March marks the real start of spring in Guangzhou. Temperatures rise steadily - you'll feel the difference between early March (still cool at 16°C/61°F) and late March (pleasantly warm at 22°C/72°F). Rainfall is moderate, with 8 rainy days and most are occasional spring showers.
In March, the trees explode with red and pink flowers. Parks fill with people enjoying the warming weather.
But there's a catch - a period of particularly humid weather in March. This humidity spike can make everything feel damp and sticky, especially in early March. It can last several days to a week. The weather has little impact on your tour, but the low visibility can result in photos that aren't very clear.
Is March a Good Time to Visit?
March is absolutely a great time to visit Guangzhou for the following reasons:
- Pleasant Weather: The temperature in March is mild, neither too hot nor too cold, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Unique Seasonal Experiences: March offers special cultural activities such as flower viewing and the Lantern Festival celebrations. Detailed descriptions and tips for each experience are provided below.
- Lower Costs and Fewer Crowds: Falling between the Chinese New Year (February) and the busy Canton Fair period (April 15–May 5), March often features better hotel rates and shorter queues at major attractions compared to peak seasons.
Unique Activities Worth Trying in March
March's warming weather and spring blooms create perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. The comfortable temperatures make walking enjoyable, and the city's parks and streets transform into colorful displays of flowers.
Here are five activities that define March in Guangzhou:
1. Celebrate Lantern Festival (March 3, 2026)
Guangzhou Spring Festival Lantern FairThe Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie) marks the first full moon of the lunar new year and the official end of Spring Festival celebrations.
The 2026 Guangzhou Spring Festival Lantern Fair continues through March 8, so you can still experience the massive light displays. Illuminated dragons, phoenixes, and traditional scenes glow against the night sky. The atmosphere is festive but less crowded than during Spring Festival week.
Where to celebrate:
- Yuexiu Park (recommended): Located in the city center, Yuexiu Park is the main lantern fair venue in Guangzhou with hundreds of light installations.
- Nansha Tianhou Temple (one and a half hour's drive from Canton tower): Hosts a separate lantern fair (February 10-March 10) with traditional boat displays.
Pro tip: Visit on March 3 evening to see locals celebrating. The atmosphere is more intimate than the massive Spring Festival crowds, but still festive.
2. Chase Spring Flowers Across the City
Tram near Canton TowerMarch is when Guangzhou earns its nickname "Flower City." Three major flowers bloom simultaneously, painting the city in red, pink, and white.
- Kapok flowers (Hero Flowers) burst into flame-red blossoms - bare branches suddenly covered in brilliant red, no leaves yet. Viewing spots include: along the Haizhu Tram Line and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
- Purple bauhinia creates pink-purple canopies along entire streets. Main viewing spot is the Haixinsha Park, with 3,000 bauhinia trees with Canton Tower as backdrop.
- Cherry blossoms add delicate pale pink clouds to parks. All three bloom in March, making it the most photogenic month of the year. You can see bauhinia & cherry blossoms at Haizhu Wetland Park (3.2-kilometer bauhinia flower corridor plus a 10-acre cherry blossom forest).
Flower viewing strategy: Start your morning at Zhongshan Memorial Hall for the iconic Kapok King (9-10 AM). Then head to Canton Tower to take the train ride along the Pearl River to enjoy the 7km flower road (10 AM-noon). Finish at Haizhu Wetland for both bauhinia corridors and cherry blossoms (afternoon).
You can see all three flowers in one day. Want to plan a Guangzhou spring tour? Read more at our 4-day Guangzhou spring blossom tour.
3. Enjoy Light Hiking in Baiyun (White Cloud) Mountain
Baiyun MountainMarch hits the sweet spot for outdoor activities. It's warm enough to be comfortable but not hot enough to make you sweat. The temperature is perfect for hiking in Baiyun Mountain. You can spend hours outdoors without overheating.
About half hour's drive from city center, you could enjoy hiking trails with panoramic city views from the summit. A full hike to the summit takes 3-4 hours. If you don't want to hike such a long time, I suggest you enter Baiyun Mountain from the West Gate and take the sightseeing bus to the summit.
On the way down, take the cable car - there's usually no queue. Last time I took the cable car down from the top around midday, many people were still queuing to go up, and the estimated wait time was over an hour. Read more about how to visit Baiyun Mountain.
Pro tip: Visit on weekday mornings (8-10 AM) for the most peaceful experience. Weekends get crowded with local families.
4. Experience Traditional Cantonese Tea Culture
Guangzhou dim sum snacksWhile you can enjoy dim sum year-round, March's comfortable weather makes the tea house experience especially pleasant. After a morning of flower viewing or hiking, settling into a tea house for a long, leisurely meal feels perfect.
Guangzhou's tea houses serve dim sum from bamboo steamers. You'll see carts rolling by with shrimp dumplings, pork buns, rice rolls, and dozens of other small dishes.
Order tea (usually pu-erh or jasmine), then pick dishes as they pass. The meal can last two hours or more - it's about socializing as much as eating.
Where to go:
- Taotaoju: Historic tea house with traditional architecture
- Diandude: Modern chain with consistently good quality
5. Enjoy a Guided Culinary Walk Through Old Guangzhou
Guangzhou gourmet casserole porridgeIf you are visiting Guangzhou for the first time, I highly recommend taking a walk through Old Guangzhou (the historic Xiguan district). This is the oldest area of the city, featuring ancient architecture such as arcade-lined streets, traditional Lingnan residences, and authentic local daily life.
Many of the restaurants here have been passed down through generations over centuries, allowing you to taste the most genuine flavors of Guangzhou.
From quiet local food stalls to lively Enning Road and the revived Yongqing Fang area, you'll visit hidden gems rarely seen by tourists.
4–5 authentic Cantonese specialties are recommended, including:
- Michelin-recognized rice noodle rolls
- Crispy thin pancakes
- Traditional snacks
- Classic Cantonese desserts
Try to sample 1–2 local beverages such as herbal tea, offering a genuine insight into Guangzhou's enduring food traditions.
Along the way, learn about local life and architecture, and step into Bruce Lee's Ancestral Home to discover the story of his family roots in Guangzhou.
If you also wish to taste the most authentic Guangzhou cuisine and explore the city's original culture, please check out our itinerary at our 3-day Guangzhou foodie tour.
What to Wear in Guangzhou in March
March weather is transitional and can be tricky. You'll need clothes for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and possible dampness.
Basic Outfit:
- T-shirt or light long-sleeve shirt
- Light jacket or cardigan (you'll take it on and off)
- Jeans or light pants
- Comfortable walking shoes
Plan Your March Visit to Guangzhou with China Highlights
Whatever dates you choose, March's spring energy and natural beauty make it a rewarding time to visit Guangzhou. We specialize in creating personalized itineraries that help you experience Guangzhou's spring beauty while navigating the weather challenges. Contact us to start planning your March adventure in Guangzhou.
Guangzhou Climate Information by Month
- Guangzhou Weather in January
- Guangzhou Weather in February
- Guangzhou Weather in March
- Guangzhou Weather in April
- Guangzhou Weather in May
- Guangzhou Weather in June
- Guangzhou Weather in July
- Guangzhou Weather in August
- Guangzhou Weather in September
- Guangzhou Weather in October
- Guangzhou Weather in November
- Guangzhou Weather in December
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