Things to Do in Xian in March

March Weather in Xian

18°C (64°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

28 mm (1.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperatures for exploring the Terracotta Warriors - comfortable 14-16°C (57-61°F) during prime visiting hours 9am-3pm without summer's brutal heat
Spring wildflowers bloom across Mount Hua from mid-March, creating stunning photography opportunities with significantly fewer crowds than summer peak season
Ideal conditions for cycling the Ancient City Wall - 13.7 km (8.5 mile) circuit takes 90 minutes in pleasant morning temperatures before afternoon warmth
Local spring vegetables and herbs appear in Muslim Quarter street food, including fresh shepherd's purse dumplings and seasonal noodle dishes unavailable other times

Considerations

Sandstorms from Gobi Desert can hit suddenly, lasting 2-6 hours with visibility dropping to 500 m (1,640 ft) - affects outdoor sightseeing 3-4 days per month
Dramatic temperature swings require layered clothing - morning starts at 6°C (43°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (64°F), making packing challenging
Spring allergies from poplar tree pollen peak in late March, causing respiratory discomfort for sensitive travelers throughout the city

Best Activities in March

Terracotta Warriors Archaeological Tours

March offers ideal conditions for the 2-hour outdoor excavation site visit. Morning temperatures of 12-14°C (54-57°F) mean comfortable walking through the three pits without summer's oppressive heat or winter's bone-chilling winds. Tourist crowds are 40% lower than peak summer months, allowing better photo opportunities and closer viewing of the warriors.

Booking Tip: Book tickets 5-7 days ahead online to secure morning time slots (9am-11am optimal). Tours typically cost ¥400-600 ($55-85) including transport from city center. Look for operators offering English-speaking archaeologist guides. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Mount Hua Hiking Adventures

March marks the beginning of hiking season before summer heat becomes dangerous. Spring wildflowers bloom across the mountain's five peaks, and morning mist creates ethereal photography conditions. Temperatures at 2,154 m (7,067 ft) summit range from 2-8°C (36-46°F), requiring proper gear but avoiding summer's thunderstorm risks.

Booking Tip: Book mountain transport 10-14 days ahead as cable car capacity is limited. Day trips cost ¥800-1,200 ($110-165) including cable car and insurance. Choose operators providing proper hiking equipment for spring conditions. Check current availability in booking section below.

Ancient City Wall Cycling Tours

Perfect March weather makes the 13.7 km (8.5 mile) wall circuit enjoyable rather than endurance test. Cool morning air and mild afternoon temperatures allow the full 90-minute ride without overheating. Spring visibility often reaches 15-20 km (9-12 miles) providing clear views across the city's ancient and modern districts.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes directly at wall gates for ¥200-300 ($28-42) for 2-hour slots. March requires no advance booking except weekends. Choose morning slots 8am-11am for best weather conditions. See current bike rental options in booking widget below.

Muslim Quarter Food Walking Tours

March brings seasonal specialties unavailable other months - spring onion pancakes, shepherd's purse dumplings, and fresh noodle varieties using early spring vegetables. Cool evening temperatures make the crowded quarter comfortable for 2-3 hour food walks, while warm days mean fresh ingredients haven't spoiled in vendor stalls.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6pm-9pm) cost ¥300-500 ($42-70) and work best in March's mild temperatures. Book with operators who include 8-10 tastings and focus on seasonal spring dishes. Avoid lunch tours due to March's variable afternoon weather.

Tang Dynasty Cultural Performances

March's comfortable indoor temperatures make the 90-minute dinner shows enjoyable without summer's over-air-conditioning or winter's heating stuffiness. Spring season often features special performances celebrating renewal themes, and March ticket prices remain 20-30% below summer peak pricing.

Booking Tip: Book performances 7-10 days ahead for weekend shows. Dinner performances cost ¥400-800 ($55-110) depending on seating and meal quality. Choose venues with traditional heating systems that work well in March's variable temperatures.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda Temple Tours

March's mild weather perfect for exploring the pagoda grounds and climbing the 13 stories for city views. Spring morning light provides excellent photography conditions, and the adjacent museum's garden courtyards are comfortable for extended visits without summer's heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Combine with nearby Shaanxi History Museum for full-day cultural tours costing ¥250-400 ($35-55). March allows flexible timing without weather constraints. Book through operators offering both sites with air-conditioned transport between locations.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Xian Spring Festival Temple Fairs

Extended temple fair celebrations continue into early March at major temples like Big Wild Goose Pagoda and City God Temple. Features traditional crafts, local street food, and cultural performances celebrating spring's arrival with locals.

Mid to Late March

Qinling Mountains Wildflower Season

Peak wildflower blooming season begins in the Qinling Mountains south of Xian, creating spectacular hiking and photography opportunities. Local tour operators run special botanical tours during this brief seasonal window.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack thin base layers, medium fleece, and light outer shell for 12°C (22°F) daily temperature swings

Dust mask or scarf for sandstorms - Gobi dust storms hit 3-4 days per month with little warning, dropping visibility dramatically

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off ancient stone surfaces intensifies exposure

Waterproof day pack cover - March's 10 rainy days often bring sudden downpours while sightseeing

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for uneven ancient surfaces and 13.7 km (8.5 mile) wall walks

Antihistamines if pollen-sensitive - poplar trees peak in late March causing city-wide allergen spikes

Portable phone charger - cool temperatures drain batteries faster during long outdoor sightseeing days

Light gloves for early morning activities - 6°C (43°F) starts make metal handrails and bike handles uncomfortably cold

Quick-dry clothing - humidity stays around 70% and laundry dries slowly in March's variable conditions

Small daypack for carrying layers - you'll add/remove clothing multiple times daily due to temperature changes

Insider Knowledge

Book Terracotta Warriors tickets for 9am slots - tour groups arrive after 10am and sandstorms typically start after noon if they occur

Local restaurants serve seasonal spring dishes like 'chunbing' (spring pancakes) and wild vegetable dumplings only during March-April window

Take Metro Line 2 to avoid surface traffic during sandstorm days - underground system remains unaffected while buses and taxis struggle

Many locals schedule medical checkups in March due to comfortable temperatures - book spa treatments and wellness services well ahead as they fill quickly

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for average temperatures without considering 12°C (22°F) daily swings - tourists end up buying expensive clothing at tourist sites

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm without checking sandstorm forecasts - Gobi dust can ruin afternoon sightseeing plans suddenly

Expecting consistent spring weather - March transitions between winter and spring unpredictably, requiring flexible daily planning