Top Winter Destination in China

December in China offers travelers a magical winter experience, with snow-covered landscapes, cultural festivals, and scenic destinations. Whether you’re seeking adventure in bustling cities or peace in serene landscapes, China has plenty to offer. This guide will show you the best places to visit in China during December.

 

 

Best Winter Destinations in China

Winter occurs in most of China. Chiefly it runs from December to February. As can be seen, China has a vast territory and presents diverse winter landscapes in different regions. In this article, you can learn about where to visit China in December.

 

Top Cities to Visit and Explore in China in December

You can also enjoy spectacular views in China, in December.

Harbin

This city is nestled in the northernmost part of China. Harbin chiefly enters its wintertime in November and continues with spring until April. But the average temperature in winter is around -15℃. January is traditionally the coldest time of the year when the temperature drops below -20℃. Harbin transforms into a winter wonderland with intricate ice sculptures and lively festivals.  Concurrently celebrate the world-famous Ice and Snow Festival.

Yellow Mountain

The winter snow enchants Yellow Mountain into a fairyland. Frost and snow cover all of its lofty peaks and strange-shaped pine trees. Just set out on a hiking journey in the world of ice and snow. Along the way, you can capture wonderful scenery of snow-covered peaks and rime-coated pines with your camera.

Beijing

December brings crisp air and fewer tourists. You can also visit the Great Wall. Albeit in Forbidden City you can enjoy the winter charm of these iconic landmarks. During winter, the city conveys a distinctly vintage feel, especially when it snows. Also shows a thick breath of life. You may wander along the quaint but lively hutongs.

Jilin

Experience a milder winter with misty karst mountains and Li River views. While the temperature stays cool, Jilin’s landscapes are captivating year-round.  It is another city where to visit China in December, with an average temperature below -10℃. This city transforms into a pure white wonderland every winter. Rime Island and Changbai Mountain are recommended destinations to take in the wonderful scenes.  Hear the tree branches are coated with crystal rimes and the land is covered in snow.

Besides, sports enthusiasts will also find Jilin one of the best places to visit and enjoy at Beidahu Ski Resort. One of the largest ski resorts in Asia, equipped with 64 high-quality ski trails with a total length of 72 kilometers.

Shanghai

As one of China’s most modern metropolises, offers a cost-effective travel in winter, which is the off-peak season for tourism. Additionally, visiting Shanghai in winter offers a great chance to immerse in the vibrant traditions of Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year, Laba Festival, and Lantern Festival. Colorful folk activities such as lantern shows and riddle-solving will be held in landmark sights to add more festivity to the city.

 

Where to Visit Hidden Gems in China in December

China is a huge country with different cultures, languages, foods, and customs.

Xi’an and Shaanxi Province

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also contains one of the only ancient city walls still left standing in China. Xi’an is also home to a thriving Hui Muslim population. You can visit the city mosque and Muslim Market (Huimin Jie). Also is Hua Shan and the Plank Walk, the most dangerous hike in the world.

Chongqing

Chongqing is the birthplace of hot pot. Dazu is a UNESCO heritage site for good reason. Into the stone walls are ancient Tang dynasty Buddhist carvings.

Sichuan

Chengdu is home to the Giant Panda Reserve. In the capital of Sichuan, Here you can watch baby giant pandas playing with each other while adults scarf down bamboo with surprising voracious speed. The reserve also has red pandas, which are just as cute as their larger cousins. Just south of the capital are two of the most famous sites in China: the Leshan Buddha and Mt. Emei. The Leshan Buddha is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world.

Harbin

Harbin is famous for its Ice Festival which lasts all winter until the snow melts. The Ice Festival is a winter wonderland of buildings, statues, and interactive exhibits all made of ice. you can walk across the frozen lake to Sun Island where giant snow carvings await. Both the ice and snow exhibits are works of art that are worth braving the cold to see.

Guilin and Yangshuo

Guilin and Yangshuo are some of the most beautiful places in China. These two cities are perfect for exploring China’s outdoors and enjoying the warm southern weather. While Guilin is a bustling city, Yangshuo is a smaller city popular with tourists.  Yangshuo is also a great starting point for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and enjoying the river on a bamboo raft.

 

 

Weather and Climate

The best time of year to travel to China is during autumn or spring. Most of China is very hot. It’s particularly uncomfortable in the cities. December marks the end of the year and also the start of China’s winter. Because it is a large country, the weather and temperature in December vary greatly depending on geography. Those cities located in the southern part of China are much warmer than the northern ones. E.g. Beijing in the north has temperatures reaching -2°C / 28°F at this time of year whereas.

 

December Weather Across Major Destinations

• Northern China, including Beijing and Harbin, sees cold temperatures often below freezing, with snow in some areas.
• Southern China, like Guilin and Chengdu, remains milder with occasional rain and temperatures ranging between 5-15°C. Pack layers for varying climates across regions. A warm coat, thermals, gloves, and a hat are essential for colder northern cities. In southern areas, a light jacket and rain protection will suffice.

 

How to Prepare for Winter Conditions in China

Pack layers for varying climates across regions. Chiefly in the north and northwest of China, it is recommended: long underwear, long pants, fleeces, a jacket, and a warm hat. On the other hand, Chengdu and Shanghai are warmer. You can wear a thick coat, long jeans, a sweater, and a lighter jacket.

 

Must-See Attractions During Winter

Where to visit China in December? You can visit some winter destinations in China, from snow-covered landscapes to splendid winter festivals and activities.

• Beijing: the Great Wall, Skiing, Chinese New Year Celebrations
• Harbin: Ice and Snow Festival, Skiing
• Huangshan: Snowy Mountains, Hot Spring
• Chengdu: Pandas, Hot Pot, Skiing
• Xi’an: The Terracotta Warriors

 

Scenic Winter Landscapes and Outdoor Activities

• Shanghai: in winter is an ideal choice, with the Christmas and Chinese New Year holiday festivities on for a good part of the season, tourists can have a good knowledge of Chinese festival culture.
• Great Wall in Winter: With fewer tourists and snow-dusted sections, the Great Wall offers a quiet and majestic experience in the winter months.
• Xiling Snow Mountain: This destination offers skiing, snowmobiling, and hot springs, making it a perfect winter escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Xiling Snow Mountain covers an area of 7 square kilometers and snows for up to four months.
• Beijing: In winter, you can practice skiing, ice skating, and sledding. The theaters, museums, parks, and many historical sites are open and are less crowded than during other seasons.
• Yunnan is a warm winter holiday destination in China. From December to February, the general temperature is between 12ºC – 18ºC. If there is sunshine, the temperature can rise above 20 ºC. The suggested destinations are Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la, Jianshui, Yuanyang, and Xishaungbanna.
• Zhangjiajie: It has karst peaks, mountains, lakes, caves, streams, forests, and wildlife, and is beautiful and peaceful when blanketed with crisp, white snow.
• Jiuzhaigou Valley: is a world-famous national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has huge snow drifts and frozen waterfalls in winter.
• Yellow Mountain: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Is the best place in winter to view the snowscape in South China. In winter, the Yellow Mountain is as beautiful as a snow-covered fairyland. Numerous ravines and peaks are covered with ice or snow.

 

 

Travel Tips for Winter in China

Winter is mostly a cost-effective and less crowded time to explore China. China has multiple winter attractions and activities

• Packing List for a Winter Trip: Bring warm, waterproof boots, thermal layers, and a heavy winter coat. If you’re traveling north. Sunglasses can be useful for bright, snowy days. Packing a portable hand warmer will help you stay comfortable in freezing temperatures.
• How to Stay Warm and Comfortable While Traveling: Use public transportation to stay warm in the winter cities. Take breaks in cafes or tea houses. Drink hot tea and local soups to keep your energy up during colder days.
• Stay Connected with Yoho Mobile: Stay connected while traveling in China with Yoho Mobile‘s eSIM. You can stay in touch with family and friends. Use Yoho Mobile for a seamless internet connection on your trip.

🎁 Special Discount for Our Readers! As a special treat for our readers, Yoho Mobile is offering an exclusive discount! Use our coupon code “YOHOREADERSAVE” to get your first order for FREE! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay connected affordably while exploring China.

•  Visit cultural and seasonal events in China in December: The most popular and practiced festivals and events focus on the Chinese Lunar calendar as well as deeply enshrined religious and spiritual beliefs.

 

Winter Festivals and Celebrations

• Dongzhi Festival (Winter Solstice): Celebrated in December, this traditional festival emphasizes family reunions, and locals enjoy dumplings and tang yuan (glutinous rice balls).
• Laba Festival: Held in early January, this holiday honors ancestors with porridge offerings and marks the beginning of Chinese New Year preparations.

Unique Seasonal Experiences to Enjoy in December

• Hot Springs in Hokkaido Village, Harbin: After a day in the snow, relax in one of the many hot springs in Harbin’s famous Hokkaido Village.
• Snowboarding and Skiing: Head to China’s many ski resorts, from Yabuli in the north to Xiling Snow Mountain, to experience some of Asia’s best winter sports.

China in December offers a unique mix of winter beauty, cultural festivities, and outdoor adventures. From iconic cities like Beijing and Harbin to hidden gems like Jilin and Xiling, you’ll find plenty to explore.