China, Asia
Beijing in March
Warming fast, still quiet. Spring winds can bring dust from the north on some days.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Beijing. Warming fast, still quiet. Spring winds can bring dust from the north on some days.
- Weather
- Cool and windy, highs near 55F (13C), occasional dust
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Beijing
March is cool and windy, with highs near 55F (13C). It is warming fast and still quiet, with low prices and short lines at the major sites. Spring winds can bring dust from the north on some days. In some years, the Lantern Festival falls in early March.
It suits budget travelers and anyone who wants the sights with few crowds before spring. Pack layers and check the air quality each day. If you want blossoms and mild, steady weather, April is the step up and one of the best months to visit.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Beijing this month.
Quiet sights
The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace are calm before the spring crowds.
Tai chi at the Temple of Heaven
Go early in the morning to watch locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing cards in the park.
The Lantern Festival, some years
When it falls in early March, lanterns fill the parks and streets for one last New Year celebration.
What to pack for March
- A warm, windproof jacket
- Layers for swinging temperatures
- A face mask for dusty days
- Lip balm and moisturizer
Our timing tip
Check the daily air-quality forecast and save the Great Wall for the clearest day of your trip.
Book Beijing for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in BeijingOpens a hotel search for Beijing in March, 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 March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Lantern Festival
Fifteen days after Chinese New Year, February or early March
The last day of New Year celebrations, marked with lanterns and sweet rice dumplings (yuanxiao).
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Beijing?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Beijing. Warming fast, still quiet. Spring winds can bring dust from the north on some days.
What is the weather like in Beijing in March?
Cool and windy, highs near 55F (13C), occasional dust.
Is Beijing crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Beijing; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Beijing in March?
Lantern Festival (fifteen days after chinese new year, february or early march).
Keep planning Beijing.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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