Weather: In April, Beijing experiences a noticeable rise in temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50-68°F), with occasional highs up to 27°C (81°F). Days are warm and pleasant, while mornings and evenings can still feel a bit cool.
You may encounter light dust in the air, but these are usually short-lived and won't affect your trip.
In mid to late April, willow catkins — fluffy white seeds from trees — appear in some areas. For most people, they are just a seasonal sign of spring, though if you have pollen allergies or allergic rhinitis, it's something to note.
What to wear: In early April, a sweatshirt or light sweater is usually enough, while later in the month you could switch to long sleeves or even short sleeves with a light jacket. Since spring in Beijing is often windy, bringing a windbreaker is a smart choice.
If you do encounter dust or pollen, bringing a mask can make you more comfortable.
Is April a Good Time to Go to Beijing?
Yes, April is one of the best times to visit Beijing.
The temperatures are moderate, with the chill of winter gone and the heat of summer yet to arrive. Aside from small seasonal changes, the city is full of spring vitality, offering good conditions for all kinds of tourist activities.
April is also the season when flowers are in full bloom, ideal for photography and flower viewing. Walking through parks, hutongs, or ancient courtyards, you'll feel the vibrancy of spring, adding color and joy to your trip.
Additionally, compared to the busier months of May and June, April is less crowded, so you could enjoy a more relaxed pace while exploring the city's history, culture, and scenic beauty.
What to Enjoy in Beijing During April
Here are some highlight activities in Beijing for April.
Discover Beijing's Blossoms
If you visit Beijing in April, don't miss this prime month for flower viewing. Here are three must-visit spots to include in your itinerary.
The Forbidden City is a top choice. In early April, you could admire crabapple blossoms at Yihe Xuan and Wenhua Hall, see Chinese flowering plum in the Imperial Garden, and view flowering peaches near the Gate of Divine Might.
Later in the month, don't miss the vibrant wisteria at Yonghe Palace, which beautifully contrasts with the ancient palace walls.
The Forbidden City in springIn the Summer Palace, the Le Shou Hall hosts two magnolia trees in early April, one of which was transplanted by Emperor Qianlong from the south 200 years ago. Along the imperial road on the back hill of Longevity Hill, over a hundred lilac trees form a charming lilac path.
Visiting in early April is best for capturing expansive floral scenes. By the end of the month, there are fewer flowers, but the spring atmosphere remains delightful.
Magnolias in Leshou HallYuyuantan Park is also worth a half-day visit. In early April, you could see cherry blossoms near the North Gate; later in the month, head to the 500-meter wisteria corridor near the West Gate.
Cherry blossoms at YuyuantanA Spring Day on the Great Wall
In spring, flowers bloom not only in the city but also in the mountains away from the hustle and bustle. The Great Wall is an ideal place to experience this springtime beauty.
The peak bloom period on the Great Wall is in early to mid-April. By late April, there are fewer flowers, but the scenery is still stunning.
For those interested in a leisurely visit or a family outing, the Mutianyu section is perfect. It offers cable cars, chairlifts, and toboggan rides, with gentle paths for easy walking.
Our guides and guests visited Mutianyu in AprilIf you like photography or wish to see some untouched landscapes, the Jinshanling section is the place. The lines here are more layered, with spring flowers adorning the valleys, creating a highly photogenic scene.
For those seeking a physical challenge or a sense of adventure, the Jiankou section is a great choice. It remains in its original state, rugged and uneven, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate untouched mountain views.
Flowers of JiankouRecommended Great Wall Tours
- 1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour
- 2-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking and Camping Tour
- 2-Day Jiankou Wild Great Wall Camping Tour
All our itineraries are customizable and adjustable. Feel free to contact us.
Cycle Through Beijing's Historic Backbone
Spring weather in Beijing is perfect for cycling. We recommend exploring the north-south Central Axis, often referred to as the backbone of Beijing.
Start at Yongdingmen and pass through the Temple of Heaven, Qianmen, Tiananmen, and Jingshan Park, continuing all the way to the Bell and Drum Towers.
Cycling allows you to cover more landmarks quickly compared to walking, and unlike driving, you could closely experience the ancient city's atmosphere. You could stop to explore the hutongs, enjoying a free and unhurried pace.
Our consultant rode and took photos of the Bell and Drum TowerThe entire route usually takes 2–3 hours. We can arrange an electric bike for you, ensuring the journey is easy and comfortable. This approach lets you experience the rich history of the ancient capital and the vibrant spirit of spring, offering a relaxed and enjoyable way to explore Beijing.
If you are interested, click our 4-Day Beijing Classical Tour.
Stroll the Hutongs in Springtime
April brings a fresh spring vibe to the hutongs. Trees bud and flowers bloom in courtyards, bringing color and vitality to the gray tiles and blue bricks. Compared to the heat of summer or the quiet of winter, spring makes the hutongs feel especially alive and inviting.
Nanluoguxiang in springYou could explore hutongs on foot or by rickshaw, moving at an easy pace through the greenery and sunshine. It's also a great time to stop by an old teahouse or discover a hidden courtyard, enjoying the slower rhythm of local life.
If you're interested in cultural experiences, we can arrange interactive activities such as calligraphy or face painting, adding a personal touch to your spring journey.
Our guests learned Chinese calligraphyWe recommend the route from Yonghe Temple through Wudaoying Hutong, Jianchang Hutong, Fangjia Hutong, Beiluoguxiang, Nanluoguxiang, and ending at the Drum Tower.
Along the way, you could experience the calm of temples, the creative energy of hidden cafés, and the lively rhythm of everyday life, all surrounded by the fresh spring vibe.
Read more on Top 5 Beijing City Walks.
This half-day tour can also be combined with visits to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, or other landmarks. This way, you could enjoy Beijing's major highlights while also taking home vivid memories of its authentic hutong lifestyle in springtime.
Travel with Us – Make the Most of Your Beijing Journey
With our private, customized tours, you could simply enjoy the beautiful season while we take care of everything else. Let us design a journey for you where every moment is well-planned yet relaxed.
Beijing Climate Information by Month
- Beijing Weather in January
- Beijing Weather in February
- Beijing Weather in March
- Beijing Weather in April
- Beijing Weather in May
- Beijing Weather in June
- Beijing Weather in July
- Beijing Weather in August
- Beijing Weather in September
- Beijing Weather in October
- Beijing Weather in November
- Beijing Weather in December
