March brings spring into Guilin's landscapes, with temperatures climbing to 10-20°C (50-68°F). Days unfold with cool air, while evenings retain winter's lingering chill.
Firstly, embrace the season of renewal, but come prepared for more rain. Monthly rainfall reaches 105mm, with persistent drizzles and sudden showers frequent in early to mid-March. Always carry an umbrella and wear a waterproof outer layer during this period.
By mid-to-late March, clouds part for sunnier days. It is the best time to wander among golden rapeseed flowers blanketing fields, blush-pink cherry blossoms, and peach blooms weighing down branches. This is when Guilin's karst mountains and rivers truly awaken with spring's energy.
What's more, March is still the low travel season in Guilin. Large travel groups are yet to arrive, so you can quietly enjoy its scenery and top attractions, with hotel rooms and flight and train tickets being easier to book.
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Top Things to Do in Guilin in March
1. Cruise the Mist-Woven Li River
The Mist-Woven Li RiverFor the fullest immersion of Guilin's landscape, it is a must to embark on the classic 4-star Li River cruise from Guilin's Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo.
You will slowly cruise through ethereal drizzle to admire the river's most poetic season, where mist curls over the water like silk, making karst peaks materialize and vanish like in a vivid ink-wash painting. Hold your breath for the iconic vistas like the Nine Horses Fresco Hill's cliff, and Huangbu Reflection of peaks on glassy water.
While a simple Chinese buffet is served onboard, those preferring familiar flavors may wish to pack comforting snacks. Remember to bundle in a windproof jacket and hat to brave the damp chill on deck during the 4-hour journey.
2. Cycle Through Yangshuo's Spring Countryside
Cycle Through Yangshuo's Spring CountrysideMarch ignites Yangshuo's countryside with spring energy.
Chase it by starting with cycling along the effortless 7-km Shili Gallery Biking Route on a sunny day, which is mostly flat with a few parts that require lifting your bike for steps.
Feel free to appreciate the seas of golden rapeseed flowers that surge beside rivers dotted with purple vetch blossoms, then pause at farmhouses to savor tender bamboo-tube chicken with woody fragrance.
For water fun, detour to Yulong River's Shui'edi Pier for a bamboo rafting tour (around 22 USD for 2 people). Drift on a hand-poled bamboo raft through jade waters, where karst reflections ripple like ink paintings. Cap your journey at Gongnong Bridge as the sun dips, dyed limestone peaks in gold.
3. Appreciate a Sea of Clouds on the Summit of Mao'er Mountain
View from Mao'Er MountainWarmth fills Guilin City quietly in March, but atop Mao'er Mountain (Peak of South China), winter's final miracles unfold.
At dawn, you'll likely witness cloud oceans boiling beneath fiery sunrises. If night plunges near -3°C(27°F) with high humidity, prepare for welcome crystalline rime ice glazing on every branch, transforming forests into white, shattered chandeliers.
For a smooth journey, we suggest staying overnight at Summit Hotel Yunfengge instead of getting up early for the ascent. At first light, stroll to the "Peak of South China" viewing platform and wait for the magic. Remember to wear a thermal fleece, a windproof coat, and gloves to cope with the cold.
4. See Water Mirrors Reflect Blue Sky at Longji Rice Terraces
Water-filled Rice Terraces are Ready for Spring PlowAs preparation for spring plowing, Ping'an Village's rice terraces are usually the first to be filled with water, and become a labyrinth of liquid mirrors in March. Flooded with water, thousands of stepped paddies reflect skies, clouds, and peaks, composing a breathtaking vision.
During your hiking through the rice terraces, you could wander past a wooden stilt house and join locals in crafting bamboo-tube rice over open fires, sipping home-brewed rice wine, and chatting about daily life.
If you plan to stay overnight at Ping'an Village, wait for the terrace pathways to glow with amber lights after dark falls, like stars falling on earth.
5. Make Your Own Folding Fan at Fuli Ancient Town
Make Your Own Folding Fan at Fuli Ancient TownWhen spring rains like endless, retreat to Fuli Ancient Town as a rainy-day sanctuary.
In this 1,000-year-old riverside town, master artisans will guide you to make your own folding fan with Chinese painting elements, like mist-cloaked karst, bamboo groves, and tranquil rivers. Then, ink a meaning-laden "福" (fú) on your folding fan, the character for blessing that doubles as the town's namesake.
More than souvenir-making, this 2-hour ritual slows the treasure of time. As raindrops patter on Ming-era tiles, you'll trace the same brushstrokes that have calmed scholars' hearts for centuries.
What to Wear in Guilin in March: Master the Changeable and Wet Weather
March in Guilin dances between winter's chill and spring's warmth (15-25°C), but beware, surging humidity reigns supreme. Walls weep condensation, fog bleeds into streets, and dizzles stitch silver threads through the air.
We suggest dressing in adaptable layers and to prime quick-dry, waterproof fabrics. Start with a synthetic quick-dry base layer, and add a light fleece or packable down vest for cooler mornings or evenings. Don't forget a hooded waterproof jacket to shed rain and mist.
For hiking and cycling, wear quick-dry trousers and add thermal leggings if needed. Choose grippy hiking shoes with moisture-wicking socks. To cope with rainy days, always carry a folding poncho, which is vital for bamboo raft rides or cycling when wind defeats umbrellas.
Plan a Trip to Guilin with China Highlights
Still having no clue about what to do in Guilin? Follow our experienced local experts to deeply explore Guilin's landscapes, discover hidden scenery you've never experienced, and savor authentic farm-to-table meals. Why wait? Contact us now to book your unforgettable Guilin journey!
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