China Winter Travel Guide: Weather, Best Places to Visit, Festivals
When is Winter in China | China Winter Time
Does China have a winter? Absolutely yes. China's winter is both the chilliest season and the period with the longest nights. When is winter in China? This season of shortening daylight and plunging temperatures typically spans from December through February.
Traditionally, Chinese culture marks winter with six solar terms: Lidong, Xiaoxue (Minor Snow), Daxue (Major Snow), Dongzhi (Winter Solstice), Xiaohan (Minor Cold), and Dahan (Major Cold), corresponding to the tenth through twelfth lunar months. This reflects the traditional winter patterns in China.
According to modern climatology standards, China’s winter time approaches when the average temperature remains below 10°C (50°F) for five consecutive days. This also means that the winter duration varies significantly across regions.
China Weather and Temperatures in Winter
Winter in China is generally cold and dry. Compared with other regions at similar latitudes, China’s winter temperatures tend to be much lower, and in some northern areas, they can drop below –10°C (14°F).Does China have snow in the winter?
It depends. China spans nearly 50 degrees of latitude, resulting in dramatic climate variations between the north and south. China's northern plains and high-altitude regions have harsh winters with frequent snowfall. As for winter in China’s warmer southern areas, snow is a rare sight, occurring only during strong cold spells.Northern China Weather in Winter
China's winter brings a dramatic change to the northern regions. In December in northern China, the weather is usually cold and dry, frequently affected by northern winds and cold fronts, with low temperatures. Some areas may experience snowfall with deep snow accumulation. In January, frequent cold air activity may cause sudden temperature drops. From late January to early February, due to the alternation of warm and cold air, various parts of northern China will not only experience snowfall but also rainfall.
Winter in Beijing, China, is mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C. Cities further north, like Harbin, have colder and longer winters, with average temperatures of -15°C and annual snowfall of 30-40mm. If you enjoy snowscapes, Harbin, a winter wonderland in China, is for you.
Northern China Winter Temperature
| Cities | December | January | February |
| Beijing | -6°C to 4°C | -9°C to 2°C | -6°C to 5°C |
| Harbin | -20°C to -9°C | -24°C to -13°C | 20°C to -7°C |
| Xi’an | -3°C to 6°C | -4°C to 5°C | -1°C to 8°C |
| Qingdao | 0°C to 6°C | -3°C to 3°C | -2°C to 5°C |
| Luoyang | -2°C to 8°C | -4°C to 6°C | -2°C to 9°C |
Southern China Weather in Winter
Southern China in winter is generally warmer than the northern regions. Specifically, December is usually mild, with temperatures between 10°C and 22°C. In the far south, like Sanya, it can go over 20°C, while in inland places such as Zhangjiajie, it may drop below 10°C. January is typically the coldest month of winter in China, with most areas seeing temperatures between 5°C and 16°C. Cold air fronts may cause temporary temperature drops. February stays cool, and some regions may experience the return of humid weather.
Eastern cities like China’s Shanghai in winter are relatively milder throughout the season, but with high humidity and frequent rainy days.
Southern China Winter Temperature
| Cities | December | January | February |
| Shanghai | 3°C to 11°C | 1°C to 8°C | 2°C to 9°C |
| Chengdu | 5°C to 11°C | 3°C to 10°C | 5°C to 12°C |
| Zhangjiajie | 4°C to 12°C | 2°C to 9°C | 5°C to 10°C |
| Kunming | 3°C to 15°C | 2°C to 16°C | 4°C to 17°C |
| Guangzhou | 12°C to 21°C | 10°C to 18°C | 12°C to 19°C |
| Sanya | 19°C to 27°C | 18°C to 26°C | 20°C to 27°C |
Best Places to Visit in China During Winter
Top Destinations for Snow Lovers in Northern China
Snow transforms Northern China in winter into a magical wonderland. China’s Beijing winters are cold, but when you see the Forbidden City's red walls against white snow, you'll know you came at the right time. Tour the Great Wall of China during winter on your Beijing tours, and you'll marvel at this dragon-like architecture draped in silver. Harbin, China, in winter turns into a world of ice and snow, with skiing, ice sculptures, and snowy landscapes that make you feel like you're in a fairy tale.
>> Recommended 7-day Beijing and Harbin winter tour
Prefer winter hiking in China in the mountains? Mount Hua in China’s winter season is a good place to go, with the snow-capped Lotus Peak, breathtaking sunrises, and a sea of clouds. Changbai Mountain is blanketed in white during winter in China, and its ski resort is a major highlight. Never miss it if you want to challenge yourself on your China tours.
Best Winter Escapes for Warmth Seekers in Southern China
As northern China in winter experiences heavy snowfall, Yunnan remains perpetually spring-like. Winter is the most romantic season in Yunnan’s Dali. By Erhai Lake, you'll feel like entering a comic book world with warm sunrise light, gentle sea breeze, Siberian seagulls, and red dawn redwoods. When visiting Yunnan in winter, don’t forget to explore Xishuangbanna, a wonderland that stands out with its rich tropical rainforests, unique Dai culture, and beautiful natural landscapes.
>> Recommended 9-day Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri-La Tour
Hainan is another great place to escape the winter in China. Sanya has become a label city for winter tourism, with coconut trees, beaches, and sea breezes as its standard features. It's perfect to feel the 20°C sea breeze and go fishing by the seaside during your winter travel in China. Besides, winter in Shanghai, China, is mild, perfect for shopping at Nanjing Road and admiring the skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower.
Ideal Cities for Food Explorers in Winter
Winter in China is the best time for a Chinese food tour to experience the country’s most comforting and flavorful dishes. Hotpot ranked first among China's most popular winter foods, and it’s not to be missed if you plan to visit China in winter. Chengdu, as the capital of Sichuan, is simply a paradise for foodies - the bubbling hotpot warms you up completely, along with must-try street foods like chuanchuan and mapo tofu.
Chongqing's hotpot is even more amazing, with an intense numbing-spicy flavor that perfectly matches the winter's damp riverside mist. Chongqing is also the start of a Yangtze River cruise tour, which is worth experiencing in winter.
>> Recommended 7-day Chongqing & Chengdu combo tour
Must-Visit Places for History and Culture Enthusiasts
For those interested in Chinese history and culture, China’s ancient capitals are top winter destinations. Xi’an, once the starting point of the Silk Road, is now one of the best winter destinations in China for senior travelers and family tours. It becomes super quiet after snowfall, and the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls appear even more magnificent during winter in China. Kaifeng, one of the eight great ancient capitals, preserves strong historical vibes in its Song Dynasty temples, pagodas, and night markets.
Additionally, Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple are especially serene in winter. If you are also interested in Buddhist culture, never miss them during your winter travel in China.
>> Recommended 11-day discovery of China’s ancient capitals
China Winter Festivals and Events
Chinese Winter Solstice Festival
The Winter Solstice in China (Dec 21-23) is one of the country’s traditional folk sacrificial festivals. People prepare offerings early in the morning to worship ancestors, expressing respect and remembrance through these rituals. Additionally, in northern China on the Winter Solstice, there's a custom of eating dumplings, while in southern China, people typically eat sweet foods like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and nian gao (rice cakes).
Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on the first day of the first lunar month. It is a grand folk festival marking the replacement of the old with the new. Celebrating the Spring Festival during winter in China is one of the top family-friendly winter activities. During the Spring Festival, people paste spring couplets, set off firecrackers, give lucky money in red envelopes, and pay New Year’s visits. All express good wishes for the coming year.
Lantern Festival
Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Chinese Lantern Festival is the first major festival after the Spring Festival. This winter festival in China mainly includes a series of traditional folk activities such as lantern exhibitions, eating yuanxiao (glutinous rice balls), and solving lantern riddles. In addition, many places in China will hold traditional folk performances like dragon and lion dances.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
Launched on January 5th annually, the month-long Harbin Ice Festival is China's first international festival with ice and snow activities as its main theme. This winter festival in Harbin, China, dazzles with world-class competitions, including women's ice hockey tournaments, ice dancing shows, and speed skating races. Additionally, during your Harbin tours in winter in China, you can appreciate large-scale ice sculptures and take part in various ice and snow activities.
>> Recommended 4-day Harbin & China Snow Town tour
Besides these festivals, schools’ winter holiday in China typically starts around the 10th day of the 12th lunar month and lasts until after the Lantern Festival. But in northeast China, the winter break lasts at most two months.
China Winter Travel Tips
- Pack thermal outfits like down jackets or windbreakers, especially when visiting snowy areas in China during winter. Also, wear non-slip shoes and walk slowly.
- Wear sunglasses to avoid snow blindness and eye damage when visiting snowy areas.
- Note that nights come early in winter in China. Plan your trip wisely.
- Book hotels and transportation tickets in advance if you decide to spend your winter vacation in China during Spring Festival. It’s when China's annual migration happens, tickets become scarce as people return home, and accommodation prices surge.
>> See more China travel tips
Explore Winter in China with Easy Tour China
Planning to visit China in winter? Easy Tour China makes it simple. As a travel agency with over 20 years of experience in China tours, we can customize perfect trips for you, with friendly local experts, comfortable travel arrangements, and well-designed plans. Or you can check out our popular China winter tour packages below to discover the beauty of winter in China.