Guangzhou Weather in April: Spring Warmth Meets Shopping Season

April marks the transition from spring to early summer in Guangzhou. I've visited Guangzhou three times, and one of those trips was in April. The weather I experienced was quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20-32°C (68-90°F), not too sunny and very suitable for outdoor activities.

However, this is when the rainy season begins. Expect 10-15 rainy days throughout the month, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

Besides the weather, another important thing to note is that Guangzhou hosts a major trade fair, the Canton Fair, in April, running from April 15th to May 5th.

Is It a Good Time to Travel During the Canton Fair?

Canton Fair exhibition hall

As an important business fair, the Canton Fair in Guangzhou attracts thousands of business people from across China and around the world. City traffic becomes busier, but most business visitors are primarily there for the fair, so the impact on tourist attractions is relatively limited. However, on weekends, tourist sites do see a noticeable increase in visitor numbers.

Hotel prices often increase by 50-100%, especially those near the exhibition halls, and they tend to sell out quickly. Consider staying in districts like Liwan, Yuexiu, or Tianhe. These areas are somewhat farther from the fair venue, so booking pressure is slightly lower.

If your vacation coincides with the Canton Fair, try to book your hotel as early as possible, ideally 2-3 months in advance.

Unique Activities Worth Trying in April

April in Guangzhou brings a mix of urban energy and natural beauty. Here are six activities that define this season:

1. Hike Baiyun Mountain and Appreciate Spring Flowers

Overlook of Guangzhou from Baiyun Mountain

Known as the "green lung" of Guangzhou, Baiyun Mountain is a destination you can't miss on your April trip to the city. In April, nourished by spring rains, Baiyun Mountain's trees become lusher, and it's easier to see the sea of clouds.

When visiting Baiyun Mountain, I highly recommend heading to the summit. There, you'll find a viewing platform that offers a panoramic overlook of Guangzhou, and after rain, you can even witness a sea of clouds. There are two ways to reach the top:

• Hiking from the base, which takes about 2-3 hours
• Taking the cable car from the South Gate to the summit and then strolling around the area

For a rich experience, I recommend you hiking up. Along the way, there are many small gardens and pavilions where locals relax, practicing tai chi, playing chess, and more. You can also capture photos of spring flowers in bloom.

Most hiking trails are primarily composed of stone steps and paved paths, which are well-maintained and have gentle slopes.

Baiyun Mountain is quite large; you can plan to spend most of the day enjoying its beautiful scenery.

Practical tips: Start early (before 9 AM) if you want to catch the best cloud effects. Wear shoes with good grip - trails get slippery after rain. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. Read more about how to visit Baiyun Mountain.

2. Stroll through Xiguan and Savor Authentic Local Cuisine

The chef is helping us prepare the food.

Elders in Xiguan are doing morning exercises.

Xiguan is an old Guangzhou's historic districts. Here, you can not only experience the daily life of locals（such as seeing elders gather for tea and conversation or play chess), but also appreciate the unique charm of Guangzhou's arcade buildings, and, most importantly, savor incredibly authentic cuisine.

To experience Xiguan's authentic local delicacies, you must visit the roughly 600-meter stretch along Enning Road and the alleys of Yongqing Fang. My favourites are the Michelin-recommended classics like rice noodle rolls (chang fen) and bowl cakes (bo zai gao), as well as century-old traditional Cantonese herbal tea (liang cha).

In addition, this area is also home to Bruce Lee's former residence. With our guide, you can learn about the family stories of this legendary star.

You can set aside 2-3 hours to explore this area. Check out our 3-Day Guangzhou Foodie & Shopping Adventure for inspiration. Or contact us for a privately tailored itinerary with full-time local guide commentary, allowing you to experience Guangzhou with ease.

3. Enjoy the Fun of Picking Spring Tea in Zengcheng

Our guests are experiencing tea picking.

Early April coincides with spring tea season, when the most prized green tea leaves of the year are ready for harvest. Zengcheng District (1-1.5 hours' drive from downtown) is a major tea-producing area in Guangzhou. Its hilly terrain is particularly well-suited for tea cultivation. It is a perfect escape into rolling hills and fresh mountain air.

Here, your tea experience will include:

• Learn to pick "one bud, one leaf" - the golden standard
• Follow traditional processing: pan-firing, hand-rolling, drying
• Taste tea you made yourself
• Walk through rolling hills surrounded by bamboo forests
• Visit the Zengjiang River Corridor with mountain views

A typical day combines morning tea work, lunch featuring local mountain tofu, and afternoon cycling along the riverside or visiting a nearby She ethnic village. You can take home your sealed tea as a meaningful souvenir.

The tea experience at this location takes about half a day. I only recommend it for your trip if you're visiting between March and April, as that's the only time you can experience authentic tea picking. If you're visiting Guangzhou at other times, you can skip this place.

4. Visit Baima Clothing Market and Feel the Fashion of This Summer

Our guest is shopping at Baima Wholesale Market.

Guangzhou is the source factory for China's textiles. The clothes and bags produced here are sold nationwide and even globally. Since you're in Guangzhou, I recommend you spend 2-3 hours to visit the city's largest wholesale clothing market: Baima Clothing City.

And April marks the peak of spring/summer wholesale season. Thousands of the latest trendy clothes, bags, and accessories arrive daily, with prices that are more affordable than in regular stores. You can fully indulge in the joy of shopping.

Baima Clothing City is quite large, with over 10 floors in total. Exploring the entire market would take most of the day and require considerable energy. I recommend focusing on Floors 1-2, which already offer a wide range of seasonal clothing products. Try to visit morning (9-11 AM) when vendors are setting up and energy is high.

If you're interested in shopping, why not draw some inspiration from our 3-Day Guangzhou Shopping Tour?

5. Take a Pearl River Night Cruise and Gain a Unique Perspective on Guangzhou's Night Scene

Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise

April's pleasant temperature and river breeze make it perfect for night cruise on Pearl River. On the cruise, you'll gain a unique perspective that is completely different from the view on land. It is easier to get a great shot on Guangzhou's iconic skyline.

To catch the moment when the Canton Tower and the skyscrapers along both banks light up one after another, I suggest taking a cruise at Canton Tower Pier around 7:00 PM. For the best viewing experience, a VIP seat on the top deck is recommended. You won't need to rush around; the scenery will come to you.

Tickets can be booked via the "Pearl River Night Cruise" mini-program on WeChat. If you don't use WeChat, you can also purchase tickets at the pier counter. Book in advance (7 days) during Canton Fair period; otherwise same-day booking is fine.

6. Chase Jacaranda Blossoms in the City Park and Get a Great Shot

Guangzhou is known as the "City of Flowers." If you missed the flower-viewing season in March, you can still see the jacaranda trees in full bloom in April. These graceful trees burst into clouds of purple-blue blossoms, creating dreamy tunnels along certain streets. Fallen petals carpet the ground in lavender.

Here are two best viewing locations:

• Ersha Island (About a 10-minute drive from Canton Tower): Waterfront promenade with jacarandas and Pearl River views
• Tianhe Park (About a 30-minute drive from Canton Tower): Long stretches of purple canopy

If you are staying in center of Guangzhou, I recommend heading to Ersha Island to see the flowers. It's quite close to the Canton Tower, so you can easily visit both in half day.

Timing your visit:

• Peak bloom: Usually late April, around the 20th onward
• Duration: Flowers last about 2-3 weeks, often extending into early May

What to Wear in Guangzhou in April

April weather in Guangzhou is like a moody teenager - sunny and cheerful one moment, throwing a rainstorm the next. The key is light, adaptable clothing and accepting that an umbrella is as essential as your phone.

Daily essentials:

• Breathable fabrics: Cotton t-shirts, linen shirts, or moisture-wicking materials that dry quickly
• Bottom options: Shorts or light pants in breathable fabric
• Rain gear: Packable rain jacket that stuffs into a small bag but actually keeps you dry - this is non-negotiable
• Footwear: Comfortable shoes that handle wet conditions (skip canvas sneakers that stay soggy for hours; sandals with good grip work well if you don't mind feet getting wet)

Plan Your April Visit to Guangzhou with China Highlights

Whatever your interests - fashion shopping, cultural exploration, tea mountains, or chasing purple blossoms - we'll design an April experience that feels personal and memorable. Contact us to start planning your April adventure in Guangzhou.