Weather: Mid-March marks the beginning of spring in Beijing, with temperatures quickly rising from around zero to 3–15°C (37-59°F). Mornings and evenings can still be chilly, and the air is dry, often accompanied by strong winds.
Occasionally, there might be sandstorms, but these usually last only half a day or a day and generally do not affect sightseeing. If you encounter significant sandstorms, you could opt to visit indoor attractions, such as a hutong home visit.
What to Wear: A sweater and jacket are usually sufficient, but when visiting the Great Wall, you might want to bring a hat, gloves, and windproof pants to avoid getting too cold from the wind. During the day in the city, if the weather is warm, a light windbreaker will suffice.
Due to the dry air, it's a good idea to bring lip balm, moisturizer, and sunglasses. A mask can be very useful if you encounter a sandstorm.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Beijing?
March is much more comfortable than winter and is the last low season before the tourist rush begins in April. If you want to avoid the crowds, March is an ideal choice.
Although early March can be quite cold, temperatures gradually rise by the end of the month, and the city starts to feel the breath of spring. During this time, spring flowers like peach blossoms, magnolias, and cherry blossoms begin to bloom, transforming the city from bare trees to a vibrant landscape.
However, note that after March 15th, indoor heating in Beijing is turned off. Even though daytime temperatures start to rise, it can be quite chilly indoors. You might want to bring a light jacket to stay comfortable both indoors and outdoors.
Top Places to Enjoy Flower Blossom
In March, the attractions in Beijing are less crowded, allowing for a more comfortable and leisurely visit.
Besides must-see landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, you could also include spring flower viewing in your itinerary during the middle to late part of the month, adding a touch of relaxation and romance to your Beijing trip.
Mutianyu or Jiankou Great Wall
- Best time for flower viewing: March 20th - March 31st
Compared to the more crowded Badaling, the Mutianyu and Jiankou sections of the Great Wall are less frequented and are great places for flower viewing. The hillsides here are adorned with wild apricot and peach blossoms. Walking along the ancient walls surrounded by the soft pink hues of spring is a wonderful experience.
If you prefer an easier visit, Mutianyu is an ideal choice, with cable cars and well-developed facilities. You could take the cable car directly to Tower 14 and then walk towards Towers 15 to 20, where the flowers are usually most abundant.
Spring flowers in MutianyuJiankou, on the other hand, remains largely unrestored, preserving more of its original appearance. It is a paradise for hikers and photographers.
The section from Zhengbeilou to Mutianyu is highly recommended, as it offers the most beautiful scenery, with concentrated flowers providing a particularly enchanting view.
Spring flowers in JiankouRecommended Great Wall Tours
The Forbidden City
- Best time for flower viewing: March 20th - March 31st
March brings a vibrant spring to the Forbidden City. Magnolia, apricot, and pear blossoms bloom in succession, set against the ancient red walls and yellow tiles, filling the air with the essence of spring and poetry.
In Zhongcui Palace and the Imperial Garden, you'll see magnolias in full bloom. The areas around Kunning West Garden and Shoukang Palace are adorned with apricot blossoms, and you could find pristine pear blossoms in front of Shoukang Palace. These beautiful scenes invite you to pause and uplift your spirits.
The Forbidden City and flowerWe strongly suggest wearing traditional Qing or Han clothing and strolling through the ancient courtyards of the old imperial palace beneath the flower shadows. You could experience a unique spring romance and create the most beautiful memories.
See our 3-Day Classic Beijing Tour Itinerary.
Traditional Qing clothing experienceThe Summer Palace
- Best time for flower viewing: March 15th - March 31st
If you enjoy landscapes and gardens, don't miss the spring peach blossoms on the West Dike of the Summer Palace.
The peach blossoms there bloom quietly by the lake, each one reflecting in the water. A gentle breeze makes the petals sway, offering a beautiful scene full of spring vitality.
As you walk along the lakeside, you'll be surrounded by lush pink peach blossoms, with the distant Tower of Buddhist Incense and Seventeen-Arch Bridge adding a regal and historical touch to the view.
Peach Blossoms of West DikeStrolling along the West Dike, you could appreciate not only the vibrant spring flowers but also the harmonious beauty of the lake, mountains, and ancient architecture. This tranquil and beautiful spot is perfect for relaxation and immersing yourself in nature.
We suggest entering from the West Gate, as it is closest to the West Dike. You could also enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lake for a unique flower-viewing experience.
Yuyuantan Park
- Best time for flower viewing: March 15th - March 31st
If you want to enjoy the romantic scenery of cherry blossoms, Yuyuantan Park is an excellent choice.
Every spring, the cherry blossoms here attract many people, especially around the North Gate, where large areas of blossoms are in full bloom, presenting a delightful sight. We suggest entering from this gate to directly access the most beautiful cherry blossom area and immerse yourself in a sea of flowers.
Most of the cherry blossoms here are light pink, with fewer pure pink ones.
Cherry blossoms at YuyuantanThe cherry blossoms, blue sky, and distant cityscape form a charming spring view. When taking photos, you'll find that the cherry blossom scenery here is very similar to that in Japan, as if you're in another beautiful setting.
One of the classic spots is capturing the cherry blossoms with the Central TV Tower in the background, which is very popular.
Cherry blossoms and CCTV TowerAfter 6 p.m., the cherry blossom lights illuminate, allowing you to enjoy the night cherry blossoms. Compared to the daytime bustle, the evening is quieter and more suitable for a leisurely stroll.
Tip: The flowers at these top four places will still be in bloom in early to mid-April, giving you more flexibility in your travel plans.
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