China in March 2026: Weather & Best Places in Spring

March in China is when crowds thin and prices ease. The soft light and floating fog give the country an almost secretive beauty, as if waiting to be discovered. In this ultimate guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about March in China (from the weather to the best places to visit).

China's Weather in March

China in March sees a gradual warming in general, but the climate varies considerably from region to region. The south and east are warmer, while the east may see rainy days due to cold air. The north and west are relatively colder, with snow still falling in some areas.

Crowds & Costs

In March, the Spring Festival holiday is usually over, and airfares, hotel rates, and attraction tickets drop noticeably.

However, 2026 will be a little different. The Lantern Festival, which marks the end of Chinese New Year, falls on March 3. This means the price drop may be delayed by a few days. Once the festival passes, visitor numbers at popular attractions decrease sharply, making travel more relaxed and enjoyable.

Flower-viewing trips are the highlight of March in China. Destinations like Wuhan and Nyingchi are attracting more visitors, yet prices remain reasonable. Warm, scenic southern cities such as Sanya and Xiamen also stay popular, but they are far less crowded and more affordable compared with February.

Best Places to Travel in March

If it is your first trip to China, beyond the must-visit golden triangle cities (Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai), consider adding these destinations to your itinerary. March is one of the best times to explore them.

Yunnan

Dali Erhai Lake

Yunnan is a vast province in southwestern China. It has a diverse landscape and ethnic culture. When March falls, the whole land turns vibrant colors.

In Kunming, the "City of Eternal Spring," you will find camellias in full bloom, while in Yuanyang, the world-famous rice terraces are at their most photogenic. As you travel further to Dali, you may find golden rapeseed fields at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and watch the sunset over gem-blue Erhai Lake.

Nyingchi

March is when Nyingchi comes alive with one of China's most stunning spring spectacles - the peach blossom season.

Entire valleys turn pink against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, creating postcard-perfect views. With a lower average elevation than much of Tibet, Nyingchi offers milder weather and a far lower risk of altitude sickness compared to places like Lhasa or Shigatse.

How to Get There: You can fly directly to Nyingchi Mainling Airport from cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, or Xi'an. Flights are frequent and scenic, often passing close to snow-covered Himalayan ranges. Overland travel from Lhasa is possible, but the road may be closed due to snow, so flying is the most reliable option in March.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is just a short train ride from Shanghai, making it an easy addition to your itinerary with only two or three extra days.

While the city is famous for the serene beauty of West Lake, March offers something truly special: Longjing tea season. This is when the first, most prized tea leaves of the year, known as mingqian (pre-Qingming) Longjing, are harvested. The mild spring weather and fresh rainfall bring out the tea's delicate aroma and sweet, mellow flavor. Visiting in March means you can walk through emerald-green tea fields, watch farmers hand-pick the tender buds, and even taste the tea at its freshest. It will be an experience you simply can't have at any other time of year.

Hangzhou West Lake

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is getting warmer in March, like a wonderland of fresh greenery and crystal-clear air.

The mountains of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park rise like stone soldiers above the clouds, while waterfalls swell with snowmelt. Early spring brings fewer crowds, giving you more space to appreciate the surreal views that inspired the movie Avatar. Glass bridges, winding mountain trails, and ancient villages add to the adventure. Just be aware that dew and fog can make stairways slippery. And it would be a good idea to carry an umbrella for occasional rain.

Sanya

Sanya in March is the perfect place for a beach vacation with pleasant temperatures and sunshine. With its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, Sanya offers you the opportunity to soak up the sun and try out a variety of water activities. The white sandy coast of Yalong Bay stretches for several kilometers and is home to numerous exotic flowers and tropical plants. The water of Wuzhizhou Island is clear, and the various rare marine creatures give you a visual feast while diving. The fantastic undersea sightseeing and quaint fishing villages of the Xidao Amusement Park immerse you in this paradise on the sea.

What to Do in March

Follow the Spring Tea Harvest

Early spring marks the start of tea-picking season. Beyond Hangzhou, many other places in China are also in the midst of their tea harvest. It's a rare chance to taste and learn about some of China's most famous teas at their freshest.

For example, in Sichuan, you can sample varieties like Bamboo Leaf Green and Mengding Ganlu, while Dongting Mountain near Suzhou invites you to try the delicate Biluochun tea. Near Huangshan Mountain, Qimen County is home to the world-famous Keemun black tea.

If you're interested in Chinese tea culture, ask your travel expert to plan a themed tour so you can watch the harvest, join in the picking, and enjoy tea brewed straight from the source.

Join the Lantern Festival in 2026

In 2026, the Chinese Lantern Festival will fall on March 3. You can expect streets, parks, and riverbanks in cities across China to glow with stunning lantern displays, some shaped like dragons, zodiac animals, or entire story scenes. Lively lion and dragon dances fill the air with drums and gongs, while marketplaces bustle with food stalls and craft vendors. Don't miss traditional treats like yuanxiao (sweet glutinous rice balls) while enjoying the glow of the festival's lights.

For the best experience, arrive at the festival grounds before sunset to secure a good viewing spot and watch the lanterns gradually light up. In major cities like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, popular spots can get crowded, so consider visiting smaller towns or historic districts for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Traditional Chinese Lanterns

Riding Along the Coast

March, with its gentle sea breezes and beautiful seaside scenery, is just right for riding along the coastline. The coastal tourist highway in Hainan connects a dozen fairyland-like bays such as Shimei Bay, Nanyan Bay, and Shenzhou Peninsula. The Sufengshan Island Ring Road in Fujian is like a long ribbon around the densely vegetated mountain, with crystal clear seawater as jewels on one side. Weizhou Island in Beihai is dotted with sea erosion landscapes, surrounded by a glass-like sea, and riding in the sea breeze and under the dappled shade of the trees is such a pleasant experience.

Experience Huazhao Festival

Every year, from the middle to the end of March (around February 12 or February 15 on the lunar calendar, varying by region), China's Huazhao Festival arrives, with cities hosting a wide range of events to celebrate the birthday of the flower goddess.

Cities such as Hangzhou, Shanghai, Jinan, and Wuhan are great places to experience the Huazhao Festival, where the celebrations are especially colorful. You can enjoy a parade of twelve flower goddesses, performances with ancient musical instruments, and Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) shows. You can also visit flower markets, sample flower teas and desserts, take photos with performers in Hanfu, and join in activities like flower tie-dyeing and pitch-pot.

China Travel Tips in March

Take Precautions Against Colds

In March, the temperature generally rises, however, it is the turn of the winter and spring seasons and the cold air sweeps back sometimes, so remember to bring a thick jacket with you for the chilly mornings and nights when traveling to China in March, some medicines against colds are also helpful.

Precautions Against Bugs Are A Necessity in the Wilderness

With all kinds of bugs active in March in the wilderness, it's better to wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes that cover the entire foot; don't use heavily scented cosmetics and perfumes, and put away leftover sweets.

Prevent Pollen Allergies

It is a good idea to bring a mask, hat, and sunglasses when traveling in March. Many cities (like Beijing) have trees like arborvitae and willow that release pollen at this time of year. The pollen can float through the air and may cause itchy eyes, sneezing, or other allergy symptoms. Being prepared can help keep you comfortable on your trip!

Plan Your March China Tour With Odynovo

Let Odynovo craft your perfect China itinerary and handle all the details and potential hassles. The personalized trip will show you the best of China in March, your way. You can experience the magic and energy of early spring like never before!