China, Asia
Beijing in April
Blossoms in the parks and pleasant sightseeing weather. Qingming, the tomb-sweeping holiday in early April, brings a brief domestic surge.
The straight answer
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Beijing. Blossoms in the parks and pleasant sightseeing weather. Qingming, the tomb-sweeping holiday in early April, brings a brief domestic surge.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 70F (21C), dry, occasional dust days
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in Beijing
April is one of Beijing's best months. Mild, dry days with highs near 70F (21C), and blossoms in the parks. It is great sightseeing weather, though an occasional dust day blows through. Qingming, the tomb-sweeping holiday in early April, brings a short domestic travel surge. Crowds and prices sit in the middle of the range.
This month suits almost everyone: families, couples, and first-time visitors. The hutongs come alive as locals spend time outdoors. Avoid the Qingming days if you want calm sights. If April does not work, September is the other top month.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Beijing this month.
Spring blossoms
The Summer Palace and city parks bloom with color. Early morning walks are lovely.
Hutongs by bicycle
Ride through the lanes around Houhai and the Drum Tower when locals are out on the street.
The Great Wall in mild weather
Mutianyu's cable car and toboggan make an easy family day. Leave early to beat tour buses.
What to pack for April
- Light layers
- A light jacket for cool evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A face mask for dust days
Our timing tip
Book the Forbidden City tickets a week or more ahead and avoid the Qingming holiday days early in the month.
Book Beijing for April.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BeijingOpens a hotel search for Beijing in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in BeijingWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in BeijingTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Beijing for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Beijing
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Tickets are sold online in advance with real-name registration and a daily cap; it is closed most Mondays. Book early for holiday weeks.
Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling
Mutianyu has a cable car and toboggan; Jinshanling is farther but wilder. Leave early to beat tour buses.
Temple of Heaven
Go in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing cards in the park.
Summer Palace
A vast imperial garden around Kunming Lake. Spring blossoms and fall color are best; winter brings skating on the lake.
Jingshan Park
The short climb gives the classic view straight down over the Forbidden City's golden roofs.
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
An active Tibetan Buddhist temple with a giant sandalwood Buddha. Busy during Chinese New Year.
Beat the crowds
- Never plan big sights for October 1 to 7, the first days of May, or the week around Chinese New Year. Shift the whole trip a week either way.
- Book Palace Museum tickets the moment they open, and enter at the first time slot through the Meridian Gate. Walk straight to the back courtyards and work forward.
- Skip Badaling, the closest Great Wall section and the most crowded. Mutianyu or Jinshanling on a weekday morning is a very different experience.
- Midweek is noticeably quieter than weekends at every major site because domestic tourism dominates.
Know before you go
- The Palace Museum and many other museums close on Mondays, except during national holidays. Check before you plan the day.
- During the first days of Chinese New Year, many small restaurants and family businesses close; big sights, hotels, and malls stay open.
- Many sites now require advance online booking with passport details, and daily visitor caps can sell out on weekends and holidays.
- Outdoor sites like the Great Wall run shorter hours in winter. Some remote sections close in heavy snow or high wind.
Beijing in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Beijing?
April is one of the best months of the year to visit Beijing. Blossoms in the parks and pleasant sightseeing weather. Qingming, the tomb-sweeping holiday in early April, brings a brief domestic surge.
What is the weather like in Beijing in April?
Mild, highs near 70F (21C), dry, occasional dust days.
Is Beijing crowded in April?
Crowds in Beijing are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning Beijing.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.