Are you eager to enjoy the sunshine and tired of wearing too many clothes in winter? Do you want to plan a China winter tour but have no idea about where to go? Here are 18 recommended warm places to visit in China in winter, including Hainan Island, the Great Bay Area, Guangdong province, Guangxi province, Fujian province and Yunnan province. Compared with the northern part of China that has a long winter with an average temperature below zero Celsius degree, these southern cities not only have warm average temperatures, but also have various things to do in China’s winter, such as enjoying delicious food, surfing, taking a hot spring bath, etc. If you want to experience a warm and interesting winter trip in China, these destinations below must be your best choice!
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- Hainan Island – Winter Paradise
- Great Bay Area – Mild Winters, Food & City Vibes
- Southern China – Coastal Breeze
- Yunnan Province – Winter Sun + Blue Skies
- Fujian Province – Mild, Sunny & Seaside Walks
- Tips for Planning a Warm Winter Trip in China
- Plan a Winter Trip with China Xian Tour
Hainan Island – Winter Paradise
1. Sanya, Hainan
Sanya, located at the southernmost place of Hainan province, is a very popular city in China to visit in winter, which has an average temperature of 25.6 ℃ during winter. Sanya is a coastal city with a lot of sunny days, which has beautiful landscapes along the coastline. Here you can experience various exciting marine entertainment activities, such as surfing, diving, motorboat, sea fishing and so on.
Sanya also has rich history and culture, and the Nanshan Temple must be a good place for you to experience the Buddhist culture of China. In addition, the Yanoda rainforest is good to appreciate the lush vegetation and feel the beauty of nature. We suggest a 4 to 5-days trip in Sanya for you to try water activities, experience local culture and history, and enjoy tasty food and scenery.
Best Things to Do in Sanya in Winter
- Enjoy the sunshine and your leisure time on the Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay.
- Appreciate different kinds of fish through snorkeling and diving, and experience surfing, sailing and sea fishing.
- Try deliciousfood such as Yazhou shrimp cake, Hongsha mooncake, and Tengqiao pork ribs.
- Buy anything you want in the duty-free shop in the Haitang Bay with a cheap price.
See more about Things to Do in Hainan
2. Haikou, Hainan
Haikou is the provincial capital of Hainan province and located in the northern part of Hainan Island. The average winter temperature is about 18 to 24 Celsius degrees with large temperature difference between day and night. Haikou also provides many water sports experiences like sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
The Haikou Park of Leiqiong World Geopark has dormant volcanic groups where you can enjoy the volcanoes’ remnants and unique lava landforms. The Guanlanhu Hot Spring lies at the foot of the volcano, dispelling the cold of winter for you. Haikou is worth for you to spend 3 to 5 days exploring it.
Best Things to Do in Haikou in Winter
- Appreciate the volcanic remnants and enjoy the hot spring.
- Watch birds in the largest mangrovewetland in China: the Dongzhaigang Mangrove Wetland.
- Experience different water entertainment activities and relax on the beach.
- Try local food such as Coconut chicken, and Zaopocu Hot pot.
Recommended tour
A 6-day Hainan island tour from Haikou to Sanya featuring volcanic geoparks, betel palm valleys, rainforest trekking and pristine beaches.
3. Wanning, Hainan
Wanning is located in the southeast of Hainan province, and has a 190 km long golden coastline. The winter in Wanning is warm but not muggy, with an average temperature of about 20 to 25 Celsius degrees. The Riyue Bay of Wanning is the only surfing destination in China that has more than 200 surfing days throughout the year. Waning also has the famous Xinglong hot spring with 40 to 50 ℃ and various minerals. In addition, the Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden is worth visiting that has more than 4,000 kinds of tropical plants. Moreover, the coffee of Xinglong is famous in China, which has its own open factory that shows the whole process of making a cup of coffee since planting a seed. We suggested you spend 3 to 4 days visiting Wanning, which may include your first try of surfing, an appreciation of tropical plants and a taste of coffee.
Best Things to Do in Wanning in Winter
- Try surfing and enjoy the thrill of chasing waves.
- Appreciate the Nanyang coffee cultureof Wanning.
- Explore the various tropical plants in the Xinglong Tropical Botanical
- Relax in the Xinglong hot spring.
Learn more about Hainan weather and best time to visit for a better trip planning
Great Bay Area – Mild Winters, Food & City Vibes
4. Guangzhou, Guangdong
Guangzhou is in the central and southern part of Guangdong Province, and its city center is crossed by the Pearl River. Guangzhou’s winter is about 13 to 18 ℃ with few rainy days and a large temperature difference between day and night. Shimen National Forest Park in Guangzhou has more than 3000 mu of maple trees, which will hold a red leaf appreciation activity every year. There are a lot of hot springs to enjoy in the Conghua and Huadu district of Guangzhou. The Canton Tower and night cruises along the Pearl River allow you to appreciate the beauty of Guangzhou from different perspectives. Guangzhou also has many kinds of local delicious food that worth tasting. We suggest you to arrange a 3 to 5 days trip in Guangzhou.
Best Things to Do in Guangzhou in Winter
- Enjoy hot springs in Conghua and Huadu districts.
- Visit the Canton Tower and wander along the Pearl River to feel the prosperity of Guangzhou.
- Try local food such as Cantonese dim sum, roast meats as well as various desserts.
5. Shenzhen, Guangdong
Shenzhen is located in the south of Guangdong Province and is a core coastal city in the Great Bay Area. Shenzhen’s winter has a comfortable perceived temperature that about 15 to 20 ℃. Both Dapeng Peninsula and Shenzhen Bay are by the sea and are suitable for wandering and cycling. The Pingan Finance Center and the light shows at Citizen Center will allow you to enjoy the brilliant night view of Shenzhen. Lianhua Mountain Park and Wutong Mountain are suitable for hiking and breathing fresh air. We suggest you stay in Shenzhen for 2 or 3 days.
Best Things to Do in Shenzhen in Winter
- Visit the Citizen Center to appreciate the light shows and feel the prosperityof Shenzhen.
- Go to the Dapeng Peninsula and wander along the seaside.
- Have a taste of the local food such as Shajing oysters and Guangming squabs.
7. Zhuhai, Guangdong
Zhuhai is another coastal city of the Great Bay Area, and it is the only city that is connected to Hong Kong and Macao by road and bridge. The winter in Zhuhai is about 13 to 20 Celsius degree with a lot of sunny days. Zhuhai has a lot of small islands such as the Dongao island and the Guishan island. The Yu hot spring in Doumen district is also very famous, and the Doumen Wetland Park is good for exploring different plants and taking photos. The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom makes you close to many kinds of marine creatures. We also suggest 3 days for your Zhuhai trip.
Best Things to Do in Zhuhai in Winter
- Walk along the Qinglv Road to view the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and enjoy the sunset.
- Explore differentislands and relax on the beaches.
- Visit the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom to know more about the marine creatures.
- Try fresh seafoods such as Hengqin oysters and Doumen heavy-shelled crabs.
6. Hong Kong
Located at the southern part of China, Hong Kong is composed of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories and other 262 islands. The average temperature of Hong Kong in winter is 15 to 20 Celsius degree. Hong Kong will decorate a giant Christmas tree in Central every Christmas and there are light shows and New Year’s fireworks displays. Hong Kong Disneyland will also have winter-limited events and merchandise. A night tour of Victoria Harbor is your best chance to experience the prosperity and beauty of Hong Kong. A 4-day trip to Hong Kong is recommended.
Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in Winter
- Take a night tour of Victoria Harbor.
- Visit the Hong Kong Disneyland to feel the winter and Christmas atmosphere.
- Appreciate the light shows and firework displays.
- Shop in various shopping malls and enjoy huge discounts.
8. Macau
Macao is located on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary in southern China and is composed of the Macao Peninsula, Taipa Island and Coloane Island. The winter in Mecau is about 14 to 18 Celsius degree with few rainy days. The Macao International Light and Shadow Festival in winter will present a magnificent light show. The Taipa Square, Sai Wan Ho Square and the Ruins of St. Paul’s are all excellent places to experience the Christmas and New Year’s atmosphere. Local food is recommended to taste such as Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns and Portuguese paella. We suggest you to spend two days visiting Macau.
Best Things to Do in Macau in Winter
- Appreciate beautiful light shows in the Macao International Light and Shadow Festival.
- Have a taste of the local delicious
- Visit the Ruins of St. Paul’s to feel various cultures and the atmosphereof new year.
Suggested tour
An 8-day exploration of Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macau covering skylines, ancient cultural treasures, modern marvels, and UNESCO world heritage sites.
Southern China – Coastal Breeze
9. Beihai, Guangxi
Located in the south of Guangxi province, Beihai is surrounded by sea on three sides. It is a cozy city in winter with an average temperature of 15 to 20 Celsius degree and lots of sunshine. Guantouling Zixia Bay and Silver Beach are perfect for appreciating the beautiful sunset. In the winter afternoon, you can witness the spectacular scene of a group of Bryde’s whales leaping out of the sea in Weizhou Island. There are many migratory birds in the mangrove forest of Golden Bay in winter, so you can watch birds, fiddler crabs and mudskips there. We recommend you to arrange a 3 to 5-day trip to Beihai.
Best Things to Do in Beihai in Winter
- Chase Bryde’s whales in Weizhou Island and feel their vigorous vitality.
- Watch birds in the mangrove forest of Golden Bay.
- Appreciate the sunset at Guantouling Zixia Bay and Yintan.
Recommended tour
Relax on Beihai's Silver Beach and explore Weizhou Island, China's youngest volcanic island, for stunning coastal scenery and seaside tranquility.
10. Zhanjiang, Guangdong
Zhanjiang is located in the southwest of Guangdong province, which has the longest coastline in China. Zhanjiang has a warm winter with 16 to 22 ℃ and abundant sunlight and moderate humidity. Zhanjiang’s beaches are suitable for winter swimming and sunbathing. There are lots of flowers in bloom in the winter, such as bauhinia, kapok, and celosia. In addition to fresh seafoods, white-cut chicken and sandworms are also local delicious food of Zhanjiang. A 3-day trip for Zhanjiang is suitable.
Best Things to Do in Zhanjiang in Winter
- Enjoy the sunbathing in the beach.
- Appreciate flowers blooming in the winter.
- Have a taste of local food such as white-cut chicken and sandworms.
11. Nanning, Guangxi
Nanning is the capital city of Guangxi Province and is crossed by the Tropic of Cancer. Nanning is one of the top three cities with warm winters in China, which has an average temperature of 13 to 22 Celsius degree. Nanning is a rare city in China that remains green and vivifying throughout winter, and there are still various flowers to appreciate in winter.
Nanning will hold an International Folk Song Art Festival every winter, where you can enjoy performances by various ethnic minorities. As China’s Water City, taking a boat ride to enjoy the dazzling lights of the Yong River will show you the charm of Nanning. We suggest you to arrange a 3 to 4 days trip for Nanning.
Best Things to Do in Nanning in Winter
- Try tasty food such as Nanning noodles, sour fruits and roll noodles.
- Appreciate performances from different ethnic minorities of China.
- Enjoy the dazzling lights when taking a boat ride of the Yong River and feel the charm of China’s Water City.
Recommended tour
Hike through Tongling Grand Canyon's karst caves and virgin forests, then marvel at Detian Waterfall, Asia's largest transnational cascade on the China-Vietnam border.
Yunnan Province – Winter Sun + Blue Skies
12. Kunming, Yunnan
Kunming is the provincial city of Yunnan province, which is known as the Spring City. The average temperature of Kunming in winter is 8 to 19 Celsius degrees with abundant sunshine and dry climate in the winter. Many red-billed gulls will come to Kunming every year. Green Lake and Haigeng Dam not only offer bird watching opportunities but also allow you to feed the gulls bread. The Guandu ancient town and the Yunnan Nationalities Village can also enable you to have a better understanding of the ethnic minorities in Yunnan. Kunming is worth for a 2 or 3-days trip. Also, you can take it as a gateway city and combine it with a more complex Yunnan tour to many other culture and nature rich destinations.
Best Things to Do in Kunming in Winter
- Feed the gulls with bread at the Cuihu Lake and Haigeng Dam.
- Enjoy the hot spring and relax yourself.
- Try local foods such as cross-bridge rice noodles and wild bacteria hot pot.
13. Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
Xishuangbanna is located in the southernmost part of Yunnan Province, with the Lancang River running through the entire city. Xishuangbanna’s winter is warmer with an average temperature of 15-22 ℃. You will have close observation and contact with Asian elephants in the Wild Elephant Valley. You can also experience primeval forest canyoning and high-altitude swings in the Tropical Botanical Garden.
A cruise on the Lancang River will be a very unique experience, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lights reflected on two banks. You can also visit tea gardens and learn how to make Pu ‘er tea. We suggest you to have a 4 to 5-day trip in Xishuangbanna.
Best Things to Do in Xishuangbanna in Winter
- Try primeval forest canyoning and high-altitude swings in the Tropical Botanical Garden.
- Ride a boat on the Lancang River and appreciatethe night scenery.
- Visit the tea gardens and know more about Pu ‘er tea.
14. Dali, Yunnan
Dali is surrounded by Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, forming a “mountain-water-city” pattern. The average temperature is 8 to 20 ℃ with lots of sunshine and few rainy days. In winter, Cangshan Mountain is covered with snow, which forms a beautiful scene with the clean Erhai Lake and the blue sky. There are also lots of hot springs in Eryuan, which contains various minerals.
In winter, you can enjoy the hot spring at night and appreciate stars in the sky. Dali also has lots of special local foods. The famous snakes include Rushan (made by milk) and Xizhou pastry. Hot pot fish and spicy and sour fish are also suitable for eating in winter. We suggest you to stay in Dali for 3 or 4 days.
Best Things to Do in Dali in Winter
- Drive or ride around Erhai Lake to appreciate the snow mountain and blue sky.
- Relax yourself in the hot spring and enjoy the beautiful stars.
- Have a taste of local snacks and hot pots.
Suggested Yunnan Tour
Travel by high-speed train between Kunming's Stone Forest and Dali's Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, and ancient Bai towns.
15. Tengchong, Yunnan
Tengchong is located in the west of Yunnan Province and is about 600 kilometers away from Kunming. The average winter temperature is 4 to 18 ℃ with large temperature difference between the day and the night. Tengchong has lots of natural hot springs with high water temperatures and diverse water quality. Tengchong’s foods are attractive too: Xidoufen and Erkuai are famous snacks, and Tuguozi and Chicken stewed with Ginkgo nuts are delicious soups that suitable for winter. You may also spend 3 to 5 days here to enjoy and relax.
Best Things to Do in Tengchong in Winter
- Enjoy the high-qualityhot spring.
- Try local delicious
Fujian Province – Mild, Sunny & Seaside Walks
16. Xiamen, Fujian
Xiamen is located in the southeast of Fujian Province. Xiamen’s winter temperature is about 12 to 17 Celsius degrees. Take a boat to Gulangyu Island at dusk can enjoy the beautiful scene where the lights and the coastline interweave. Xiamen’s foods are special as well: In addition to many kinds of seafoods, ginger duck and satay noodles are delicious too. The famous snacks include oyster omelette and peanut soup. A 3-day trip allow you to enjoy the beautiful landscape and try tasty foods at the same time.
Best Things to Do in Xiamen in Winter
- Visit the Southern Putuo Temple and feel the tranquility that Buddhism brings to you.
- Ride a boat to Guolangyu Island to appreciate the beautiful
- Have a taste of Xiamen’s food.
Suggested tour
Visit Gulangyu Island and Nanputuo Temple in Xiamen, explore Nanjing Tulou Hakka heritage, and discover Fuzhou Sanfang Qixiang Ming-Qing architecture over four days.
17. Fuzhou, Fujian
Fuzhou is the provincial capital of Fujian province, which is surrounded by mountains and has an average temperature of 11 to 14 ℃ in winter. Urban areas and suburbs of Fuzhou have lots of hot springs but the suburbs have better water quality. You can observe the rare migratory birds in the estuary wetlands of the Minjiang River or try the interactive experience in the wetland’s museum. We recommend you to arrange a 3-days trip to Fuzhou.
Best Things to Do in Fuzhou in Winter
- Climb Gushan Mountain and visit Yongquan Temple to overlook the entire cityscape of Fuzhou.
- Experience the hot spring with high-quality water.
- Try famous Fujian Cuisine: Buddha skipping wall, fish balls and pork wonton.
18. Quanzhou, Fujian
Quanzhou is located in the southeast of Fujian Province, which is about 11 to 15 Celsius degrees in the winter with much sunshine and few rain. The ancient city of Quanzhou has 22 World Heritage Sites, where you can not only experience Chinese culture but also enjoy the experience of wearing flowers. In addition, Dehua Ice and Snow Adventure allows you to enjoy the beautiful snow scenery and experience the wonderful feeling of the southern snow country. You can also appreciate the beautiful blooming silk cotton flower and oriental cherry. We suggest you to visit Quanzhou for 3 days.
Best Things to Do in Quanzhou in Winter
- Visit the ancient city and appreciate the world heritage.
- Go to Dehua to enjoy the beauty of snow.
- Enjoy the hot spring in Guanqiao Yantian Village.
Tips for Planning a Warm Winter Trip in China
- Best months to visit: December–February.
- How many days needed?
For Hainan Island and Yunna Province, we recommend you to arrange 5 to 7 days for your trip. For the Great Bay area, Fujian province and other cities, we suggest you to arrange 3 to 5 days for your trip.
Plan a Winter Trip with China Xian Tour
These 18 cities are the suggested warm places to visit in China in winter. These places are located at different provinces of China and have different features. Whether you want to enjoy hot springs, try delicious food, experience water sports or know more about Chinese culture, there must be one of these cities that you like. Have you been charmed by these warm cities and want to plan a winter trip to China now? How about start your trip with China Xian Tour? We not only know these places very well, but we also have professional teams who will dedicatedly provide you with a wonderful and unforgettable China winter holiday. Are you ready? Just contact us and plan your trip now!
