China’s winter is an extreme season and the name alone makes you want to escape it. But is it really that bad? It’s a challenge and can be boring for many travelers to visit attractions in cold weather but it's ideal for people who are brave enough to explore another side of China.
Why You Should Travel in China in Winter
- Less crowded: Winter is China’s low travel season, which means you won’t be troubled by huge crowds and won’t need to line up for a long time when visiting attractions. You can take your time and slow your pace to explore anywhere you want.
- More value: Fewer travelers in winter makes for a cheaper travel budget. You can expect a better service with more competitive prices, from your air fare to your hotel accommodation.
- Stupendous landscapes: With such vast regions in the country, there are also various beautiful landscapes to see during winter, from the warm Hainan Island to Harbin Ice and Snow World.
Where to Travel in Winter
Deciding where to travel in winter depends on where you want to go and what you want to experience. There are various attractive options so just follow your heart.
Amazing Ice and Snow World — Harbin
- Best times: December to January
- Visiting duration: 3 to 5 days
Harbin is a shining pearl in North China. Few cities display such amazing ice and snow sceneries as Harbin. There are so many scenic spots around Harbin that you can enjoy this area for several days.
Winter is the city’s longest as well as the most charming season. You can see white snow falling leisurely, the great frozen river lying across the land, and various shapes of castles built by skillful craftsmen. Pack warm clothes and breathe in the freshness of the falling snow.
Solemn and Historic Architecture — Beijing
- Visiting duration: 2 to 3 days
Winter in Beijing is long and very dry, but there are various activities to keep you occupied so you can forget about the cold weather. With fewer visitors in winter, you can stroll through any corner of Beijing quietly.
Do you know the most beautiful season to visit the Forbidden City in? It’s not the mild spring, noisy summer, or golden autumn, but the silent winter, especially when the imperial palace is covered with white snow. The Forbidden City looks more solemn at this time of year and is filled with a historic atmosphere.
China's Oldest City — Xi'an
- Best times: all year round
- Visiting duration: 2 to 3 days
Compared with other northern cities, Xi’an is warmer in winter. You can visit Xi’an all year round because there are many indoor activities to visit, such as the Terracotta Army, Shaanxi History Museum, and the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi.
Grab a roujiamo (a meat sandwich) before exploring the site of the Terracotta Army, taste various snacks in the Muslim Quarter, and drink a bowl of hot soup before hiking up Mount Hua. Follow your nose and you will fall in love with this city.
Warm and Sunny Island — Hainan
- Best season: winter
- Visiting duration: 3 to 5 days
Located in the southernmost region of China, Hainan is a paradise for escaping the cold winter. Sanya is the most famous and popular destination in Hainan, boasting its blue sea and long beach. It’s the top choice if you want to travel in China in winter and you can also experience the Chinese culture and food. Keep in mind that you should try to avoid traveling at the time of the Spring Festival because, as one of China’s public holidays, it’s too crowded.
Travel Tips
- Check the weather forecast in advance. China is a vast country and the weather is different in various cities.
- Prepare warm clothes. It’s -30°C in Northeast China while it’s 25°C in China’s most southern region.
- Avoid China’s public holidays.
- Plan your trip carefully. Some places are more beautiful in winter while many attractions are popular in autumn or spring.