Beautiful scenery along the Suzhou River

In March, spring returns to the earth, and all things come back to life. It is the perfect season for hiking, admiring flowers, and exploring the secrets of spring. From the misty rain in the water towns of Jiangnan to the melting snow capped mountains in the southwestern plateau, from the blooming spring flowers in ancient capital cities to the warm sea breeze in coastal cities, March in China presents a colorful and vivid travel picture. Here are 14 selected luxury destinations for March in China, combining seasonal flower events, cultural gatherings, and high-end experiences to embark on a luxurious journey with spring.

1. Hangzhou

Spring on Su Causeway

Temperature: Minimum 8 ℃ • Maximum 18 ℃
Highlights: Spring Dawn at West Lake Sudi, Tea picking at Longjing Tea Garden, Lingyin Temple Zen, Songcheng Hanfu Experience, Dongpo Braised Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March in Hangzhou, willows are sprouting by the West Lake, and the spring dawn on the Su Causeway is like a poem and a painting. Amidst the peach blossoms, willows, and greenery, there are countless visitors. Longjing Tea Garden has entered the tea picking season, where tourists can personally pick Mingqian tea, experience the tea roasting process, and taste the freshness of their first spring tea. The ancient trees in Lingyin Temple are towering and incense is lingering, blending Zen and spring spirits, making people feel relaxed and happy.
The Songcheng Scenic Area has launched a themed activity called "Hanfu Spring Tour", where tourists can stroll through ancient streets in Hanfu, participate in traditional games such as throwing pots and archery, and watch the performance of "Eternal Love in Songcheng" to experience the charm of the Song Dynasty. In terms of food, Dongpo Braised Pork is fat but not greasy, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce is sweet and sour, and it is fresh with Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea, forming a feast of spring in Hangzhou.

2. Suzhou

The Humble Administrator's Garden is full of spring vitality

Temperature: Minimum 9 ℃ • Maximum 19 ℃
Highlights: Humble Administrator's Garden Plum Blossom Exhibition, Pingjiang Road Historic District, Huqiu Pagoda Shadow, Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, Su style pastries, Pingtan performance
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and October
In March in Suzhou, plum blossoms bloom in the Humble Administrator's Garden, with a subtle fragrance floating and complementing the pavilions and towers, creating a picturesque landscape resembling a "fragrant snow sea". The Pingjiang Road Historic District retains the pattern of parallel water and land, adjacent river streets, and shops along the street selling intangible cultural heritage handicrafts such as Su embroidery and nuclear carving. The melodious singing of Wu Nong soft language can be heard in the Pingtan Hall, making people immerse themselves in Jiangnan culture.
Although the hairy crabs by Yangcheng Lake are not the fattest and most delicious in autumn, the crab roe is still full of fresh and sweet, which is more flavorful when paired with warm yellow wine. Su style pastries such as osmanthus cake, jujube paste sesame cake, and wine cake are sweet but not greasy, making them an excellent choice for spring tea breaks. The shadow of Huqiu Pagoda appears even more quaint under the spring sunshine, and tourists can climb the pagoda to overlook the ancient city of Suzhou.

3. Nanjing

Cherry blossoms bloom in Jiming Temple

Temperature: Minimum 7 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Cherry Blossom Avenue at Jiming Temple, Spring Scenery of Zhongshan Mausoleum, Qinhuai River Painting Boat, Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup, Salted Duck, Jinling Snacks
Other recommended travel dates: March, April, and November
In March, in Nanjing, the cherry blossom avenue of Jiming Temple is like snow and clouds, attracting countless tourists to come and check in when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The Zhongshan Mausoleum Scenic Area is lush with greenery, with pigeons flying around the music stage and a strong spring atmosphere. The Qinhuai River Painting Boat Night Tour is a classic project in Nanjing, with magnificent lights along the coast, allowing visitors to enjoy the night scenery of ancient buildings such as Confucius Temple and Jiangnan Gongyuan.
Nanjing cuisine is famous for its duck dishes. Duck blood vermicelli soup has a rich and mellow broth, and vermicelli is smooth and refreshing. Paired with ingredients such as duck blood and duck intestines, it is incredibly delicious; Salted duck skin and white meat are tender, with a moderate salty aroma, making them a frequent guest on the dining tables of Nanjing people. Jinling snacks, such as beef Potsticker, skin tripe noodles, sugar taro sprouts, etc., have various tastes and can meet the needs of different tastes.

4. Kunming

Flower Tide on Yuantong Mountain

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: Yuantong Mountain Cherry Blossom Tide, Dounan Flower Market Morning Market, Stone Forest Spring Scenery, Crossing the bridge noodles, Wild Mushroom Hotpot, Flower Cake
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March, Kunming, the cherry blossoms on Yuantong Mountain entered their peak flowering period, with thousands of cherry blossoms blooming in competition, forming a spectacular scene of "cherry blossom tide". As the largest fresh cut flower market in Asia, Dounan Flower Market offers a wide variety of flowers at affordable prices during the morning market, making it a great place to purchase New Year's Eve flowers and decorate your home. The Shilin Scenic Area is sunny in spring, and the karst landform is even more unique under the blue sky and white clouds.
Kunming cuisine features fresh flowers as its main ingredient, with crispy outer skin and fragrant rose filling, making it a Yunnan specialty pastry; Wild mushroom hotpot uses fresh seasonal mushrooms such as boletus, chicken mushroom, etc., paired with local chicken soup base, which is delicious and nourishing. Crossing the bridge noodles Soup is the first choice for Kunming people's breakfast because of its strong taste and rich side dishes.

5. Dali

Slowly ride along Erhai Lake

Temperature: Minimum 9 ℃ • Maximum 21 ℃
Highlights: Erhai Lake cycling, Cangshan Ximatan Rhododendron, Xizhou Ancient Town rapeseed flower, Bai ethnic three course tea, milk fan, sour and spicy fish
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March, in Dali, rapeseed flowers bloom on the banks of Erhai Lake. The golden flower sea and the blue lake water complement each other, making it a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. The Rhododendron Sea in Ximatan, Cangshan gradually awakens in spring, and tourists can take the cableway directly to the top of the mountain to enjoy the splendor of the alpine rhododendrons. Xizhou Ancient Town preserves a group of Bai ethnic residential buildings, and the surrounding rapeseed fields are like a golden ocean, suitable for taking photos and checking in.
The Bai ethnic group's three course tea is a traditional etiquette for entertaining guests, with one bitterness, two sweetness, and three aftertaste, symbolizing life philosophy. Milk fan is a characteristic cheese of the Bai ethnic group, which can be roasted or fried, with a rich milk aroma; Sour and spicy fish is made from Erhai crucian carp and cooked with seasonings such as sour papaya and chili. It is a classic dish on the dining table in Dali, with a sour and spicy appetizing effect.

6. Lijiang

Explore historical sites along the Tea Horse Ancient Road

Temperature: Minimum 6 ℃ • Maximum 19 ℃
Highlights: Shuhe Ancient Town Tea Horse Ancient Road, Yulong Snow Mountain Blue Moon Valley Spring Scenery, Heilongtan Park Plum Blossom, Braised Pork Rib Hot Pot, Chicken Bean Jelly
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March, Lijiang, the ruins of the Shuhe Ancient Town Tea Horse Ancient Road show even more vicissitudes under the spring sunshine. Tourists can stroll along the ancient road and experience the historical significance of the caravan culture. In spring, the snow and ice melt in the Blue Moon Valley of Yulong Snow Mountain, and the lake water appears blue-green, like a gemstone embedded in the valley. The plum blossoms are in full bloom in Heilongtan Park, with a subtle fragrance floating and complementing the ancient city's scenery.
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. In addition, there are many characteristic cafes and bars in the Old Town of Lijiang, which are suitable for afternoon rest and slow time.

7. Beijing

Boating in the Summer Palace and enjoying the spring scenery

Temperature: Minimum 3 ℃ • Maximum 15 ℃
Highlights: spring scenery on the west bank of the Summer Palace, plum blossom in the Ming Dynasty City Wall Heritage Park, coffee in the corner of the Forbidden City, Beijing style roast duck, Zhajiangmian, Pea puree cake
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March, 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. Plum blossoms bloom in the Ming City Wall Ruins Park, with ancient walls and plum blossoms complementing each other, blending a sense of history with natural beauty. The Palace Museum Corner Tower Coffee has launched spring limited edition drinks, such as "Peach Blossom Latte" and "Apricot Blossom Cold Extract", paired with Palace Museum cultural and creative desserts, becoming a popular check-in spot for internet celebrities.
Beijing style roasted duck with crispy skin and tender meat, paired with lotus leaf cakes, sweet bean sauce, cucumber shreds, etc., 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

Amidst the spring flowers, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands tall

Temperature: Minimum 6 ℃ • Maximum 18 ℃
Highlights: Qinglong Temple Cherry Blossom, Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square Music Fountain, Night View of Datang Sleepless City, Pita bread soaked in Lamb Soup, Roujiamo, bi á ngbi á ng Noodles
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and October
In March, cherry blossoms bloom in 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. The music fountain in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square is particularly magnificent on spring nights, with water curtains and lights intertwined, performing a fusion of classical and modern elements. The Tang Dynasty Night City Pedestrian Street is decorated with lights and colorful decorations, combining Tang style architecture with modern light and shadow, as if traveling back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty Chang'an.
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; Bi á ngbi á ng noodles are wide and thick, with oil splashed and spicy flavors that are satisfying. They are representative of Xi'an noodles. In addition, there are snacks such as Liangpi and steamed cakes to meet the needs of different tastes.

9. Chengdu

Du Fu Thatched Cottage Red Wall Extension

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 22 ℃
Highlights: Qingcheng Mountain outing, Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Water Release Festival, Du Fu Thatched Cottage in spring, hot pot, string incense, rabbit head
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March, Qingcheng Mountain entered 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 Taoist holy land. Dujiangyan Irrigation Project Water Release Festival is an important spring event in Chengdu, which recreates the ancient ceremony of water release and irrigation. Tourists can participate in it and experience the traditional farming culture. The Du Fu Thatched Cottage is full of plum blossoms and crabapples, and the garden is full of spring scenery, making it a great place to enjoy spring.
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

Sanya Nanshan Sea Guanyin

Temperature: Minimum 22 ℃ • Maximum 30 ℃
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: March, April, and November
In March, Sanya, Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park boasts lush vegetation, allowing visitors to take cable cars through the rainforest and appreciate the diversity of tropical plants. The Wuzhizhou Island Coral Reef Protection Project attracts diving enthusiasts who can observe the coral reef ecology and tropical fish populations up close. 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. Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie - Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot Spring Scenery, Tianmen Mountain glass walkway, Huanglong Cave Cavern Exploration, Tujia Sanxia Pot, Rock Fungus Stewed Chicken, Pueraria Root Powder
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March, in Zhangjiajie, Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot Scenic Area is full of spring, and strange peaks and rocks are more beautiful under the shade of green trees. The glass walkway of Tianmen Mountain looms in the spring clouds, and tourists can experience the excitement of walking in the air. The Huanglong Cave is lined with stalactites, and exploring the cave offers natural wonders such as underground rivers, stalagmites, and stone flowers.
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.

12. Shangri La

Pudacuo National Park, where the lake and sky merge into one color

Temperature: Minimum -5 ℃ • Maximum 10 ℃
Highlights: Spring scenery of Pudacuo National Park, morning bell and evening drum of Songzanlin Temple, initial greenery of Napahaila grassland, butter tea, yak meat hotpot, barley wine
Other recommended travel times: March, April, and May
In March, in Shangri La, the ice and snow in Pudacuo National Park gradually melted, and lakes, forests, and meadows began to show greenery, forming a vibrant picture of spring on the plateau. As the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan, Songzanlin Temple appears even more solemn in the morning bell and evening drum, allowing visitors to experience the profound cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. The Naphaiyila grassland is initially green, with yaks and sheep leisurely foraging on the grassland, presenting a peaceful scene of "plateau pastoral".
Shangri La cuisine is mainly Tibetan style, and butter tea is a daily drink for Tibetan people, which can keep warm and satisfy hunger; Yak meat hotpot uses high-altitude yak meat, which is fresh and tender, with delicious soup, and is paired with ingredients such as mushrooms and vegetables, making it nutritious; Qingke liquor is brewed from Qingke as raw material, with a rich and mellow taste, and is a fine wine for Tibetan people to entertain guests.

13. Leshan

Leshan Giant Buddha Steps on Three Rivers

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, Mount Emei Jinding Cloud Sea, Suji Ancient Town Food
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/May/September/October/November
In March, Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area and the three rivers converge in the same frame, and the sea of clouds at Mount Emei's Golden Summit billows like a fairyland. Suji Ancient Town offers mouth watering delicacies such as stilted beef and bowl chicken.
We recommend the Emeishan Hengbang Emmy Hotel or Zen style homestay for high-end accommodation, paired with tea ceremony experience and hot spring therapy, to experience the Zen atmosphere of Buddhist spring.

14. Wuhan

Wuhan East Lake

Temperature: Minimum 8 ℃ • Maximum 18 ℃
Highlights: Wuhan University Cherry Blossoms, Donghu Greenway, Hubu Lane Snacks
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/May/September/October/November
In March, cherry blossoms bloom in Wuhan, and the cherry blossom avenue on the campus of Wuhan University is like snow and rosy clouds. Cycling on the Donghu Greenway allows you to enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains. Hubu Lane Hot dry noodles, bean skin and other delicacies awaken the taste buds.
High end accommodation is recommended at Wanda Ruihua Hotel or Donghu Hotel, paired with a night tour of the Yellow Crane Tower and immersive performances on the Zhiyin account, to experience the romantic spring days of Jiangcheng.