April is when spring settles in with confidence across much of China. The tentative greens of March deepen into lush landscapes, and the floral displays become truly spectacular. Rolling hills and valleys are awash with vibrant color, from vast, sun-drenched fields of blossoms to delicate flowers gracing ancient gardens and waterways. The air is consistently mild and carries the sweet, fresh scents of growth and pollen. This is a month of exceptional clarity and comfortable warmth, perfect for leisurely exploration. It invites travelers to wander through picture-perfect scenes where nature’s exuberant beauty feels both boundless and profoundly serene.
Rapeseed Seas, Peony Feasts & Flowing Apricot Hills
Rapeseed Blossoms in Wuyuan, Jiangxi
Seasonal Highlight
Golden rapeseed fields stretch between traditional Hui-style villages with white walls and dark roofs—the iconic view of “China’s Most Beautiful Countryside.”
Why Visit in April
This is peak bloom time. Wander through Jiangling’s terraced flower fields, stroll along the streams of Likeng Village, explore ancient Xiaqi, and experience the ultimate beauty of Jiangnan’s pastoral landscape.
Luoyang Peonies, Henan
Seasonal Highlight
“Only the peony truly deserves the name of national beauty”—during April, dozens of gardens like Wangcheng Park and China National Flower Garden burst into magnificent blooms.
Why Visit in April
Enjoy the Luoyang Peony Culture Festival, admire the regal elegance of the “King of Flowers,” and explore Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple—all steeped in the city’s rich historical legacy.
Yili Apricot Blossom Valley, Xinjiang
Seasonal Highlight
In late April, vast slopes are blanketed with wild apricot blossoms—a breathtaking scene set against snow-capped mountains and green grasslands, often called “Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall.”
Why Visit in April
Horseback ride through the Turgun Valley, stay in a Kazakh yurt, photograph the dreamy “sea of flowers in the sky” at sunrise, and visit the nearby Nalati Grassland.
Water-Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
Seasonal Highlight
Held April 13–15, the Dai Water-Splashing Festival is an “Oriental Carnival” featuring citywide water blessings, dragon boat races, and sky lantern releases.
Why Visit in April
Join the joyful water fights at Gaozhuang Xijing, explore the vibrant Night Market, enjoy Dai dance performances, taste authentic Dai cuisine, and immerse yourself in the region’s colorful ethnic culture.
Slender West Lake in Yangzhou, Jiangsu
Seasonal Highlight
With willow strands swaying by the lake, blooming flowers like Chinese snowball viburnum and peach blossoms, and tranquil waterways, the area is a living watercolor painting in April.
Why Visit in April
Stroll along the Slender West Lake, visit Ge Garden and He Garden to appreciate classic Jiangnan landscaping, savor local delicacies like Yangzhou fried rice and soup dumplings, and embrace the city’s famously leisurely pace of life.
Baili Azalea Forest, Guizhou
Seasonal Highlight
April offers the best view of this vast natural azalea garden spanning 125.8 sq km—the “world’s largest natural garden”—featuring varieties like horse tassel azalea and dewdrop azalea.
Why Visit in April
Admire the breathtaking azalea sea in Jinpo and Pudi scenic areas, hike through Shexiang Camp Mountain Park, witness the “Earth’s Colorful Belt,” and try local Bijie glutinous rice balls.
Xiapu Mudflats, Fujian
Seasonal Highlight
April marks the end of the seaweed harvest, creating unique tidal patterns and shifting light perfect for photography—especially at sunrise and sunset in spots like Beiqu and Xiaohao.
Why Visit in April
Capture the golden light on the tidal flats during the “golden hour,” enjoy fresh seafood from Xiapu, and take a side trip to Mount Taimu for added natural beauty.
