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Best Places to Visit in China in April

Updated: 2025-07-14

Best Places to Visit in China in April here has listed the most suitable places to visit in April. Each of them has different special features. Staying in crowded urban full of people and vehicle, it is better to go to a trip for April, for those mountains, water and other charm of the branches. The following will recommend Gulangyu island inXiamen, special flavor of Xishuangbanna in Yunnan and beautiful scenery in the regions south of the Yangtze River.

Gulangyu Island/Xiamen

The Reasons Go in April:

Xiamen in spring is pleasant with gentle and lovely sunshine and sea wind, the waves gently play soothing music patted on the reef, and Xiamen are surrounded by green tree and clear water. To sightseeing at this time in Xiamen, you can find that the soil of island in Lantau all showed marked maroon color, so also called red soil. Blue sky, green water, golden sand, verdant trees with red soil, makes a bright and dazzling natural beauty.

Afternoon in the Gulangyu Island, sunshine is casting in the body, hanging with your partner to a deep alley, finding the blooming former consulate to stay. The glazing window of hundred-year-old can be your window of private sitting room when facing the sea; Or living in the third floor building near the Catholic church, letting the church guitars for the weekend to wake up you from sweep dream. There are no flashing lights, luxury and dissipation life, only the happy people hand in hand, standing on the soft sand beach and strolling with the sunset.

► Recommended Xiamen tour: 5 Days Xiamen City and Tulou Tour

Best Places to Visit in China in April-Gulangyu island/ Xiamen

Xishuangbanna/Yunnan

The Reasons Go in April:

Come to Xishuangbanna, a devout Buddhist Ethnic Dai people will make you to experience a completely different atmosphere. Every April 15 is the Water-Splashing Festival of Dai Nationality. It is a symbol of good fortune, happiness, healthy body by spraying water, people heartily splashed heartily spilled, laughed, drenched with high interest.

Water-Splashing festival also called "Buddha’s Birth day", is one of the most ceremonious traditional festival in Xishuangbanna, in that day, all the Dai minority people whatever men, women and children dressed in ceremonial dress, and women will shoulder a bucket of water to wash the figure of Buddha for blessings. After bathing Buddha, people started to spray water to show their blessings, hoping through washing with holy water can wash diseases and disasters, for a better and happy life.

A proverb says: "the water splash, Dai nationality is happy", in Dai customs, this is the day you can enjoy the water spray towards others, poured the more water means more powerful, and more popular. Walking in the alley, you also need to be careful with the locals who will launched the "air attack" in the balcony, and if you meet the people dress uniform, quickly get out of the way,

► Recommended Xishuangbanna tour: 4 Days Xishuangbanna Minority Tour

Best Places to Visit in China in April-Xishuangbanna/ Yunnan

Admire Seas of Flowers and Natural Wonders

• Zhangjiajie / Hunan Province
Zhangjiajie is famous for its otherworldly sandstone pillars and lush forests. In April, the weather is mild and comfortable, with flowers starting to bloom across the scenic areas. Mist drifts between the peaks in the early morning, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. Walking through the glass bridge or taking a cable car ride, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of nature’s grandeur.

• Wuyuan / Jiangxi Province
Wuyuan is often praised as “one of the most beautiful villages in China.” In early April, endless fields of bright yellow rapeseed flowers spread across valleys and hillsides, contrasting beautifully with white-walled, black-tiled Huizhou-style houses. The ancient villages here, surrounded by spring mists, offer idyllic scenes for photography and quiet walks.

• Li River, Guilin / Guangxi Province
The Li River in Guilin is renowned for its stunning karst landscape and crystal-clear waters. In April, with the spring drizzle and gentle breezes, the emerald green peaks reflect perfectly in the river, creating poetic and dreamlike scenery. A bamboo raft ride allows you to immerse yourself fully in the calm and ethereal surroundings.

• Xiapu Mudflats / Fujian Province
April is one of the best times to visit Xiapu, where tidal mudflats turn into giant natural canvases under the morning sun. Fishermen casting their nets, and the interplay of light and shadow across the water create a spectacular sight for photographers and nature lovers.

• Jiuzhaigou / Sichuan Province
Known as a “paradise on earth,” Jiuzhaigou in April boasts gurgling waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and vibrant spring blossoms. The snow on the surrounding peaks begins to melt, adding more vitality to the colorful landscape. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the harmony of water, forest, and mountains.

• Nyingchi / Tibet Autonomous Region
Nicknamed “Tibet’s Jiangnan” (south of the Yangtze River), Nyingchi bursts into color in April as peach blossoms cover the valleys. Against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the pink petals create a mesmerizing contrast. It’s a rare opportunity to experience Tibet’s softer, more romantic side.

► Recommended Spring Flower Tour:

Regions South of the Yangtze River

• Suzhou/ Jiangsu Province

The most beautiful season in Suzhou, of course, is the warm spring. Whether there is sunshine or spring rain, Suzhou garden is a picture of a moving picture, various seasonal foods appear on the market, you can view beautiful scenery and enjoy delicious foods.

• Yangzhou/ Jiangsu Province

There is a poem wrote that "Heading east for Yangzhou among hazy vernal hue", therefore go to Yangzhou, the best time is between March and April. At this time there are drizzle, oblique willow, grass, swallows, also only then, you can read that happy and contented feeling of Yangzhou, and blend in with the idyllic scenery.

► Recommended Jiangsu tour: 6 Days Tour from Nanjing to Suzhou & Shanghai

• Wuzhen Water Town/ Zhejiang Province

You can experience the beauty of rain only in regions south of the Yangtze River. April is the rainy season; the most suitable thing to do is sitting in the ancient building to looking out the window of the misty rain, feel that easy and comfortable circumstance quietly. Or with a small umbrella walking in the rain, or sitting on Wupeng boat, enjoy scenery on both sides of the river.

Best Places to Visit in China in April-Wuzhen Water Town

• West Lake/ Zhejiang Province

To speak of Hangzhou, people are likely to mention the old saying: “Up above there is paradise, down here there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.” No matter what the season, climate and time, Hangzhou shows her charming flavor. Every year in March, it is the best season to travel to Hangzhou with spring flowers. With the oiled paper umbrella, walk against the wind, walk on the Su causeway, appreciate that romance of “rain in March”, and indulge in such beautiful scenery unconsciously...

The West Lake is a poem, a picture, a beautiful and moving story. Two peach willow along the embankment under the spring breeze, summer days’ lotus garden, three ponds so saturated with the moon in the autumn night, red plum after winter snow, drizzle in the misty towers, all of these make up a beautiful and wonderful West Lake. And there is a special event of West Lake Rhododendron Festival from May 20 to April 20.

► Recommended Zhejiang and surrounding tour: 4 Days Hangzhou and Wuzhen Water Town Tour

Historical Cities and Folk Culture Experiences

• Beijing
As the capital of China, Beijing is a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. In April, the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring historical landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Wandering through the hutongs (old alleys), you can witness the authentic lifestyle of locals and taste traditional Beijing snacks. It’s also a good time to hike along less-crowded sections of the Great Wall and admire the budding spring scenery.

• Xi’an / Shaanxi Province
Once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an is a living museum of China’s long history. April brings warm spring days, ideal for visiting the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, strolling along the old city wall, and exploring the Muslim Quarter with its vibrant street food culture. Here, history comes alive as you walk through the remnants of 13 dynasties.

• Pingyao Ancient Town / Shanxi Province
Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of China’s best-preserved ancient walled cities. In April, this charming town is filled with blossoming flowers along its cobblestone streets and courtyards. You can step back in time by exploring traditional courtyards, ancient banks, and Taoist temples while experiencing local customs that have survived for centuries.

• Datong / Shanxi Province
Datong is home to some of China’s most remarkable ancient architecture and Buddhist art. The Yungang Grottoes, with their intricate rock carvings, are particularly striking in spring when the surrounding landscape awakens from winter. Don’t miss the Hanging Monastery and the Nine-Dragon Wall for a glimpse into Datong’s rich heritage.

• Luoyang Peony Festival / Henan Province
Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals, is famous for its spectacular Peony Festival held every April. As the “City of Peonies,” Luoyang transforms into a sea of vibrant blossoms in shades of pink, red, and white. Visitors can enjoy the cultural atmosphere with folk performances, traditional crafts, and local delicacies while admiring these elegant flowers in full bloom.

• Xishuangbanna Water Splashing Festival / Yunnan Province
In mid-April, Xishuangbanna in Yunnan hosts the lively Water Splashing Festival to celebrate the Dai ethnic group’s New Year. This colorful celebration features dragon boat races, ethnic dances, and joyful water fights in the streets, symbolizing the washing away of bad luck and welcoming a fresh start. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant folk culture and tropical scenery of China’s southern frontier.

► Recommended Historical & Cultural Tour:

Popular Cities in Central and Western China

• Chongqing / Chongqing Municipality
Known as the “Mountain City” and “City of Hot Pot,” Chongqing is a vibrant destination with unique charm. In April, the weather is mild, making it perfect to explore the dramatic landscape where skyscrapers rise from hills and rivers snake through the city. Take a ride on the famous monorail that passes through buildings at Liziba Station, enjoy a night cruise on the Yangtze River to see the dazzling skyline, and don’t miss indulging in a spicy Chongqing hot pot for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

• Chengdu / Sichuan Province
Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas and UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offers a laid-back atmosphere blended with rich culture. In April, the city is full of spring blossoms and warm breezes, ideal for visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Stroll along Jinli Ancient Street and Kuanzhai Alley to enjoy Sichuan snacks and teahouse culture. For nature lovers, it’s also a good time to take a side trip to the blooming Mount Qingcheng or the snow-capped Mount Emei.

• Lhasa / Tibet Autonomous Region
As the spiritual heart of Tibet, Lhasa attracts pilgrims and travelers from all over the world. April marks the start of the tourism season with pleasant weather and clearer skies. Explore the sacred Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and wander around Barkhor Street to witness local Tibetan life. In spring, the surrounding mountains begin to thaw, revealing stunning scenery and making it a great time for a journey into Tibet’s unique culture and breathtaking landscapes.

► Recommended Central & Western China Tour:

April in China is a good month for spring outing. No dazzling sunlight, the climate is mild and warm, flowers are blossomed, and trees become green. One thing to note is that April is within rainy season in most of China area, if you tour China in April, you’d better to take an umbrella.