Weather: April is springtime in Xi'an, and the weather is generally mild and comfortable. Daytime temperatures are usually between 14–27°C (57-81°C), so most days feel pleasant for sightseeing. There may be occasional light rain, and early mornings and evenings can feel noticeably cooler than midday.
There can also be a few dusty or slightly hazy days, but severe sandstorms are rare and normally do not affect travel plans.
What to wear: We recommend dressing in layers. A light jacket, long-sleeve top, T-shirt, and long trousers are usually suitable for most days, and you can adjust easily as the temperature changes from morning to afternoon.
April Is A Good Time to Visit Xi'an
April in Xi'an brings the freshest spring scenery of the year. Trees and flowers are in bloom, and the mild temperatures make sightseeing and outdoor activities very comfortable. It's generally warmer than March, yet still quieter than May.
It's also the shoulder season. Compared with the busy summer months, you usually enjoy lighter crowds and more reasonable hotel prices, so you can see the main sights at a more relaxed pace. April also comes just before the May Day holiday (May 1–5) rush, when domestic travel increases significantly.
However, try to avoid the Qingming Festival period (April 4–6), when holiday crowds increase and spring showers are more common.
Things to do in Xi'an in April
April is one of the most beautiful months to explore Xi'an outdoors. Beyond the classic highlights such as the Terracotta Army and the City Wall, you can also enjoy some seasonal experiences that feel especially rewarding in April:
1. See Cherry Blossoms at Qinglong Temple
Cherry blossoms at Qinglong TempleApril is cherry blossom season in Xi'an, and you'll see spring flowers across the city. But if you want the most beautiful and concentrated cherry blossom views in one place, Qinglong Temple is the best-known spot for sakura in Xi'an.
The peak season is usually around April 1–10. You'll see pink, white, and even green-tinted blossoms, and in several parts of the temple grounds the trees form beautiful cherry blossom "waterfalls" that are perfect for slow walks and photography.
Many of the cherry trees here are Japanese varieties, and with more than 600 trees in bloom at the same time, the atmosphere feels calm, soft, and almost Kyoto-like.
2. Wear Hanfu for a Photoshoot
Our guests wore Hanfu on the City WallHanfu photos are very popular in Xi'an. The city has many well-preserved historical sites, so the architecture matches the traditional clothing beautifully and gives you a real sense of ancient China.
April is a great time for Hanfu shoots. It's warmer than March, still cooler than May, and crowds are lighter, making it easier to get clean, uninterrupted backgrounds. The soft spring light also looks great in photos.
We recommend classic locations such as the City Wall, the Bell and Drum Towers area, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
If you are interested, see our 3-Day Essence of Xi'an Tour. We can assist with Hanfu rental and hairstyling to ensure everything is easy and well taken care of.
3. Take a Spring City Walk
Spring also brings Xi'an's most relaxed atmosphere. Streets are lively, the air is fresh. It's a great month for city walks, explore the city at an easy pace.
In April, we highly recommend walking from the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to Tang Paradise, as spring blooms around the pagoda and park add subtle splashes of color to your walk.
Giant Wild Goose PagodaIn 2–4 hours, you will gain a direct understanding of the different styles of Tang Dynasty architecture, from religious solemnity to royal luxury.
For more city walk routes, read our Top 3 City Walks in Xi'an.
4. Visit Hukou Waterfall during the Peach Blossom Flood
The clear waters of Hukou WaterfallIn mid to late April, Hukou Waterfall enters the "peach blossom flood" peak, and the water turns strikingly clear — a rare sight, as it's usually yellow-brown the rest of the year. Peach trees along the banks are in full bloom, adding pink accents to the powerful river.
Walking along the viewing platforms for 1–2 hours, you'll be immersed in the combination of clear water, blooming peach flowers, and, if you arrive between 1–4 PM, shimmering rainbows in the mist.
The journey to Hukou Waterfall from Xi'an takes about 4 hours by car, so a day trip can be very tiring. You can combine Hukou Waterfall with nearby attractions such as Jingbian Wave Valley or Ganquan Grand Canyon for a richer experience. See our 7-Day Xi'an, Wave Valley & Hukou Waterfall Tour.
Enjoy Spring in Xi'an with China Highlights
Spring is one of the best times to discover Xi'an, and we're here to make your experience seamless. Whether you're interested in history, food, photography, or leisurely city walks, we tailor each itinerary to your preferences.
Tell us what you like, and we'll craft a private Xi'an journey that feels smooth, personal, and enjoyable from start to finish.
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