March in Beijing means sand. The Gobi Desert sends dust storms rolling across the North China Plain, and on the worst days the sky turns a yellowish-brown that coats everything in fine grit. These storms typically hit 2 to 4 times during the month, though some years bring more. That said, between the dust events you'll find a city shaking off a genuinely harsh winter, with daytime highs climbing to around 15°C (59°F) while mornings still hover near 2°C (35°F). The temperature swing within a single day can reach 13 degrees Celsius, which catches a lot of visitors off guard.
March also happens to be when the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference convene for the annual Lianghui (Two Sessions) in the Great Hall of the People. During the first 2 weeks of the month, security tightens around Tiananmen Square and parts of Chang'an Avenue. Some hotels near government buildings fill up with delegates, and you might notice more police checkpoints than usual. It's not disruptive for most tourists, but it shapes the atmosphere of the city in early March.
By late March the mood shifts noticeably. Yuyuantan Park's cherry trees start to bloom, the willows along the moat at the Forbidden City turn green, and locals flood the parks on weekends. Beijing has roughly 12mm of rain across the entire month, so dry weather is almost guaranteed. If you can tolerate the dust storms and the lingering cold, late March offers a window into Beijing before the tourist crowds of May's Labour Day holiday arrive.
Why visit in March
- Yuyuantan Park's 2,000+ cherry trees begin blooming in late March, offering one of northern China's earliest spring flower displays without the crowds that descend on Japan's hanami spots
- Hotel rates sit roughly 20-30% below the October Golden Week peak, and popular sites like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven have noticeably shorter queues than summer
- Rainfall averages only 12mm for the entire month, making it one of the driest periods of the year for outdoor sightseeing
- The 13°C daily temperature range means comfortable midday walks along the hutongs of Dongcheng without the brutal 33°C summer heat
Worth knowing
- Gobi Desert dust storms blow through 2 to 4 times per month, reducing visibility and coating the city in fine particulate. AQI readings above 300 are possible on storm days
- Early March mornings regularly dip below freezing, with lows near 2°C (35°F). The wind chill along exposed sections of the Great Wall at Mutianyu can make it feel several degrees colder
- The Lianghui political sessions in the first half of March bring heightened security checks around Tiananmen and parts of Xicheng district, occasionally slowing access to central landmarks
- Spring has not fully arrived. Trees are mostly bare until the final week, and parks like Beihai and Jingshan can look bleak in early and mid-March
Best for
Think twice if
March marks Beijing's transition from deep winter to early spring. The month starts cold, with early-March mornings often dropping below freezing, then warms steadily. By the final week, midday feels genuinely pleasant, though evenings still carry a bite. Humidity stays low at 43%, and rain is rare. The dominant weather concern is wind-driven dust from the Gobi, not precipitation. Expect bright, dry days interrupted by occasional brown-sky dust events that typically last 1 to 2 days each.
Seasonal caution
- Gobi Desert dust storms strike Beijing 2 to 4 times in a typical March, pushing PM10 readings above 500 micrograms per cubic metre on bad days. Carry an N95 mask and monitor the Beijing Meteorological Service's sandstorm warnings. On heavy dust days, avoid extended outdoor activity entirely.
- Early March mornings can drop below 0°C (32°F), and the wind chill along exposed ridgelines like the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling makes it feel colder. Frostbite risk is real if you're underdressed for a morning hike.
- Beijing's spring is notorious for large diurnal temperature swings. A day that hits 18°C (64°F) at 2pm might drop to 1°C (34°F) by 9pm. Hypothermia risk exists for visitors who leave hotels in light clothing for a warm afternoon and stay out past sundown.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2 | -7 | 2 |
| Feb | 6 | -5 | 5 |
| Mar | 15 | 2 | 12 |
| Apr | 22 | 9 | 18 |
| May | 27 | 14 | 40 |
| Jun | 33 | 21 | 69 |
| Jul | 32 | 23 | 260 |
| Aug | 30 | 22 | 174 |
| Sep | 27 | 17 | 63 |
| Oct | 18 | 8 | 40 |
| Nov | 11 | 1 | 16 |
| Dec | 3 | -5 | 4 |
Headline events
Yuyuantan Cherry Blossom Festival
Late March through mid-April (exact opening depends on spring temperatures)
Yuyuantan Park's 2,000+ cherry trees bloom in a display that draws over a million visitors across 2 to 3 weeks. The early-bloom varieties (Somei Yoshino and cold-hardy Prunus) typically open in the final week of March, with peak color extending into mid-April. It's the largest cherry blossom viewing event in northern China and the closest Beijing gets to Tokyo's hanami season.
Best things to do in March
Hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling
outdoorThe restored Mutianyu section (90 minutes northeast of central Beijing) and the wilder Jinshanling section (130km northeast) are both open year-round, but March offers a rare combination of cool hiking temperatures, minimal crowds, and clear sightlines across the brown-gold mountains before spring foliage fills in. Weekday visits to Jinshanling in March might mean having a watchtower entirely to yourself.
Cool 10-15°C daytime temps are ideal for strenuous uphill walking. Summer's 33°C heat and shoulder-to-shoulder July crowds are months away. The bare-branch landscape gives unobstructed views of the wall snaking across ridgelines.Booking tipBook a private driver through your hotel rather than joining a bus tour. March weekday demand is low enough that drivers often discount. Mutianyu's cable car opens at 8:30am, but arriving by 8am lets you start on the steps before the first cable car group reaches the wall.
Early Cherry Blossom Viewing at Yuyuantan Park
natureYuyuantan Park in Haidian district holds Beijing's largest collection of cherry trees, planted along the northwest shore of the park's lake. The earliest cold-hardy varieties typically begin opening in the final 7 to 10 days of March. Morning visits before 9am let you photograph the blossoms against the lake without dense weekend crowds.
Late March catches the first wave of cherry blossoms, before the main April peak brings over a million visitors. Early arrivals get the trees with fewer selfie sticks in frame.Booking tipThe park charges a seasonal admission supplement of about 10 yuan during the cherry blossom festival. Weekday mornings are significantly less crowded than weekends.
Walk the Hutongs of Dongcheng Without Summer Crowds
culturalThe narrow alleyways around Wudaoying Hutong, Fangjia Hutong, and the lanes between the Drum Tower (Gulou) and the Lama Temple (Yonghegong) are at their most walkable in March. Cafe terraces are still closed for the cold, but the courtyards are quiet, and you can photograph doorways and rooflines without dodging tour groups.
March foot traffic in the hutongs runs at a fraction of the May-October peak season. The low afternoon sun creates long shadows down the east-west lanes that photograph differently from summer's overhead light.Visit the Forbidden City on a Weekday Morning
culturalThe Palace Museum caps daily entries at 80,000 visitors, and summer days regularly sell out by mid-morning. In March, weekday tickets rarely sell out, and the courtyards of the Outer Court feel spacious enough to appreciate the scale of the architecture. The Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony are less obscured by tour-group umbrellas.
March weekday visitor counts drop well below the 80,000 cap. You might wait 5 minutes at the Meridian Gate instead of 45.Booking tipTickets must be booked online at least 1 day in advance through the Palace Museum's official site. Bring your passport, as ID checks at the gate are strict. Enter at 8:30am opening for the emptiest experience.
Climb Jingshan Park for Forbidden City Views
scenicThe hilltop pavilion in Jingshan Park, directly behind the Forbidden City's north gate, gives the most famous aerial view of the palace's golden rooftops. March's dry air and lower pollution (outside dust storm days) can produce surprisingly clear sightlines. The 45-metre climb takes about 10 minutes.
Winter's coal-heating haze is fading, and summer's humid smog hasn't set in. On a clear March day, visibility from Jingshan's summit reaches the Western Hills. The bare trees also open up angles that summer foliage blocks.Browse Panjiayuan Antique Market on a Weekend
shoppingPanjiayuan in southeastern Beijing is the city's largest antique and curio market, with over 3,000 stalls selling everything from Mao-era propaganda posters to Tibetan turquoise to old calligraphy brushes. The outdoor sections are most active on weekend mornings, and March's cool weather keeps the crowds manageable without the bone-numbing cold that makes January browsing miserable.
March temperatures are comfortable for the 2-3 hours of outdoor browsing that Panjiayuan demands. Vendor willingness to negotiate tends to be higher in the slower spring months before tourist season.Booking tipArrive before 8am on Saturday or Sunday for the best selection. Vendors begin packing up by early afternoon. Bring cash in small denominations for bargaining.
Explore 798 Art District's Spring Exhibitions
culturalThe former electronics factory complex in Chaoyang district hosts Beijing's densest concentration of contemporary art galleries. March typically sees a wave of new exhibition openings after the quieter winter months, as galleries prepare for the spring art calendar. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art and Pace Gallery Beijing are the anchor institutions, but smaller spaces like Long March Space rotate shows frequently.
New spring exhibitions open in March across multiple galleries simultaneously. The art calendar picks up after Chinese New Year, and March catches the fresh programming before the April rush of international visitors.What to eat in March
On menus now
Chunbing (Spring Pancakes)
Thin wheat-flour crepes filled with stir-fried shredded pork, egg, leek, and bean sprouts. Beijingers traditionally eat chunbing on Lichun (Start of Spring, early February), but restaurants across Dongcheng serve them through March as the seasonal specialty. The pancakes at Bao Du Feng on Niu Jie are paper-thin and made to order.
Jicai Jiaozi (Shepherd's Purse Dumplings)
Wild shepherd's purse (jicai) is one of Beijing's earliest spring greens, foraged from the edges of fields around the city. Mixed with pork and wrapped into jiaozi, the filling has a mild, slightly peppery taste distinct from standard chive or cabbage dumplings. Dumpling shops in the Gulou area start featuring them in March.
Zha Jiang Mian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
Available year-round, but March's cool-not-cold temperatures make this Beijing staple feel right. Thick wheat noodles topped with a savory soybean paste sauce, julienned cucumber, radish, and edamame. The spring version at neighborhood spots in Dashilar often features the first fresh cucumber and radish of the season rather than greenhouse-grown winter produce.
Street food peaks
Tang Hulu (Candied Hawthorn Skewers)
Technically a winter street food, but the vendors along Nanluoguxiang and outside Beihai Park's south gate still sell tang hulu through March before the weather turns too warm for the sugar coating to hold. Crunchy caramelized shell over tart hawthorn fruit. March is your last chance until November.
In markets
Xiangchun Ya (Toona Sprouts)
The tender red-purple shoots of the Chinese toon tree appear in Beijing markets for roughly 3 to 4 weeks starting in mid-March. Scrambled with eggs (xiangchun chao dan) is the classic preparation. The flavor is pungent, somewhere between garlic and onion, with a faint sweetness. Locals pay premium prices for the first harvest, which can reach 100 yuan per jin at wet markets in Chaoyang.
Regular events in March
Lianghui (Two Sessions) of the National People's Congress and CPPCC
China's most important annual political meetings convene at the Great Hall of the People on the western edge of Tiananmen Square. While not a tourist event, the Lianghui shapes the first 2 weeks of March in Beijing through tightened security, road closures on Chang'an Avenue, and a more formal atmosphere across the city center.
First 2 weeks of March (usually March 3-15)International Women's Day PromotionsFree
March 8 is a half-day holiday for women in China, and Beijing's department stores and shopping malls in Wangfujing and Sanlitun run sales events. Many restaurants and bars offer women-only specials. The holiday has a more commercial character in Beijing than in many Western countries.
March 8Arbor Day Tree Planting EventsFree
March 12 is China's national Arbor Day (Zhishu Jie), and Beijing organizes public tree-planting events in the suburban districts. Some are open to foreign participants. The tradition dates to 1979 and carries real civic weight in a city that battles desertification.
March 12Beijing Spring Real Estate FairFree
One of the city's annual property exhibitions, typically held at the China International Exhibition Center in Chaoyang. Relevant mainly to residents, but it signals the broader economic rhythm of the city waking up after winter.
Mid to late MarchBest places this March
Yuyuantan Park
parkBeijing's premier cherry blossom site, with over 2,000 trees planted along the shores of an artificial lake in Haidian district. The cold-hardy early varieties begin opening in late March. Even before full bloom, the budding branches against the lake make for quieter photo opportunities than the April peak. The park's western section near the Yuyuantan subway station is less crowded than the main east gate entrance.
HaidianJingshan Park
parkA 45-metre artificial hill directly behind the Forbidden City's north gate. The Wanchun Pavilion at the summit offers the most photographed view in Beijing, looking south across the sea of golden rooftops. March's clear, dry days (between dust storms) provide some of the year's best visibility. The park itself features ancient cypress trees and a sobering historical marker at the spot where the last Ming emperor is said to have died.
XichengTemple of Heaven (Tiantan)
templeThe 273-hectare temple complex in Dongcheng is worth visiting in March specifically for the morning activity around the Long Corridor and the cypress groves. Local retirees gather daily for card games, erhu performances, and group singing, and March's warming temperatures draw larger groups than winter while remaining far less tourist-saturated than summer. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is less dramatic without blue skies, so time your visit for a clear morning.
DongchengNanluoguxiang and Surrounding Hutongs
neighborhoodThis 786-metre north-south lane in Dongcheng is touristy year-round, but March thins the crowds enough to duck into the quieter perpendicular alleys. Mao'er Hutong and Ju'er Hutong to the east preserve more residential character. The last tang hulu vendors of the season set up near the lane's northern entrance by the Gulou East Street intersection.
DongchengBeihai Park
parkOne of Beijing's oldest imperial gardens, with a 1,000-year history predating the Forbidden City. The White Dagoba on Jade Islet is the park's landmark. March catches the transition from frozen lake (it typically thaws in mid-March) to open water, and the weeping willows along the eastern shore are among the first trees in Beijing to show green. The park's south gate is a 10-minute walk from the Forbidden City's northwest corner.
Xicheng798 Art District
artsA cluster of contemporary art galleries, studios, and cafes in converted Bauhaus-style factory buildings in Chaoyang's Dashanzi area. March is when many galleries debut new spring exhibitions after the winter lull. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art is the anchor, but walk the full complex to find smaller galleries between the concrete buildings. The outdoor sculpture installations are easier to appreciate without summer's heat haze.
ChaoyangFragrant Hills (Xiangshan Park)
parkThe forested park 28km northwest of central Beijing is famous for its October red leaves, but March offers something different. The hills are bare and quiet, with clear views from Incense Burner Peak (Xianglufeng) at 557 metres. On clear days the visibility extends across the entire western suburban plain. The cable car operates year-round, and March wait times are typically under 5 minutes versus 60+ minutes in October.
HaidianDashilar Commercial Street
shoppingA 600-year-old commercial street just southwest of Tiananmen Square in Xicheng district. The century-old Tongrentang pharmacy (traditional Chinese medicine since 1669) and Ruifuxiang silk shop anchor the eastern end. March's smaller crowds make it easier to actually enter these shops and browse without being swept along in a human current. The adjacent Yangmeizhu Xiejie alley has been quietly renovated with independent bookshops and cafes.
Xicheng
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Insider tips
Check the Beijing Meteorological Service's sandstorm forecast (available on Weibo and in Chinese weather apps like Moji Tianqi) every morning before planning your day. On dust storm days, swap outdoor plans for the National Museum of China on the east side of Tiananmen Square or the Capital Museum in Xicheng. Both are free with reservation and offer hours of content.
Set up WeChat Pay before you arrive. Beijing has moved almost entirely to mobile payments, and many smaller restaurants, market stalls, and even public bathrooms no longer accept cash. International credit cards work at large hotels and chain stores, but WeChat Pay covers everything else. You'll need a Chinese bank card or an international card linked through the app's new overseas wallet feature.
The Forbidden City closes every Monday (except national holidays), and this catches more foreign visitors off guard than any other logistical detail in Beijing. Plan your Palace Museum visit for Tuesday through Sunday and book tickets through the official WeChat mini-program or website at least 1 day ahead.
For Great Wall visits, the Mutianyu section's east stairs (past Tower 14) see a fraction of the foot traffic of the central cable car section. Most tour groups turn around at Tower 10. If you continue east, the wall narrows and the views open up, especially in March when the bare hillsides give depth to the landscape.
Ride Beijing's subway rather than taxis during Lianghui weeks in early March. Road closures and security checkpoints around Tiananmen, the Great Hall of the People, and government buildings in Xicheng can double normal drive times. The subway runs on schedule regardless.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only for spring weather because March sounds warm. Visitors from Southeast Asia and southern China regularly arrive in light jackets and suffer through 2°C mornings. Early March in Beijing is still winter by most standards. Bring genuine cold-weather gear.
- Planning a full day of outdoor sightseeing without checking the dust storm forecast. Getting caught at an exposed site like the Great Wall or Jingshan Park during a sand event means breathing hazardous air for hours. Always have an indoor backup plan and carry your N95 masks.
- Trying to visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace in a single day. These three sites alone represent over 400 hectares and 15+ kilometres of walking. Rushing through them produces exhaustion and photographs of crowds rather than architecture. Spread them across separate mornings.
- Assuming March weather will be consistent week to week. Early March (highs around 8-10°C) and late March (highs approaching 18°C) feel like different seasons. A trip spanning the first and last weeks of the month needs two sets of clothing weights.
Practical tips for March
Book all major site tickets (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace) online 1 to 7 days in advance through the official WeChat mini-programs or websites. Walk-up ticket windows have been eliminated at most major Beijing sites since 2023. Bring your passport to every site, as ID verification is standard at entry gates. The Forbidden City closes Mondays. Airport Express trains from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Dongzhimen station run every 10 minutes and cost 25 yuan per trip, far faster than taxis during the Lianghui security period. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) connects to the city via the Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao station. Both lines accept contactless payment via Yitongxing app or physical transit cards. March days are short early in the month (sunrise around 6:30am, sunset around 6:15pm) and lengthen noticeably by month's end (sunrise 6:00am, sunset 6:40pm). Plan outdoor sightseeing for 9am to 4pm to maximize light and warmth. Most restaurants in Beijing serve lunch from 11am to 2pm and dinner from 5pm to 9pm. Arriving outside these windows, especially at smaller hutong restaurants, means limited menus or closed kitchens.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Beijing?
March is a fair time to visit. It ranks around 7th out of 12 months. The main drawback is Gobi Desert dust storms, which hit 2 to 4 times and can make outdoor sightseeing unpleasant or unhealthy. Temperatures are also in an awkward transition, with mornings near freezing and afternoons reaching 15°C (59°F). The upside is thin crowds at major sites, shoulder-season hotel pricing, and the start of cherry blossoms at Yuyuantan Park by month's end. September and October are widely considered Beijing's best months, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and autumn color.
What is the weather like in Beijing in March?
Beijing in March averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 1.8°C (35°F), with only 12mm of rainfall spread across about 4 rainy days. Humidity is low at 43%. The defining weather feature is wind-driven dust from the Gobi Desert, not rain. Early March feels like late winter, while the final week of March can feel like genuine spring with highs near 18°C (64°F). Pack layers for the 13-degree daily temperature swing, plus N95 masks for dust storm days.
Are there dust storms in Beijing in March?
Yes. March is one of the peak months for Gobi Desert dust storms in Beijing, typically bringing 2 to 4 events during the month. On heavy days the sky turns yellowish-brown, visibility drops, and PM10 levels reach hazardous readings above 500 micrograms per cubic metre. These storms usually last 1 to 2 days each. Monitor the Beijing Meteorological Service forecasts daily and plan indoor alternatives (the National Museum, Capital Museum, or 798 gallery district) for storm days.
Is Beijing crowded in March?
No. March is one of Beijing's quieter months for tourism. The Forbidden City's 80,000 daily ticket cap rarely sells out on weekdays, and popular spots like the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace feel spacious compared to the May Labour Day and October National Day crush. The one crowd exception is Yuyuantan Park during cherry blossom weekends in late March, when local visitors turn out in large numbers. The Lianghui political meetings in early March also create some congestion around Tiananmen Square, but that's security-related rather than tourist-driven.
What should I wear in Beijing in March?
Dress in layers. Mornings at 2°C (35°F) demand a down or insulated jacket, warm scarf, and gloves, especially for early starts at the Great Wall or outdoor parks. By midday at 15°C (59°F) you can strip down to a fleece or light sweater. Bring a windproof outer layer because Beijing's spring wind is persistent and carries dust. An N95 mask is essential gear for dust storm days. Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support will serve you better than fashion footwear across the Forbidden City's 720,000 square metres of stone courtyards and the Great Wall's uneven steps.
Things to Do in Beijing in March
Free cancellation All-inclusive Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall
Day trip — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Forbidden City Guided Group Tour with Entry Tickets|Multi‑Departs
City tour — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options
City tour — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Beijing 2-Day Tours: Great Wall, Forbidden City & Top Highlights
City tour — 2 days, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
City tour — 9 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Jingshan Hill Tour Options
City tour — free cancellation.
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