical landmarks, including the world-famous Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-sized warriors have stood for over 2,000 years.

With temperatures ranging from 4°C to 16°C (39°F to 61°F), March is cool but comfortable, making it the perfect time to walk or cycle along the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved city wall in China.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a sacred Buddhist site, looks especially beautiful in spring, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms. A visit to the lively Muslim Quarter is a must, where you can try local street food like spicy lamb skewers, biang biang noodles, and crispy roujiamo (Chinese burgers).

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Xi’an

1. What is the weather like in Xi’an in March?

March has cool and comfortable temperatures between 4°C and 16°C (39°F to 61°F), making it a great time for sightseeing without the summer heat.

2. What are the best things to do in Xi’an in March?

Visitors can see the Terracotta Army, walk or bike along the Ancient City Wall, explore the Muslim Quarter’s street food, and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Xi’an?

March offers mild weather, blooming cherry blossoms, and fewer tourists, making it the perfect season to explore Xi’an’s rich history and cultural sites.

6) Luoyang – Peony Festival & Shaolin Temple

Luoyang, one of China’s oldest cities, is a fantastic place to visit in March, when spring flowers bloom, the weather is mild, and ancient history comes to life.

As the former capital of 13 dynasties, Luoyang is home to some of China’s most important cultural and historical sites. The most famous is the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO-listed site featuring over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River.

With temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F), March is perfect for exploring without the summer heat. This is also the beginning of the Peony Festival season, as the city’s gardens start filling with bright pink, red, and white peonies, the flower symbolising China’s imperial history.

Another must-visit site is the White Horse Temple, often called China’s first Buddhist temple, which has a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by ancient halls and pagodas. Visitors can also experience martial arts culture at the nearby Shaolin Temple, famous for its connection to Kung Fu.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Luoyang

1. What is the weather like in Luoyang in March?

March brings mild temperatures between 5°C and 18°C (41°F to 64°F), making it comfortable for exploring historical sites and gardens.

2. What are the best things to do in Luoyang in March?

Visitors can see the Longmen Grottoes, explore White Horse Temple, visit the Peony Gardens, and take a trip to the Shaolin Temple to learn about Kung Fu.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Luoyang?

March marks the start of peony season, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists, allowing for a peaceful and culturally rich experience.

7) Shanghai – Modern Skylines & Spring Parks

Shanghai, China’s most dynamic and modern city, is a fantastic place to visit in March, when spring arrives, cherry blossoms start blooming, and the weather is cool but comfortable.

With temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F), it’s the perfect time to explore Shanghai’s famous landmarks without the summer heat. A stroll along The Bund offers breathtaking views of the city’s futuristic skyline, while a visit to Yu Garden in spring reveals ancient pavilions surrounded by blooming peach and cherry blossoms.

March is also ideal for exploring the French Concession, a historic area filled with tree-lined streets, charming cafés, and colonial-era architecture. For shopping lovers, Nanjing Road provides endless options, from luxury brands to local markets.

If you enjoy culture, the Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Tower’s observation deck offer incredible insights into the city’s past and present.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Shanghai

1. What is the weather like in Shanghai in March?

March has mild temperatures between 8°C and 15°C (46°F to 59°F), making it comfortable for walking tours, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

2. What are the best things to do in Shanghai in March?

Visitors can walk along The Bund, see cherry blossoms in Yu Garden, explore the French Concession, shop on Nanjing Road, and visit the top of Shanghai Tower.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Shanghai?

March brings cool weather, blooming spring flowers, and fewer crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s mix of modern skyscrapers and historic charm in a relaxed setting.

8) Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) – Misty Peaks & Hot Springs

Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain, is one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders and a fantastic place to visit in March, when spring begins to awaken the misty peaks, ancient pine trees, and scenic valleys.

With temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), the cool mountain air makes hiking more comfortable, and early spring rains create dramatic mist-covered landscapes that make the peaks look like a traditional Chinese painting.

March is also a great time to enjoy hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking. Visitors can take a cable car up the mountain and explore famous spots like Lotus Peak, the oddly shaped Guest-Greeting Pine, and the stunning West Sea Grand Canyon.

The surrounding ancient villages, such as Hongcun and Xidi, are also beautiful in spring, with blooming rapeseed flowers covering the countryside in golden yellow hues.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Huangshan

1. What is the weather like in Huangshan in March?

March has cool temperatures between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with misty mornings, fresh mountain air, and beautiful spring scenery.

2. What are the best things to do in Huangshan in March?

Visitors can hike the Yellow Mountain trails, take a cable car to Lotus Peak, relax in hot springs, and explore nearby ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Huangshan?

March offers cool hiking weather, fewer crowds, and stunning mist-covered landscapes, making it one of the best months to experience this iconic mountain.

9) Chengdu – Giant Pandas & Sichuan Food

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is one of the best places to visit in China in March, offering pleasant weather, adorable giant pandas, and delicious Sichuan cuisine.

With temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), spring begins to bloom, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s parks, temples, and famous tea houses.

One of the biggest highlights is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can see playful pandas climbing trees, eating bamboo, and even young cubs in the nursery.

March is also a great time to visit Wuhou Temple and Jinli Ancient Street, where you can walk through historic alleys, admire traditional Chinese architecture, and try local snacks like spicy Sichuan hotpot and dandan noodles.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Chengdu

1. What is the weather like in Chengdu in March?

March has mild temperatures between 10°C and 18°C (50°F to 64°F), making it perfect for outdoor sightseeing and exploring parks and temples.

2. What are the best things to do in Chengdu in March?

Visitors can see giant pandas at the Chengdu Panda Base, explore Jinli Ancient Street, visit Wuhou Temple, and take a day trip to Mount Qingcheng.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Chengdu?

March offers pleasant spring weather, active pandas, fewer tourists, and blooming landscapes, making it an ideal time to experience Chengdu’s nature, culture, and food.

10) Wuyuan – China’s Most Beautiful Countryside

Wuyuan, located in Jiangxi Province, is one of the best places to visit in China in March, when the countryside is transformed into a golden sea of blooming rapeseed flowers.

Known as "China’s most beautiful rural area," Wuyuan is famous for its ancient villages, rolling hills, and stunning spring landscapes. March is the perfect time to wander through traditional white-walled villages like Huangling and Likeng, where cherry blossoms and peach flowers add splashes of pink to the golden fields.

With temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for hiking, photography, and exploring historical sites. Many of Wuyuan’s villages are hundreds of years old, with well-preserved ancestral halls, stone bridges, and winding alleyways that give visitors a glimpse into China’s ancient past.

For nature lovers, a walk through the misty mountains and bamboo forests adds to the charm of this rural paradise.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Wuyuan

1. What is the weather like in Wuyuan in March?

March has cool and comfortable temperatures between 8°C and 18°C (46°F to 64°F), making it ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.

2. What are the best things to do in Wuyuan in March?

Visitors can see the famous rapeseed flower fields, explore ancient villages like Huangling and Likeng, hike through bamboo forests, and admire cherry blossoms.

3. Why is March a great time to visit Wuyuan?

March is when Wuyuan’s countryside is covered in golden rapeseed flowers, creating one of the most stunning rural landscapes in China.

There you have it! These are 10 of the best places located in China, perfect for your next adventure in March! Whether you plan to do a road trip around China in March or are visiting for a long weekend, you should definitely check out some of these places!

When exploring these hidden gems, always consider hiring a guide or joining a tour group, as some locations may require local expertise for the best experience.

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 13,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!