Visit Beijing in Spring - Spring Weather, Places to Go

As the temperature gradually warms in spring, Beijing is bathed in gentle, warm springtime sunshine and blooming fragrance. Beijing’s spring is when flowers are in full bloom, and the sun shines brightly, marking an ideal time to stroll through the city’s parks and streets, soak in the culture, and enjoy comfortable and scenic outdoor explorations.

Planning a Beijing tour in spring? This Beijing spring travel guide will introduce you to the spring weather and temperature in Beijing, wearing tips in spring, top places to go and things to do in Beijing in spring, festivals, and cultural activities you may encounter during the Beijing travel, and recommended Beijing spring tours.

When is Spring in Beijing

There’s an old saying among Beijingers: “Spring has a short neck,” meaning Beijing’s spring is brief.

Regarding how to divide the four seasons in a certain place, there are multiple ways. In traditional Chinese culture, people divide a year into 24 Solar Terms. In this system, Lichun (Start of Spring, occurs between Feb. 3rd and 5th), Lixia (Start of Summer, occurs between May 5th and 7th), Liqiu (Start of Autumn, occurs between Aug. 7th and 9th), and Lidong (Start of Winter, occurs between Nov. 6th and 8th) signal the arrival of each season separately. However, due to the vast size of China, temperatures in north China may only begin to rise around the Lichun. The Lichun solar term serves more as a prelude to spring.

For travelers, the meteorological average temperature method is more practical. In this system, spring in a particular area begins when its daily average temperature consistently stays between 10°C and 22°C for five consecutive days. According to this system, spring in Beijing usually begins in mid-to-late March and lasts until mid-May, which is also one of the best times to visit Beijing.

Weather and Temperature in Spring in Beijing

Spring weather in Beijing is characterized by gradual warming temperatures, significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, and diverse weather phenomena.

Though the “late spring cold spells” may occur and cause sharp temperature drops occasionally, temperatures are generally rising as the season progresses. Daytime highs often range from 10°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to much cooler levels. From March to May, the average temperatures of each month range from 0°C to 12°C, 8°C to 20°C, and 14°C to 26°C separately.

The common strong winds in spring further strengthen the dry air and often bring sandstorms in the early spring.

What to Wear & Pack

The wearing tips are slightly different in different spring months in Beijing.

In March, the temperature hovers around 0°C to 12°C, so wearing layers is essential. Winter coats, padded jackets, leather jackets, and thick sweaters are still necessary, especially at night. Light jackets, trench coats, or thins sweaters are enough for daytime explorations.

In April, the daytime averages often hover around 20°C, and light cotton and linen outfits, T-shirts, thin jeans, and casual wear are ideal for staying comfortable. Still, bring a light jacket, blazer, or sweater to counter the cooler temperatures at night.

In May, as the daytime averages often soar to over 22-26°C, it is advised to bring breathable and cool clothing, such as cotton or linen shirts, light skirts, and T-shirts. Bring a light jacket or thin sweater in case temperatures cool down at night.

Packing tips:

Considering the common strong winds and occasional sandstorms, it is recommended to bring a mask, glasses, hat, or scarf to prevent sand and dust.
Bring facial cream, moisturizers, and a lip protector to mitigate the effects of the dry air.
Essential items such as visa, passport, etc.
Stay updated on the weather forecast due to the unpredictable weather, and bring your clothes accordingly.

Where to Go in Beijing in Spring – Top 6 Places

Beijing’s parks, such as Summer Palace, Beihai Park, Yuyuantan Park, and historic Forbidden City square, are all recommended places to enjoy the crisp colorful beauty of spring. Additionally, The surrounding areas of the Great Wall showing stunning contrast between ancient structures and a vibrant display of wildflowers are also a can’t-miss.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Location: Located in Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing. About 73 kilometers from the urban area of Beijing.
Entrance fee: CNY 45 per person

Stretching about 5,400 meters, the Mutianyu Great Wall is known as the essence of the Great Wall, with 26 watchtowers, and rare double-sided crenels. This area has the wild and restored walls coexisted, and features undulating mountains, dense vegetation, and diverse wildlife. From late March to mid-May, tens of thousands of peach and apricot blossoms bloom across the hills, creating a picturesque setting. Hiking along the Great Wall, you will be immersed in the dramatic views and get many thrilling photographic opportunities. Spots above 500 meters in elevation, such as the iconic Zhengguantai, offer especially impressive views.

Yuyuantan Park

Location: at 10 West Third Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Entrance fee: CNY 2 per person

Spanning about 137 hectares, Yuyuantan Park houses the largest urban wetland within Beijing Third Ring Road and features a harmonious blend of natural and cultural attractions, such as lakes, islands, bridges, pavilions, and towers. The park is best known for the largest cherry blossom garden in China. Each year, in April, the nearly 3,000 cherry trees of over 40 different varieties will be in full bloom, transforming the park into a breathtaking sea of cherry blossoms.

Summer Palace

Location: At 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, in the western suburbs of Beijing
Entrance fee: CNY 30 per person ( Apr. to Oct.), CNY20 per person (Nov. to Mar.)

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Summer Palace. Along the West Dyke, peach blossoms bloom in abundance and blend harmoniously with ancient architecture and grand willow trees, creating a poetic scene. In front of the Longevity Hall, the petals of white magnolias carpet the ground like a white blanket. Additionally, the cherry blossoms and peonies along with the shimmering waters of Kunming Lake also add a sense of romance and elegance to the park.

Entrance tips: For springtime flower viewing, it’s recommended to enter through the West Gate which is a 10-minute walk to the scenic West Dyke.

Beihai Park

Location: 1 Wenjin St., Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Entrance fee:CNY 10 per person in peak season, CNY 5 per person in off-season

As one of the oldest, best-preserved, and most culturally rich imperial gardens in China, Beihai Park is not only home to historic architecture but also stunning natural beauty. Each year, from mid-March, the peach blossoms surrounding the White Dagoba gradually reach their full bloom, with the clusters of pink flowers creating a striking contrast with the ancient white tower. Around the Chanfu Temple, the delicate peach blossom, along with the ancient mountain gate and red walls, also weave a picturesque atmosphere.

Beijing Botanical Garden

Location: At the foot of Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills) in western Beijing, at the intersection of Xiangshan Road and Wofo Temple Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
Entrance fee: CNY 10 per person

As one of the three iconic floral attractions in Beijing, the peach blossoms of Beijing Botanical Garden captivate countless visitors with their elegant beauty each spring. The annual Peach Blossom Festival is held annually from late March to early May in the garden. The festival features over 70 varieties of peach blossoms, offering a stunning display of color and fragrance.

Forbidden City

Location: No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Entrance fee: CNY 60 from Apr. to Oct.; CNY 40 from Nov. to Mar.

As a must-visit for any Beijing tour, the Forbidden City will reward you with a vibrant tapestry of blossoms in spring, complementing its magnificent palaces. From mid to late March, blossoms of apricot, pear, magnolias, and Prunus Tomentosa will bloom vividly in Shoukang Palace, Kunning West Court, the Imperial Garden, and Chengqian Palace, creating a striking contrast against the red walls and golden roofs. In early April, blossoms of crabapple and lilacs will transform the courtyards of Wenhua Hall, Duan Hong Bridge, Yanxi Palace, and Cining Palace into a paradise of vibrant colors.

Beijing Tours with Top Spring Destinations:

Top Things to Do in Beijing in Spring

Ride the S2 Train Line – A Journey Through a Floral Wonderland

Running from Huangtudian Station in Changping District to Yanqing Station in Yanqing District, the S2 Line is the first suburban railway in China, which takes you to the beautiful countryside view of Beijing. In spring, the railway reaches its most beautiful time, with continuous seas of peach and apricot blossoms spreading along the way. Hopping on the train, you will pass through several historic stations surrounded by blooming flowers. You can freely get off at any station you like to capture stunning photos of the train passing through the flower-filled landscape.

Enjoy Diverse Outdoor Activities – Fly a Kite, Bike, Hike, Admire Flowers

The mild temperatures and blooming nature in spring make it a great time to enjoy many exciting outdoor activities in Beijing. Besides admiring flowers at the above-mentioned destinations, you can also enjoy leisurely walks and photography at Shichahai, embark on a hike at Xiangshan Park or Xishan National Forest Park, and experience the joy of flying a kite at Chaoyang Park or Olympic Forest Park.

Spring is also the time when many parks are often visited by flocks of wild ducks, egrets, and herons. If you like bird-watching, Shichahai, Yuyuantai Park, and Summer Palace will offer great opportunities.

For cycling enthusiasts, Yanqi Lake, the Baili Landscape Gallery, and the World Horticultural Expo Park will provide excellent cycling routes.

Cultural and Festive Highlights in Spring in Beijing

Miaofengshan Temple Fair

Time: The first 15 days of the fourth lunar month (usually from early to mid-May)
Location: In Mentougou District, western suburb of Beijing

Miaofengshan Temple Fair can be traced back to the late Ming Dynasty and has been listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008. The fair features a rich lineup of traditional folk performances, including Stilt Yangko, acrobatics, etc.

Qingming Festival

The Qingming Festival is when people honor their ancestors through traditional rituals, typically falls on April 4^th or 5^th. Not onlya significant cultural event in China, the festival is also a public holiday. During the festival, people will enjoy many spring activities with their families. In some Beijing parks and theaters, the festival related events and shows will also be arranged. You can join in these events and activities if visit Beijing during this period.

When is Spring in Beijing