China, Asia

Shanghai in March

Blossoms begin in parks and gardens. The Chinese Grand Prix has recently run in spring, lifting hotel rates for that weekend.

GoodCool, highs near 57F (14C), changeable

The Bund Shanghai, China — ShanghaiPhoto: King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Shanghai. Blossoms begin in parks and gardens. The Chinese Grand Prix has recently run in spring, lifting hotel rates for that weekend.

Weather: Cool, highs near 57F (14C), changeable
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Shanghai

March brings cool, changeable weather, with highs near 57F (14C). Blossoms begin to appear in parks and gardens, and the city starts to feel lighter. Crowds are moderate and prices are reasonable. The Chinese Grand Prix has recently run in spring, which can lift hotel rates for race weekend. The Yu Garden lanterns can linger into early March in some years.

This month suits couples, first-timers, and families on spring break who pack layers. It is a good value month before April's peak comfort. Check the Grand Prix date if you are booking a hotel. If you want reliably mild weather, April is the safer bet.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Shanghai this month.

Early blossoms

Parks and gardens start to bloom, lovely for walks in the French Concession.

Chinese Grand Prix

In years when it runs in March, Formula 1 comes to the Shanghai International Circuit.

Suzhou gardens

A 30-minute high-speed train ride takes you to classical gardens coming into spring bloom.

What to pack for March

Layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons
A light rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
A compact umbrella

Our timing tip

Visit Suzhou on a weekday, since weekends and holidays are packed.

Book Shanghai for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Shanghai
Opens a hotel search for Shanghai in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Shanghai
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Shanghai
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Shanghai for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Yu Garden Lantern Festival

Around Chinese New Year through the Lantern Festival, January to March

The Old City is lit with elaborate lantern displays. Spectacular, and extremely crowded in the evenings.

Chinese Grand Prix

Spring, recently in March or April, varies by year

Formula 1 at the Shanghai International Circuit. Hotel prices jump for race weekend.

Things to do in Shanghai

Full guide

The Bund

Walk it at dusk as the lights come on, then again early in the morning when locals practice tai chi along the river.

Tickets and tours →

Yu Garden and the Old City

A classical Ming garden surrounded by a busy bazaar. Go at opening time; afternoons and holidays are packed.

Tickets and tours →

Shanghai Museum

One of China's best museums for bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Reserve free timed tickets online in advance.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shanghai Tower observation deck

Among the highest observation decks in the world. Clear fall days give the longest views.

Tickets and tours →

The former French Concession

Tree-lined streets, lane houses, cafes, and boutiques. Best explored on foot in spring or fall.

Tickets and tours →

Shanghai Disneyland

Avoid Chinese holidays and summer weekends; weekdays in spring and fall bring the shortest lines.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Keep your Shanghai days out of October 1 to 7 and the early May Labor Day holiday; the Bund and Yu Garden become crowd-control operations.
Visit Yu Garden right at opening, and the Bund early in the morning or late at night after the light show crowd thins.
Do water towns on weekdays and pick the less famous ones; Zhujiajiao gets tour buses, smaller towns get far fewer.
Book Shanghai Museum reservations as soon as they open; weekend slots go fast.

Know before you go

Many museums, including the Shanghai Museum, close on Mondays. Check each one before planning.
Around Chinese New Year, smaller restaurants and family businesses close for several days while staff travel home; hotels, malls, and major attractions stay open.
Typhoons between July and September can suspend ferries, flights, and outdoor attractions for a day or two.
Many attractions require advance online booking with passport details, and popular slots can sell out on weekends.

Shanghai in March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Shanghai?

March is a good month to visit Shanghai. Blossoms begin in parks and gardens. The Chinese Grand Prix has recently run in spring, lifting hotel rates for that weekend.

What is the weather like in Shanghai in March?

Cool, highs near 57F (14C), changeable.

Is Shanghai crowded in March?

Crowds in Shanghai are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Shanghai in March?

Yu Garden Lantern Festival (around chinese new year through the lantern festival, january to march); Chinese Grand Prix (spring, recently in march or april, varies by year).