Things to Do in Xian in April

April Weather in Xian

26°C (79°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperatures 18-26°C (64-79°F) for walking the city walls and archaeological sites without summer's brutal heat
Cherry blossoms and spring flowers bloom throughout the city, creating stunning backdrops at Tang Paradise and Daming Palace
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates are 40-60% lower than peak summer months, with better availability
Clear, crisp air with minimal pollution allows for excellent photography of the Terracotta Warriors and mountain views

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - can be 12°C (54°F) in morning and 24°C (75°F) by afternoon, requiring layered clothing
Occasional dust storms from the Gobi Desert reduce visibility and require face masks
Some outdoor evening activities may be cool, with temperatures dropping to 10°C (50°F) after sunset

Best Activities in April

Terracotta Warriors Museum Extended Tours

April's mild weather makes the 2-3 hour outdoor excavation site visits comfortable. Morning tours (8-10am) avoid afternoon crowds and offer the best lighting for photos. The museum's indoor sections provide perfect shelter during brief spring showers.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as April is when international tour groups return after winter. Tours typically cost ¥200-400 ($30-60) including transportation. Look for small group tours (max 12 people) for better access. See current tour options in the booking section below.

City Wall Cycling Adventures

April's comfortable temperatures 18-24°C (64-75°F) make the 14km (8.7 mile) city wall circuit perfect for cycling. Spring air is clearest for mountain views, and cherry blossoms line sections of the wall. Morning rides avoid afternoon winds that pick up dust.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals typically cost ¥40-80 ($6-12) for 2 hours. Electric bikes available for ¥80-120. Book through licensed operators at South Gate for best bike quality. Complete circuit takes 90-120 minutes at leisurely pace.

Hua Shan Mountain Hiking Expeditions

April offers ideal hiking conditions with temperatures 5-15°C (41-59°F) at elevation and minimal rainfall. Snow has melted but summer heat hasn't arrived. Spring visibility is excellent for sunrise viewing, and fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities on the cliff-edge walkways.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost ¥300-600 ($45-90) including cable car and transfers. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend trips. Choose sunrise tours for best weather and views. Pack layers as temperature drops 6-8°C (11-14°F) per 1000m (3,280 ft) elevation.

Tang Dynasty Cultural Performances

Indoor evening entertainment perfect for April's cooler nights. Tang Paradise and other venues showcase traditional music and dance. April timing allows outdoor garden strolls before and after shows when temperatures are comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F).

Booking Tip: Dinner shows typically cost ¥180-350 ($27-53) per person. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend shows. Evening performances start 7:30-8pm, perfect timing as outdoor temperatures become pleasant for post-show walks.

Muslim Quarter Food Walking Tours

April's mild evenings 16-22°C (61-72°F) create perfect conditions for 3-4 hour street food exploration. Spring ingredients like fresh vegetables and lamb are at their peak. Comfortable temperatures mean longer walking without fatigue in the crowded quarter.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost ¥150-280 ($23-42) per person including tastings. Evening tours (5-9pm) offer the best atmosphere and food quality. Book through operators familiar with halal requirements and current vendor locations.

Shaanxi History Museum Private Tours

April's unpredictable weather makes this indoor treasure perfect for rainy days. The museum's extensive Tang Dynasty collection pairs well with April visits to outdoor Tang sites when weather permits. Climate-controlled environment provides consistent comfort.

Booking Tip: Free admission but limited daily tickets. Private guided tours cost ¥200-400 ($30-60) and guarantee entry. Book guides 10-14 days ahead through official channels. Allow 3-4 hours for comprehensive visit.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Xian Cherry Blossom Festival

Qinglong Temple and other parks showcase spectacular cherry blossoms. Local photographers and families gather for hanami-style viewing. Free entry to most locations with peak blooms creating stunning temple backdrops.

Early April

Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day)

Traditional Chinese holiday when families honor ancestors. Museums and cultural sites often have special exhibitions about Tang Dynasty burial customs, particularly relevant when visiting imperial tombs near Xian.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with t-shirt, add light sweater, top with windbreaker for 12°C (22°F) daily temperature swings

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - stone surfaces at Terracotta Warriors and city wall can be slippery after April showers

Light waterproof jacket - April showers last 15-30 minutes but can be sudden and heavy

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index 7 at altitude, and April sun is deceptively strong with clear air

Dust mask or N95 - Gobi Desert dust storms occur 2-3 times in April, reducing visibility significantly

Portable phone charger - April weather means more indoor time using maps and translation apps

Cash in small bills (¥10-50 notes) - street food vendors and some temples don't accept mobile payments

Warm sleepwear - hotel heating may be turned off for spring, nighttime temperatures drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F)

Day backpack with rain cover - April sightseeing involves long walking days with variable weather

Throat lozenges - dry spring air and occasional dust can cause throat irritation

Insider Knowledge

Local families visit Terracotta Warriors on weekday mornings in April - follow their lead for smaller crowds and better photo angles without tour groups

April is when Xian's best street food vendors return after winter closure - Muslim Quarter has 30% more stalls operating than in winter months

Book accommodations near metro stations - April weather changes mean you'll want quick indoor access between outdoor activities

Morning markets (6-9am) have the freshest produce and local breakfast foods in April - vendors stock spring vegetables not available other seasons

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - April mornings can be 10-12°C (50-54°F) requiring warm layers until afternoon

Skipping indoor backup plans - April has 7 rainy days and dust storms can force itinerary changes

Not booking Terracotta Warriors in advance - April is when international tours resume, creating unexpected crowds at this major site