1st China Trip in late April

Question

Hi everyone,

With my girlfriend we are considering the idea of a trip to China for the Easter break - May 1st (2nd half of April).

It would be our first trip to China but there are some aspects that are holding us back from proceeding and for which I would like to hear the opinion of someone who has already been there.

1) I have read several comments that advice to avoid the week of May 1st because it is a holiday and there will be a lot of local people traveling in the countries and attractions will be overcrowded

2) We would really like to go to Zhangjiajie but I found conflicting opinions on whether it is worth it or not due to unstable weather and greater presence of fog, clouds and rain. Anyone been there during this time?

3)The itinerary we wanted to follow, for about 15 days, is: Beijing, Chinese Wall, Zhangjiajie, Guilin for sure. To understand if the return from Shanghai with therefore 1-2 days in the city. Xi'an I was advised to discard and we are in doubt about Chengdu.

Thanks for the support!

Answer

Traveling to China in late April and early May can be both exciting and challenging due to the combination of pleasant spring weather and the national holiday period around May 1st, which is Labor Day in China. Here’s a detailed overview addressing your concerns:

1. Traveling During May 1st Holiday

The first week of May is a major public holiday in China, and domestic tourism is extremely busy. Popular attractions, hotels, and transport hubs can be overcrowded, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and scenic spots like Zhangjiajie and Guilin. Many local travelers plan trips during this time, so queues for sights and trains can be long. If possible, consider:

Arriving before or after the peak holiday dates to avoid the largest crowds.
Booking trains, flights, and hotels well in advance, as availability can be limited.
Starting your trip in less crowded areas or smaller cities first and visiting major sites either early in the morning or late in the day.

2. Visiting Zhangjiajie in Late April

Zhangjiajie is known for its unique sandstone pillar landscapes and misty mountains. Late April is springtime, which can bring variable weather including fog, clouds, occasional rain, and moderate temperatures. While fog can obscure some views, it also gives the scenery a mystical, “Avatar-like” appearance. Visitors report:

Morning fog can create stunning photographic opportunities.
Afternoon can be clearer, but weather is unpredictable; carry rain gear.
Weekends and public holidays can be very crowded, so try to visit during weekdays if possible.

Despite the weather variability, many travelers find Zhangjiajie worth visiting for its unique scenery, especially if you are prepared for flexible planning and early starts to maximize clear views.

3. Suggested 15-Day Itinerary

Based on your interests, a possible itinerary could be structured as follows:

Beijing (3-4 days): Explore the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and a day trip to the Great Wall. Starting in Beijing allows you to acclimate and enjoy major historical sites.
Zhangjiajie (2-3 days): Stay nearby the park to minimize commuting. Use early mornings for cable cars and scenic walks before the crowds arrive.
Guilin & Yangshuo (3 days): Enjoy Li River cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and biking through Yangshuo countryside.
Shanghai (1-2 days): End your trip in Shanghai for modern city sights, shopping, and evening skyline views. Pudong and The Bund are must-sees.

Optional Adjustments

Xi’an: While historically rich, Xi’an is a detour from your southbound route (Beijing → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Shanghai). If pressed for time, you could skip Xi’an.
Chengdu: Consider only if you are interested in pandas or Sichuan cuisine; it requires a flight detour from your main route, which may add time and cost.

Tips:

Book flights or high-speed trains as early as possible, especially around the May 1st holiday.
Start sightseeing early in the morning to avoid peak crowds.
Pack a light rain jacket and layers for Zhangjiajie and Guilin, as spring weather can be cool and damp.
Check local holiday dates carefully — some attractions may have altered schedules or higher entrance fees during the holiday.

In summary, your plan is feasible, but you should prepare for crowds during the holiday week. Zhangjiajie in late April is scenic but weather can be unpredictable; packing appropriately and having flexible plans will make your trip enjoyable. For a first-time visit, focusing on Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Shanghai is a well-balanced route, and you can consider skipping Xi’an and Chengdu if your priority is efficiency and minimizing travel stress.

1st China Trip in late April

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