Spring Travel in China: Best Cities to Visit After Chinese New Year
Spring Travel in China: Best Cities to Visit After Chinese New Year
Spring Travel in China: Best Cities to Visit After Chinese New Year — head to cities with mild spring weather and early blooms like Hangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Guilin for fewer crowds, better hotel deals, and cultural events that continue after the New Year. Book 2–4 weeks after CNY for the sweet spot between festivals and full tourist season.
Spring Travel in China: Best Cities to Visit After Chinese New Year
In the weeks following Chinese New Year you’ll find cooler crowds, cheaper rates than peak holiday dates, and spring scenery beginning across China. Below are the best cities to visit, compact itineraries, planning steps, estimated costs (from Singapore), long-tail tips (ferry schedule, packages, visa info, travel tips), and FAQs to help you plan.
Why travel to China after Chinese New Year?
- Smaller local crowds once family visits finish.
- Spring weather: milder temperatures, early blossoms in southern and central China.
- Better deals on flights & hotels compared with peak CNY week.
- Most attractions re-opened after CNY maintenance/closures but before high season.
Top cities to visit (quick picks)
1. Hangzhou — West Lake & early spring blossoms
- Why: Scenic walks, tea terraces (Longjing), comfortable spring weather.
- Highlights: West Lake boat ride, Longjing tea plantation, Lingyin Temple.
- Sample stay: 2 nights — day 1 West Lake + temple; day 2 tea terraces + tea tasting.
2. Shanghai — city life, gardens & museums
- Why: Urban comforts, classic gardens (Yu Garden), good transport for day trips (Zhujiajiao water town).
- Highlights: The Bund at sunrise, Shanghai Museum, French Concession cafes.
- Sample stay: 3 nights — city highlights + day trip to Zhujiajiao or Suzhou.
3. Beijing — spring blooms and imperial sights
- Why: Cooler but improving weather; famous landmarks without the CNY crush.
- Highlights: Great Wall (Mutianyu for fewer crowds), Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven cherry/peach blossoms (seasonal).
- Sample stay: 3–4 nights — Great Wall half-day, historic city day, museum/cuisine day.
4. Chengdu — pandas & relaxed food culture
- Why: Mild spring temperature, spicy Sichuan food and a slower pace after New Year crowds.
- Highlights: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Jinli Old Street, Sichuan opera (face-changing).
- Sample stay: 2–3 nights — morning panda base, afternoon tea culture & food tour.
5. Guilin & Yangshuo — karst scenery & river cruises
- Why: Dramatic spring landscapes when the ricefields start waking up; fewer tourists than summer.
- Highlights: Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, cycling the countryside, bamboo rafting on Yulong River.
- Sample stay: 2–3 nights — Guilin base + Yangshuo overnight.
3 sample itineraries (easy to follow)
5-day Beijing + Xi’an (history & highlights)
- Day 1: Fly to Beijing; evening walk in Wangfujing food street.
- Day 2: Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square + Temple of Heaven.
- Day 3: Great Wall (Mutianyu) day trip.
- Day 4: Fly/train to Xi’an; city walls & Muslim Quarter.
- Day 5: Terracotta Warriors half-day + return to Beijing or onward flight home.
7-day Shanghai → Hangzhou → Suzhou (urban + classical gardens)
- Day 1–3: Shanghai highlights (Bund, Yu Garden, museums).
- Day 4: Day trip to Suzhou classical gardens.
- Day 5–6: Transfer to Hangzhou (West Lake, tea terraces).
- Day 7: Return to Shanghai for flight home.
5-day Chengdu → Guilin (food, pandas, scenery)
- Day 1–2: Chengdu (pandas, food tour).
- Day 3: Fly to Guilin; riverside evening.
- Day 4: Li River cruise to Yangshuo.
- Day 5: Cycle and return flight home.
Estimated costs (from Singapore) — ballpark figures in SGD
- Return flights: S$350–S$900 (economy, depends on booking window & route).
- Accommodation: S$50–S$200 per night (budget hotel to mid-range; boutique or 4–5★ higher).
- Daily food & local transport: S$25–S$80 per day.
- Entrance fees & activities: S$20–S$120 per attraction (Great Wall cable car, Li River cruise, panda base donations).
- Sample 5-day budget (mid-range): S$900–S$1,700 per person (includes flights, hotel, meals, local transport, key activities).
Step-by-step planning guide (simple)
- Pick your dates: aim 10–21 days after official CNY public holidays to avoid the heaviest local travel.
- Choose 1–2 hubs (e.g., Beijing + Xi’an, or Shanghai + Hangzhou) to minimize travel time.
- Book flights early (2–3 months recommended for better fares).
- Reserve hotels and day tours (book attractions with timed slots where available).
- Prepare documents: passport valid >6 months, check visa requirements (see FAQ below).
- Buy travel insurance and an eSIM/local SIM for navigation and payments.
- Pack: layers (spring mornings can be cool), comfortable shoes, basic medications.
Practical travel tips (targeted for Singapore travellers)
- Language: install a translation app and save addresses in Chinese for taxi drivers.
- Payments: many places prefer mobile pay (WeChat/Alipay) — carry cash for smaller vendors.
- Connectivity: buy an eSIM or local SIM in advance for navigation and bookings.
- Peak days: avoid national holidays like Tomb-Sweeping Day and Labour Day if possible.
- Health: bring a small hand sanitizer and masks if you prefer; hospitals are good but carry travel insurance.
Packages & nearby alternatives
Prefer an organised option? Consider these deals that Singapore travellers often book alongside China trips or as a spring alternative:
- China | 5D4N Tour to Chaoshan, All Inclusive — an easy guided intro to eastern China if you want package convenience.
- Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry — quick beach escape before/after your China trip.
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry — family-friendly island break if you want sun after cooler Chinese spring.
Internal guides to help you plan
- First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Chinese New Year Travel Planning: When to Go, Where to Go
- Discover China Beyond the Headlines: Culture, History & Modern Cities
Comparisons: Cities at a glance
| City | Best for | Spring highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou | Scenery & tea culture | West Lake & tea terraces |
| Shanghai | Urban comforts & gardens | Classical gardens & food scene |
| Beijing | History & monuments | Temple gardens & clearer skies |
| Chengdu | Food & pandas | Gentle weather & relaxed pace |
| Guilin/Yangshuo | Landscape photography | Li River scenery awakening |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I need a visa for China?
Visa rules change periodically. Before you book, check the most recent visa info on the official Embassy/Consulate website or with your travel agent. Many travellers from Singapore will either apply for a standard tourist (L) visa or use transit/region-specific arrangements if eligible — always confirm the current requirements well before travel.
When is the best time after Chinese New Year to travel?
Generally 1–3 weeks after the official public holiday week is a good window (this varies by year). That’s when local crowds drop but spring scenery starts to show.
Is it easy to get around by train between cities?
Yes — China’s high-speed rail network is extensive and efficient for many city pairs (e.g., Shanghai–Hangzhou, Beijing–Xi’an). Book tickets in advance for the best options.
Are there ferry schedules I should know about?
If you plan multi-country combos (e.g., Singapore → Batam/Bintan before or after China), check ferry schedule & ticket sites for current timetables. Ferry schedules change seasonally — always reconfirm departure times 48–72 hours before travel.
Any packing or health tips for spring travel?
- Layers for variable temperatures (mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm).
- Comfortable walking shoes; many attractions are best on foot.
- Basic meds, photocopies of passport & travel insurance details.
Safety & local customs
- Tap water is generally not drunk — use bottled water for drinking.
- Be mindful of local etiquette at temples and historic sites.
- Scams exist everywhere — use official taxis, pre-booked transfers, and official ticketing channels for trains/flights.
Quick checklist before you travel
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date.
- Check visa requirements and apply early if needed.
- Book flights, hotels, and any must-do tours in advance.
- Buy travel insurance and check medical coverage limits.
- Download offline maps and save hotel addresses in Chinese.
If you want a package-managed option, see our recommended China package above or choose a relaxing stopover (Batam/Bintan) to extend your spring holiday. For more logistics including sample ferry schedule tips and weekend package ideas, check our guides such as Batam Ferry Schedule & Prices 2025 — Complete Guide or Batam Tour Packages 2025.
Ready to plan your spring trip? Use the itineraries above as a starting point — and if you prefer a package, our China | 5D4N Tour to Chaoshan, All Inclusive is a convenient, guided way to experience eastern China with most logistics handled.
👉 Check our latest China packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
