10 PERFECT Spring Getaways in China
Spring has kicked in with the passing of the Spring Festival. In China, it is a time of reawakening and promises to ignite wanderlust. There are outdoor adventures in the mountains, delightful old town or water town holidays and festivals to celebrate the season. Got a need for a fascinating photography destination? Find yourself surrounded by colorful spring blossoms that blend into fresh green landscapes.
Here is a list of 10 superlative spring attractions in China.
HANGZHOU
One of China’s most popular holiday spots, Hangzhou’s scenic vistas draw visitors with willow tree lined banks, misty hills from the charming West Lake and tea plantations. Cherry and peach blossoms are in full bloom. Longjing green tea will be harvested in the tea plantations.
Tip: pick fresh tea leaves alongside experienced tea farmers
Time to get there: 1 hour (train)
WUZHEN
A romantic water town. When spring comes, these old lanes and water canals are lively with yellow rapeseed flowers. The ancient houses, stone-paved lanes, arched bridges and water canals create an intoxicating scene. With small museums and workshops, there is plenty to explore!
Tip: create a lantern from scratch at the lantern workshop – it’s difficult
Time to get there: 1 hour (train)
XI’AN
Vibrant spring blooms in Xi’an. People get out of homes, and stroll along the old streets, cycle on the ancient city wall, and ascend pagodas to enjoy the spring air. Peach blossoms and tulips dot the temples and parks. Don’t miss the famous Terracotta Soldiers and the distinctive local food and snacks.
Tip: eat your way through the Muslim Quarter on a tuk-tuk tour
Time to get there: 3 hours (flight)
LONGJI
Longji (in Guilin) is famous for its marvelous rice terraces. It’s tempting to enjoy the spring weather with a hike through the Dragon’s backbone. Rows of rice paddies are irrigated and filled with water, providing great photo opportunities. Moreover, visitors can experience visit with the Zhuang and Yao minority cultures.
Tip: pack a backpack for your hike to your lodgings – no suitcase!
Time to get there: 3 hours (flight)
GUIZHOU
Spring is a festive season for China’s ethnic people. Celebrate the Sister's Meal Festival of Miao people in Guizhou when the villages are at its colorful best with local girls dressed up in stunning costumes with brilliant display of their embroidery and silvers.
Tip: volunteer at a local primary school
Time to get there: 3.5 hours (flight)
FUJIAN
Travel through the rugged interior mountains of Fujian and explore the interesting ancient rural architectures built by the Hakka, one of China’s ethnic minorities. The area is embraced by beautiful green fields. The Hakka Earth Buildings are also proclaimed as the Eight World Wonder by the UNESCO.
Tip: overnight in a Hakka house for an authentic experience
Time to get there: 2 hours (flight) + 3 hours (car)
LUOYANG
Spring vacations offer a great opportunity to shake off winter and smell the flowers. Make your way to Luoyang to witness seas of peonies at the Peony Festival. White, pink, yellow, blue, red, even black peonies blanket the city.
Tip: visit the Longmen Grottoes, home to over one hundred thousand Buddha figures
Time to get there: 2 hours (flight)
SHUHE
Soft breeze and sunshine, beautiful landscapes that come alive in spring, diverse ethnic minorities (mainly the Naxi minority) as well as slow pace of life is the appeal to the untouched Shuhe Old Town. It possesses unmissable natural landscapes nearby, such as Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Tip: buy leather from the cobblers who make leather goods that rival the best
Time to get there: 4.5 hours (flight)
ZHANGJIAJIE
Zhangjiajie was the inspiration for James Cameron’s movie “Avatar” and its floating mountains. Hike up the mountains to view thousands of stone pillars in Zhangjiajie.
Tip: do the real thing and hike – no cable car laziness please!
Time to get there: 3 hours (flight)
SANYA
Sanya, the Hawaii of China possesses sunshine year-round. So why travel in spring? To avoid the crowds. It provides all the quintessential experiences of a beach holiday, with as many luxury hotels as palm trees.
Tip: watch Torque, the Cirque du Soleil production only available this spring.
Time to get there: 3.5 hours (flight)
Contributing Author:
Article provided by Thomas Cook China. Bonnie Chao is the Sales & Marketing Manager for Thomas Cook China. Having traveled to 11 of China’s 23 provinces, her favourite place in China is Xinjiang. Contact bonnie.chao@thomascook.com.cn for any travel advice.
3 Unique Ways To Tour Shanghai: Bikes, Ghosts and Food