In the deep spring of April, everything is flourishing, which is the golden season for hiking, admiring flowers, tasting tea, and visiting ancient times. From the misty rain towers in the water towns of Jiangnan to the rhododendron sea in the southwestern mountains, from the peony feast in the ancient capital city to the coconut wind and sea charm in coastal cities, April in China presents a splendid and poetic travel scene. Here are 12 selected luxury destinations in China for April, combining seasonal floral events, cultural gatherings, and high-end experiences to embark on a luxurious journey intoxicated with spring scenery.

1. Hangzhou

Hangzhou Songcheng, return to the Song Dynasty

Temperature: Minimum 12 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
Highlights: West Lake Longjing Tea Banquet, Tulip in Taiziwan Park, Jiuxi Smoke Tree Hiking, Song City's "Misty Rain in the South of the Yangtze River" Performance, Louwailou West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In April, in Hangzhou, Longjing Tea Plantation by West Lake entered the end of the Ming Dynasty tea picking season. Tourists can participate in a "tea banquet" experience, taste the freshness of Ming Dynasty Longjing tea, and pair it with snacks such as lotus root powder and Ding Sheng cake. The tulips in Taiziwan Park are in full bloom, and the orange yellow and purple red flower fields complement the reflection of Leifeng Pagoda, forming a poetic scene of "watching fish in the flower harbor". The Jiuxi Smoke Tree Trail is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with deep spring and lush leaves, and murmuring streams.
The Songcheng Scenic Area has launched an immersive performance of "Jiangnan Smoke and Rain", which combines water screen projection, live dance, and poetry recitation to recreate the spring scenery of Jiangnan described by Bai Juyi as "the sunrise with red river flowers triumphing over fire". The West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce in the Louwailou Restaurant is cooked with grass carp. The sweet and sour juice is thick but not greasy. The fresh water shield soup becomes a classic taste in spring in Hangzhou.

2. Wuyuan (Shangrao)

Likeng Huizhou Architecture

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 23 ℃
Highlights: Jiangling Terraced Fields Rapeseed Flowers, Huangling Sundried Autumn Ancient Village, Likeng Huizhou Architecture, Hebao Red Carp, Steam Cake, Wuyuan Green Tea
Other recommended travel dates: March and April
In April, in Wuyuan, the 10000 acre rapeseed flower sea on the Jiangling terraced fields entered its peak flowering period. Golden flower waves poured down from the mountaintop, forming a classic scene of "the most beautiful countryside in China" with the Huizhou style residential houses with white walls and black tiles. Huangling Ancient Village continues the tradition of "sun drying autumn", with red chili peppers, yellow chrysanthemums, and corn sun drying on bamboo plaques, colorful and picturesque. Li Keng Village preserves ancient bridges, pavilions, and houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tourists can stroll along the bluestone road and experience the ancient charm of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes".
Wuyuan cuisine is characterized by its "freshness, spiciness, and deliciousness", with tender red carp and fish meat, as well as fresh and spicy soup; Steam cake is made by steaming rice slurry, sprinkled with shrimp and diced mushrooms on the surface, and has a soft and sticky texture; Wuyuan green tea is like Wuyuan Maojian, with a fragrant and sweet aftertaste, making it a great treat for guests in the tea town.

3. Luoyang

Longmen Grottoes, A Thousand Year Old Buddha

Temperature: Minimum 11 ℃ • Maximum 24 ℃
Highlights: Peony Culture Festival, night view of Longmen Grottoes, Buddhist idea of White Horse Temple, Luoyang water mat, Peony cake, Du Kang Wine
Other recommended travel times: April and May
In April, the Peony Culture Festival grandly opened in Luoyang. Famous peonies such as "Yao Huang" and "Wei Zi" bloomed in Wangcheng Park and China National Garden, creating a grand scene of "moving the capital during the blooming season". The Lushena Buddha of Fengxian Temple in Longmen Grottoes appears even more solemn under the spring sunshine, and the outline of the grottoes is outlined by the lights during a night tour, like a dream. As the first ancient temple in China, Baima Temple is surrounded by towering ancient trees and incense, allowing visitors to experience the Zen lifestyle of "morning bells and evening drums".
Luoyang Water Banquet presents 24 dishes in sequence, with soup and water reflecting the flexibility and inclusiveness of "water". For example, "Peony and Yancai" imitates peonies with shredded radish, with exquisite shapes; Peony cakes are filled with peony petals, which are sweet but not greasy, and are an extension of the taste buds of peony culture. As the "ancestor of wine", Du Kang Wine is full-bodied and has a long aftertaste, which is suitable for drinking with water mats.

4. Kunming

Stone forest 

Temperature: Minimum 13 ℃ • Maximum 24 ℃
Highlights: Yuantong Mountain Crabapple, Yunnan University Ginkgo Path, Spring Scenery of Shilin Jianfeng, Mushroom Hotpot, Flower Cake, Steamed chicken in casserole
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In April in Kunming, the hanging silk crabapples on Yuantong Mountain are like clouds and clouds, interweaving with cherry blossoms and azaleas to create a "flower tide" landscape, attracting many photography enthusiasts. Yunnan University's Ginkgo Avenue is lush with greenery in spring, with ancient trees and teaching buildings complementing each other, creating an academic atmosphere. The Stone Forest Scenic Area is lined with sword peaks, and the spring sun penetrates through the crevices of the rocks, creating a magical effect of "light and shadow stone forest". Tourists can walk through it and experience the amazing craftsmanship of nature.
Kunming cuisine takes "freshness" as its soul, and the mushroom hot pot uses seasonal fresh mushrooms such as chicken fir and boletus mushrooms, paired with local chicken soup base, which is incredibly delicious; The flower cake has a crispy outer skin and a fragrant rose filling, making it a Yunnan specialty pastry; Steamed chicken in casserole is steamed with steam. The soup is clear, delicious and nutritious. It is a delicacy for Kunming people.

5. Dali

Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake in Dali

Temperature: Minimum 11 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor Cycling, Cangshan Ximatan Rhododendron, Xizhou Ancient Town Tie Dyeing Experience, Bai Ethnic Three Course Tea, Milk Fan, Sour and Spicy Fish
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In April, in Dali, the rapeseed fields along the Erhai Lake ecological corridor complement the rippling lake water. Tourists can rent electric bicycles to ride around the lake and experience the romance of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon". The Rhododendron Sea in Ximatan, Cangshan, enters its peak flowering period in April. The alpine rhododendrons are brightly colored and bloom from the foot of the mountain to the top, forming a magnificent landscape of the "Rhododendron Corridor". The tie dye workshop in Xizhou Ancient Town is open for visitors to experience, where they can personally make blue and white tie dye fabrics as unique souvenirs.
The ceremony of "one bitterness, two sweetness, and three aftertaste" in the Bai ethnic group's three course tea is even more meaningful in spring, symbolizing different stages of life. Milk fan can be roasted or fried, with a rich milk aroma; Sour and spicy fish is mainly made from Erhai crucian carp, seasoned with sour papaya and chili, and has a sour and spicy appetizing effect. In addition, cafes and bars in Dali Old City are suitable for afternoon rest and slow time.

6. Lijiang

Ethnic architecture of Shuhe Ancient Town

Temperature: Minimum 8 ℃ • Maximum 21 ℃
Highlights: Shuhe Ancient Town Tea Horse Ancient Road, Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier Park, Heilongtan Park Evening Cherry Blossoms, Braised Pork Rib Hot Pot, Chicken Bean Jelly Noodles, Naxi Grilled Fish
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In April Lijiang, the ruins of the Shuhe Ancient Town Tea Horse Ancient Road are even more quaint under the spring sunshine. Tourists can stroll along the ancient road, visit attractions such as Feihua Touching Water and Sifang Street, and experience the historical significance of the caravan culture. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park still has snow in April, and visitors can take the cableway directly to the observation deck at an altitude of 4506 meters to overlook the magnificent snow scenery of the "Jade Dragon Thirteen Peaks". The evening cherry blossoms bloom in Heilongtan Park, with pink and white flowers complementing the ancient architecture, creating a poetic scene of "cherry blossoms by the pond".
Lijiang cuisine is mainly characterized by Naxi flavor, with a rich base of cured pork ribs hot pot soup and salty and fragrant pork ribs. It is paired with seasonal vegetables to warm the stomach and heart; Chicken bean jelly has a smooth and refreshing taste, with sour and spicy seasonings, and is a traditional snack of the Naxi ethnic group; Naxi grilled fish is made from Erhai fish, which has a crispy outer skin and tender meat. It is paired with chili and Sichuan peppercorns for a spicy and satisfying taste.

7. Beijing

A corner of the Forbidden City, Overlooking the White Pagoda of Beihai Park

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: Peach and willow on the west bank of the Summer Palace, cherry blossoms in Yuyuantan, Spring Flower Exhibition in the Forbidden City, Beijing style roast duck, Zhajiangmian, Pea puree cake
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In April, Beijing, the west bank of the Summer Palace is peach red and willow green, and Kunming Lake is rippling with blue waves, creating a magnificent spring scene of royal gardens. The cherry blossoms in Yuyuantan Park are in full bloom, with early cherry varieties like Rani Yoshino coming to an end, and late cherry blossoms like Guanshan cherry blossoms blooming in succession, forming a "cherry blossom tide" landscape. The Palace Museum has launched a "Spring Flower Exhibition", showcasing blooming flowers such as crabapples, lilacs, and wisteria grown in places like Wuying Hall and Cining Palace Garden, complementing the red walls and yellow tiles, creating a breathtaking sight.
Beijing style roasted duck is made with stuffed duck, roasted with fruit wood, crispy skin and tender meat, paired with lotus leaf cakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber shreds, etc. It is a representative of Beijing cuisine; The Zhajiangmian are strong, fragrant, and rich in dishes. They are the daily favorite of Beijingers. Peas are yellow and light yellow. They taste delicate and sweet. They are one of the traditional cakes in Beijing and are suitable for spring tea.

8. Xi'an

Qinglong Temple Evening Cherry

Temperature: Minimum 12 ℃ • Maximum 24 ℃
Highlights: Qinglong Temple, Daming Palace Heritage Park Apricot Blossom, Tang Paradise Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty, Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup, Roujiamo, Steamed Cake
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and October
In April, the evening cherry blossoms bloom at Qinglong Temple in Xi'an, and the ancient temple and cherry blossoms complement each other, attracting many tourists to come and enjoy the cherry blossoms. Apricot blossoms bloom in the Daming Palace Ruins Park, and the pink and white flowers complement the palace ruins, blending a sense of history with natural beauty. The Tang Furong Garden has launched an immersive performance called "Dreaming Back to the Tang Dynasty", which combines water screen projection, live dance, and poetry recitation to recreate the bustling scene of Chang'an during the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
Xi'an cuisine is mainly pasta. The Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup soup is thick and the meat is rotten. The bun is full of soup juice, and the aroma is overflowing; The outer layer of Roujiamo is crispy, and the meat filling is salty, fragrant, and juicy; Zeng Gao is a traditional snack in Xi'an, made by steaming glutinous rice, red dates, and red beans. It has a soft and sticky texture, and is sweet but not greasy. In addition, there are Liangpi, Youpomian and other delicacies to meet the needs of different tastes.

9. Chengdu

Dujiangyan Water Release Festival

Temperature: Minimum 15 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
Highlights: Qingcheng Mountain outing, Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Water Release Festival, Du Fu Thatched Cottage Wisteria, hot pot, Chuanchuanxiang, rabbit head
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In April, Qingcheng Mountain enters the spring outing season in Chengdu. With towering ancient trees and gurgling streams, tourists can climb the mountain on foot to feel the tranquility of the Taoist holy land. The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Water Releasing Festival was held in April to reproduce the ancient ceremony of water releasing and irrigation. Tourists can participate in it and experience the traditional farming culture. The wisteria in Du Fu's Thatched Cottage is in full bloom, with purple flower clusters hanging down, complementing the thatched hut and bamboo forest, forming the elegant charm of "reading poetry under wisteria flowers".
Chengdu cuisine is known for its spiciness and spiciness. Hot pot has a rich and mellow butter, which is spicy but not dry. Paired with hotpot dishes such as tripe, yellow throat, and duck intestines, it is hot and spicy, satisfying; Chuan Xiang has a wide variety of flavors and can be paired with meat and vegetables for free selection. It is a common snack on the streets of Chengdu. Rabbit head is most popular for its spicy and five spice flavors, with tender meat and full flavor. It is a favorite appetizer among Chengdu people.

10. Sanya

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Temperature: Minimum 24 ℃ • Maximum 32 ℃
Highlights: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, Wuzhizhou Island Coral Reef Protection, Nanshan Temple Sea Guanyin, Seafood Feast, Qingbu Liang, Coconut Rice
Other recommended travel dates: April, November, and December
In April, Sanya, Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park is lush with vegetation. Tourists can take cable cars to cross the rainforest and appreciate the diversity of tropical plants, such as oak, betel nut, coconut trees, etc. The Wuzhizhou Island Coral Reef Protection Project attracts diving enthusiasts who can observe the coral reef ecology and tropical fish populations up close, such as clownfish and butterfly fish. Nanshan Temple's Guanyin Village on the sea is majestic and magnificent, a Buddhist cultural destination where tourists can pray and make wishes.
The Sanya Seafood Feast mainly uses seafood caught on the day, such as lobster, grouper, and Hele crab, paired with garlic, salt and pepper cooking methods, making it incredibly delicious. Qingbu Liang is a characteristic dessert in Hainan, made by boiling ingredients such as coconut juice, red beans, mung beans, Job's tears, etc. It is cool and refreshing, and is a great choice for relieving summer heat in spring. Coconut rice is steamed with glutinous rice, coconut meat, and coconut juice, with a rich coconut aroma and a delicious sweetness.

11. Mount Huangshan

Hongcun Ancient Village

Temperature: Minimum 8 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Mount Huangshan Cloud Sea, Xidi Hongcun Ancient Village, Tunxi Old Street, Stinky Mandarin Fish, Maodou, Mount Huangshan Shaobing (Baked cake in griddle)
Other recommended travel dates: April, May, and October
In April, the sea of clouds frequently appears in Mount Huangshan Mountain. Tourists can take the cableway up the mountain to enjoy the fantastic scene of "clouds and mist" at the Guangming Peak, Shixin Peak and other scenic spots. For example, "Monkey Watching the Sea", "Dream Writing Flowers" and other strange stones are looming in the clouds, just like a fairyland. The ancient villages of Xidi and Hongcun preserve the Huizhou style architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with white walls and black tiles complementing the green mountains and waters. Tourists can stroll along the bluestone road and experience the tranquility and beauty of the "countryside in paintings". Tunxi Old Street is lined with shops selling intangible cultural heritage handicrafts such as Huimo, Sheyan, and bamboo carvings, making it a great place to purchase specialty souvenirs.
Mount Huangshan cuisine is dominated by Anhui Cuisine cuisine. Stinky mandarin fish "smells bad and tastes delicious", with fresh and tender fish and rich soup; The surface of hairy tofu is covered with white mycelium. After frying, it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with chili sauce, it has a unique taste; Mount Huangshan Shaobing (Baked cake in griddle) is crispy with Meigan cai and pork inside. It is salty, fragrant and delicious. It is a traditional Huizhou snack.

12. Zhangjiajie

Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie

Temperature: Minimum 12 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: spring scenery of Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot peak forest, glass walkway of Tianmen Mountain, Huanglong Cave karst cave exploration, Tujia Sanxia pot, rock fungus stewed chicken, kudzu root powder
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In April, in Zhangjiajie, the peak forest in Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot Scenic Area looks more green in the spring sunshine. Tourists can take the Bailong Skyladder to Yuanjiajie, and enjoy the "Heaven and Earth Column", "The First Bridge in the World" and other strange peaks and rocks. The glass walkway of Tianmen Mountain is suspended on the cliff. Tourists can experience the excitement of walking in the air and overlook the spring scenery at the foot of the mountain. The Huanglong Cave is lined with stalactites, and exploring the cave allows visitors to appreciate natural wonders such as underground rivers, stalagmites, and stone flowers, such as the "Needle of the Sea God" and the "Throne of the Dragon King".
Tujia San Xia Guo is a unique delicacy of Zhangjiajie, which is stewed in one pot with ingredients such as preserved meat, tofu, and radish. It has a rich flavor and is a traditional dish of the Tujia ethnic group; Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot's specialty rock fungus is selected for stewing chicken with rock fungus. It is stewed with native chicken, with delicious soup and rich nutrition; Kudzu root powder has a smooth and refreshing taste, and can be paired with honey or white sugar for consumption. It is a specialty snack of Zhangjiajie.

13. Datong

The ancient ruins on the cliff, the Hanging Temple

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, Volcano Group Geopark
Other recommended travel dates: April/May/September/October
In April, the climate in Datong is pleasant, and the Buddhist art in Yungang Grottoes is awe inspiring. The suspended temple standing in the sky is breathtaking. Explore the volcanic group geological park on foot and experience the geological wonders.
For high-end accommodation, Yungang Jianguo Hotel or Volcano Group B&B Cluster is recommended, which can be paired with Datong Daoxiao Noodles, Sheep Chop and other delicacies to experience the ancient capital of Northern Wei Dynasty.

14. Shanghai

Yu Garden, Ancient private gardens

Temperature: Minimum 12 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: Night View of the Bund, Disneyland, Yu Garden Ancient Buildings
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/May/September/October/November
In April, Shanghai is full of flowers, with the Bund's international architectural complex and the skyline of Lujiazui complementing each other. The spring themed activities of Disneyland are dreamy to begin. The tea shops in the ancient group of Yu Garden are fragrant.
We recommend Peninsula Hotel or Disney Hotel for high-end accommodation, paired with local cuisine, crab roe dumplings and other delicacies to experience the perfect fusion of Shanghai style culture and modern city.