Written by Natalia |
Winter is a great time of year to travel to China. Whether youāre looking for beautiful snowy landscapes or a warm destination to escape the cold, youāll find the place for you. Winter typically lasts from December to February with some regions seeing a longer season. If youāre planning a China winter tour, read this articles to find out the best things to do in China in the winter.
There are many great China winter destinations. In the north, you will discover the most gorgeous snowy scenes with traditional festivals. You can take part in winter outdoor activities like hiking, enjoying a hot spring, or skiing. Visit iconic attractions like the Great Wall covered in snow. The south tends to be warmer with mild weather conditions for exploring the local culture.
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- Why Visit China in the Winter?
- Where to Go in China in the WinterĀ ā Top Destinations
- Top Things to Do in China inĀ theĀ WinterĀ ā Experiences & Activities
- How to Plan Your China Winter Tour: Recommended Winter Itineraries
- Essential China Winter Travel Tips
- FAQs about Winter Travel in China
- Go on a Winter Trip to ChinaĀ with China Xian Tour
Why Visit China in the Winter?
Here are some of the top reasons why you should visit China in the winter.
- A Wide Range of Landscapes and Experiences: Winter looks quite different across different regions. The northeastern region has some of the coldest places in China. They get lotsof snow and have great places for outdoor sports. Winter is a lot milder in the south especially on the beaches of Sanya. The plateau of Tibet displays the most serene winter sceneries.
- Traditional Winter Festivals: Winter is the season for many traditional Chinese festivalssuch as the Chinese New YearĀ and the Ice and Snow Festival. Youāll be able to observe and join in the celebrations with lots of customs and foods.
- Exciting Winter Sports: Doingwinter sports is one of the best things to do in China in the winter. There are professional skiing resortsĀ and beautiful destinations for snow hiking.
- Benefits of the Low Season: Winter is usually the low season for traveling in China. There are many benefits to that. There will be less crowds at the attractions, travel expenses tend to be lower, and your overall travel experience will be better.
Where to Go in China in the WinterĀ ā Top Destinations
Here are some top winter destinations in China. You can choose where to go based on what you want to do on your trip.
Top Places for Ice & Snow Activities
The best places to see snow in China are in the northeast.Ā It is the coldest part of the country and snows a lot all the way from November to March. Ice and snow festivals, markets, winter sports venues all open up to welcome visitors. If you love outdoor adventures, take a snow hike in one of the beautiful mountains of China. The snow will add extra beauty and fun to your trip.
Recommended Destinations:
- Harbinā the best international Ice and Snow Festival
- Jilinā vast snowy landscapes
- Sichuanā snow mountains and regional culture
- Huangshanā the Yellow Mountain covered in snow
Classic Destinations with Fewer Crowds in Winter
If youāre not a particular fan of too much snow, simply take the advantage of traveling in low season. Visit the most iconic destinations in China. Famous attractions tend to be less crowded in the winter, and hotels and other travel expenses are lower.
Recommended Destinations:
- Beijingā the snowy ancient capital of China
- Xiāanā rich in history and culture
- Shanghaiā the image of modern China
- Guilinā unique landform and waterscapes
- Hangzhouā beautiful water towns and culture
Warmest Places in China in Winter
Here are some of the warmest places in China in the winter if youāre looking to escape the cold. Places in the south have milder winters. You can have a warm and lovely winter holiday.
Recommended Destinations:
- Sanyaā the best beaches in China
- Yunnanā home of ethnic minority cultures
- Xiamenā charming seaside lifestyle
Top Things to Do in China inĀ theĀ WinterĀ ā Experiences & Activities
1. Have FunĀ at Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin International Ice and Snow FestivalĀ is one of the best snow festivals in the world. Itās the hottest winter attraction in China open on January 5thĀ of every year for about a month. Itās a large-scale event across several venues. Harbin Ice and Snow WorldĀ is a large ice and snow theme park on the Songhua River.
Sun Island Snow Sculpture Exposition puts on ice sculptures made by artists from all over the world. They get together here for a competition bringing in their skills and inspirations. The Ice Lantern Garden Party held at Zhaolin Park has buildings made of ice. They are lit up in different colors at night. Going to the Ice and Snow Festival is for sure the best thing to do in China in the winter.
2. Go SkiingĀ at Yabuli orĀ ChangbaiĀ Mountains
Another best winter activity in Harbin is to go skiing. Yabuli International Ski Resort is the largest and most renowned ski resort in China. Being in the mountains outside the city, the professional trails haveĀ beautiful snowy mountains and white forestsĀ all around. They serve skiers and snowboarders of all levels from beginners to pros. Itās a popular stop for China Harbin tours.
Apart from Yabuli, Wanda Changbaishan International Ski Resort in Jilin is also a good choice. It is in Changbai Mountains, a popular winter destination.Your skiing trip will have wonderful snowscapes. You will see waterfalls, mountain lakes, or treat yourself to a natural hot spring experience.
Suggested tour
Related reading: How to Plan a Winter Trip to Changbai Mountain
3. AdmireĀ theĀ BeautifulĀ Snowy Scenes of Dongbei: China Snow Town & Jilin RimeĀ Island
Dongbei meaning Northeast China, is the coldest region of the country and is known for the prettiest snow. So aside from the fun festivals and activities, you should also discover the snowy scenic spots in Harbin and Jilin.Ā China Snow TownĀ is known for the significant amount of snow it gets every year. You will take some amazing photos there and get a taste of local life.
The Rime Island of Jilin is a small island on Songhua River. Every winter, the willows and pines on the island are decorated with silver frost. The whole place takes on a magical outlook. The rime here is so gorgeous that it is named one of the Four Natural Wonders of China.
Recommended China Harbin & Jilin Tours:
- 3 Days Harbin Ice Snow Festival Tour with Rich Activities
- 5 Days Changbai Mountain Skiing & Drifting Tour
4. Tread in the Snow onĀ the Great Wall
Visiting the Great WallĀ is a great option for any China toursĀ and of course one of the best things to do in China in the winter. Beijing gets cold, dry, and sees quite a bit of snow. When the Great Wall in winter gets covered in a blanket of snow, it certainly makes a once in a lifetime experience. You can hike up the ancient structure, take in the surrounding view, and take incredible photographs.
If youāre traveling to Beijing in the winterĀ and visit the Great Wall, make sure you dress in layers. Bring a heavy jacket for the outdoors. The indoors tend to be pretty warm with the heat. Be careful of ice and sliding while hiking on the Great Wall.
5. Explore Imperial Beijing inĀ the SnowyĀ Atmosphere
With more than the Great Wall, Beijing is best known for being the ancient imperial capital of China. The winter snow makes historical architectures appear even more magnificent. The Forbidden CityĀ is the best place to experience the snowy scene in Beijing. This former palace of Ming and Qing dynasties is completely transformed as the white snow slowly falls against the red walls and golden roofs.
TheĀ Summer PalaceĀ used to be the imperial garden and is now a great place for admiring the Beijing snow. The city also has many parks where youāll discover the traditional Beijing lifestyle. People go ice-skating on frozen lakes. Lots of winter snacks stalls scatter across the Hutong alleyways. Itās a season full of joy in Beijing.
Recommended Beijing Winter Tour
6. Go on a WinterĀ Hike in the Snowy Mountains
A hike in the snow will make the trip memorable or nature lovers. Sichuan Province is great for a China nature tourĀ in the winter with many snow mountains including Emei Mountain, Mount Siguniang, and Mount Gongga.
Emei MountainĀ attracts many trekkers for views and significance as a holy land of Chinese Buddhism. A number of hiking trails will take you through forests, temples, and scenic vantage points. Some take hours and some days. The most famous sight of Mount Emei is the Golden Summit at sunrise when the snow-capped peak is shrouded in the golden sunlight, so itās a good idea to spend a night in the mountain.
There are many great destinations for snow hiking outside of Sichuan as well. The Yellow MountainĀ (or Mount Huangshan) is a famous mountain of China. The winter snow is known as one of its wonders together with the pine trees, rock formations, Sea of Clouds, and Buddha Light. You can also enjoy the Huangshan Hot SpringsĀ after your hike to take it easy and relax.
Recommended Winter Hiking Tours in China:
7. Bath in theĀ Winter Sun in Sanya & Yunnan
Sanya and Yunnan will be your haven of winter sun with different experiences. Plan a trip to SanyaĀ to find the best beaches of China. Even in the winter, Sanya remains warm and sunny with little rainfall. Beautiful beaches including Yalong Bay Beach and Dadonghai Beach will make you forget all about the winter cold. Itās a great holiday destination for China family tripsĀ with resorts, water sports, and many entertainment options of the city.
Yunnan Province in Southwest China is blessed with mild weathers all year round. It has the utmost natural beauty and various ethnic minority cultures. You can go on a hike in the beautiful mountains of Yunnan and learn about the lives of different minority groups like the Bai people of Dali, Naxi people of Lijiang, Dai people of Xishuangbanna, and Tibetan people of Shangri-La.
Find out more warm places to visit in China in winter.
Recommended China Winter Tours in Sanya & Yunnan:
8. Uncover the Ancient History and Culture ofĀ Xiāan
Xiāan as another ancient capital of China has an even longer history than Beijing. Travel to Xiāan in the winterĀ and you will be met with festive seasonal activities and less crowds.
The top attraction has to be the Terracotta Warriors and Horses MuseumĀ with the world-famous archaeological discovery from almost 2,000 years ago. Outdoor lovers will find ski resorts in and around Xiāan. Boost your holiday spirit and go to the cultural shows and festival celebrations.
Recommended China Xiāan Winter Tour
9. Encounter GiantĀ PandasĀ and Local CultureĀ in Chengdu
Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan Province. It is a cultural and transportation hub of Southwest China, so it has convenient transportation and a busy city scene. You might have known about it for being the home of giant pandas. There are many places to see pandasĀ when you travel to Chengdu. You can see them going about their daily life, eating, playing, and sleeping, learn about preservation efforts, and even join a panda volunteer program tour.
The local culture of ChengduĀ is very representative of the region. Food is a famous aspect of it. Itās heavy on spices and has strong flavors. The most renowned tradition is the spicy hotpot. Having a warm hotpot meal is one of the best things to do in China in the winter.
Recommended China Chengdu Winter Tour
10. RelaxĀ in Hot Springs Surrounded by Snow
Enjoying the hot springs in the snow is one of the best winter experiences. Itāll wash away all your exhaustion during the travel. Many places in China have hot springs including the Yellow Mountain, Mount Emei, and Sanya. Youāll also find many hot springs in and around Xiāan.
How to Plan Your China Winter Tour: Recommended Winter Itineraries
NorthĀ China Tour: Snow & Festivals
- Destinations:Harbin and surrounding areas
- Trip Length: 4-6 days
- Sample Itinerary: Harbin Ice and Snow Festivaland city exploration ā Yabuli Ski ResortĀ ā Jilin Rime Island (if time and the season allows)
- Transportation:
- Arrival: Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB) or Harbin West Railway Station
- To Yabuli: shuttle bus or private transfer
- Best for: family traveling with kids, travelers looking for a winter experience with lots of snow and related activities
SouthĀ China Tour: Culture & Winter Sun
- Destinations: Yunnan Province
- Trip Length: 7-10 days
- Sample Itinerary: Kunming ā Dali ā Lijiang (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) ā Shangri-La
- Transportation:
- Arrival: Kunming Changshui International Airport
- From Kunming (intercity): high-speed rail or coach
- Best for: culture lovers, outdoor adventurers, travelers looking for a destination with milder winters
ComprehensiveĀ China Winter Experience
- Destinations: destinations of your choice (Beijing, Xiāan, Shanghai, Huangshan, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie)
- Trip Length: 7-14 days
- Sample Itinerary: Beijing ā Xiāan ā Chengdu ā Huangshan ā Shanghai
- Transportation:
- Arrival: Beijing Capital International Airportor Beijing Daxing International Airport
- From Beijing (intercity): domestic flightsor high-speed rail
- Best for: family traveling with kids, first-time visitors, travelers looking for a comprehensive China experience with different culture and landscapes
Essential China Winter Travel Tips
Here are some China winter travel tips for planning your trip.
- Best time for a winter trip to China
- Harbin and other areas in Dongbei: December to February for snow
- Yunnan: mild weather all year round
- Sanya: November to March
- Essential items to pack: dress in layers, bring a heavy coat for the outdoors, skin care for moisturizing, comfortable and warm shoes
- Making payments in China: electronic payment recommended with WeChat Pay or Alipay; credit cards and cash may also be accepted
- Communication: Itās recommended that you buy a SIM card with a Chinese carrier. If youāre purchasing a VPN service, make sure you do it from your home country.
- Transportation: If youāre traveling during the holiday season or Chinese New Year, purchase your tickets ahead of time to avoid any unforeseeable circumstances.
- Health and safety: Make sure you stay warm and hydrated while traveling outdoors in the winter especially going on hikes. If youāre skiing or going on a trek in the mountains, consider purchasing travel insurance.
FAQs about Winter Travel in China
When is the best time to see snow in China?
The best time to see snow in North China tends to be December through February. The time of snow varies for mountains or areas with higher altitudes.
Is Harbin Ice and Snow Festival worth it?
Yes, going to the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is the best thing to do in China in the winter. Itās one of the best internationally. Many domestic visitors flock to Harbin to see it every year as well.
Are ski resorts in China good for beginners?
It depends on which ski resort youāre looking at, but most resorts like Yabuli and Wanda Changbaishan resort are suitable for skiers of all levels including beginners. There are beginner lessons that you can sign up for.
Do I need special clothing for visiting northern China inĀ theĀ winter?
You will need a heavy coat and layered clothing for visiting northern China. The indoors will be pretty warm with heating. If youāre planning to be outdoors for an extended amount of time or going on a hike, it is suggested that you bring special outdoors clothing to stay warm.
How cold does it get in China inĀ theĀ winter?
The temperature varies significantly by region. In the north, it can drop to -20Ā°C or even lower in the winter. It can remain between 10-20Ā°C in some southern regions. Here is a list of average winter temperatures of places mentioned in the article.
- Harbin: -24 to -9Ā°C
- Beijing: -3 to 5 Ā°C
- Sichuan: 0-10Ā°C
- Yunnan: 5-15Ā°C
- Sanya: 18-26Ā°C
Read more about:
What foodsĀ should I try in China during winter?
Each region has their local specialties when it comes to Chinese food. Harbin cuisineĀ is influenced both by that of Russia and the Dongbei region. Famous foods to try include Guo Bao Rou, Harbin Sausage, and Harbin-style Barbecue. Sichuan foodĀ is best known for hot pot, Mapo Tofu, and Kung Pao Chicken. Foods in YunnanĀ have more influences from Southeast Asia and distinct ethnic characteristics. You should try Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles and Wild Mushroom Hot Pot.
Recommended Food Tour in Winter in China: 8 Days Yunnan Dali Shaxi Lijiang Food Tour
Go on a Winter Trip to ChinaĀ with China Xian Tour
Plan your China winter trip now with China Xian Tour. You can consult with our travel experts about your itinerary or customize the ideal trip for you. You will be traveling hassle-free with our knowledgeable English-speaking guide and private transfer service.
