Enjoy a Winter Travel in China——Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices

China is not yet a popular winter destination for foreign travelers looking for specific winter activities. China has some fun and well-equipped ski slopes, but nothing to write home aboutThe main benefits of winter travel in China are reduced costs and less crowding.

China does also have its winter attractions. There are winter festivals that are the best of their kind in the worldparticularly beautiful wintry scenic areas, and places in south China that have mild weather all year round. Discover more below...


Enjoy Chinas Winter Low SeasonFewer Crowds, Lower Prices

China's low season is when tourism/travel in China is at an annual low. Prices are reduced to encourage off-season travel spending. It begins in November and ends in March (excluding Chinese New Year, when it seems that the whole nation is traveling).

Visiting China during the low season may be just the thing for you. Far less tourist crowding, cheaper hotels and flights, winter scenery and activities, and a cool (cold), dry (drier) climate may interest you.

Fewer Crowds

Normally, there are fewer travelers as most Chinese don't travel during this time for various reasons. You will have more space and time to enjoy your trip to the full.

Most of the most popular destinations in China (the Great Wall, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Chengdu...) are still very accessible in the low season, but without the seething crowds of Chinese tour groups!

Great Price on Hotels and Airlines

Fewer travelers means most hotels and airlines offer great deals to attract customers; some airlines even offer 80% off flights. Attractions and resorts often sell low-season entrance tickets.

If you believe in the saying, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”, then China is yours for a bargain in the low season. The colder weather is a trade-off against lower prices for hotels, transport, and even gate tickets.


Winter Weather in ChinaIt May Not Be What You Expect!

China is a vast country, and the weather in winter varies greatly from north to south, east to west. Below we summarize China's winter weather by region.

In Summary — Cooler (Cold) Weather with Much Less Rain

If you like it drier and not hot, winter might be preferable for you, as it is the driest time of the year all over China, particularly in the north, where a few snow flurries is all youll get.

Northeast China (the Extreme North)

Winters in northeastern China are long, frozen, and snowy. The province of Heilongjiang borders Russia and its capitalHarbin, is called 'Ice City'. January temperatures average -12°C (10°Fduring the day, and plummet at night.

North China

Beijing experiences very cold, but usually dry, long winters. Winter begins in early November and extends into March. Average temperatures are below freezing, but frequent sunny days are perfect for sightseeing. The capital typifies northern China winter weather (including e.g. Xi'an).

Winter in Central/Southern China

Shanghai experiences milder weather than Beijing. The winter season is from December to February. Winters are moist, but there is little snow and days are overcast. Temperatures usually stay above freezing, but will feel colder due to humidity. This is typical of central/southern China winter weather.

Tourists can enjoy popular southern attractions in the wintertime, as long as they pack plenty of warm clothing, and reserve heated hotel rooms. Few hotels south of the Yangtze turn on heating in the winter!

Tropical China (the Extreme South)

Chinas far south falls within the tropics and these places dont really experience a winter. "Winter" temperatures are quite mild, even warmIn fact going in thewinterwould be better time to visit these places for you if you dont relish enduring the sweltering summer heat.

Visit Xishuangbanna for minorities and rain forest, Sanya and Haikou for tropical island scenery and beaches, and the thriving Pearl River cities of Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.



Top China Winter Activities

Enjoying Winter Festivals

Harbins Ice Festival is world's biggest ice and snow sculpture event. It's a must for those who love walking in a winter wonderland.

Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China. There are many cultural activities such as temple fairs, dragon dances, and lion dances in in some citiesstreets.

We recommend being there for China's biggest festival, but bear in mind transport is packed for at least two weeks either side of Chinese New Year. Hotel prices also go up during the holiday period.


Appreciating Winter Scenery

If you come from a region where it rarely snows, Chinas beautiful snow scenery would be particularly worth seeingIf you want to take in some characteristically Chinese mountain scenery in the snow, then we recommend safer, more-developed locations like the Yellow Mountains and Mount Emei. The rime scenery of Jilin is one of Chinas four natural wonders.

Eating Winter Food

Chinese people like eating, and preferred dishes different from region to region, and for each season there are seasonal foods. Below are Chinese peoples favorite winter dishes:

Chinese people like to eat hotpot in winter, as eating hotpot can warm the body and improve circulation. Also eating hotpot is a great way to socialize. People gather around the pot, chatting, eating, drinking, and having fun. Hotpot meals are especially favored in winter when outside activities like leisurely walks and sitting around in the parks are not so pleasant because of the cold weather.

Congee is probably the most common mainstay of the Chinese breakfast (especially in south China, where wheat foods are less common). It is a mild-flavored rice porridge that has been cooked for a long time with plenty of water to soften the rice. It is favored in winter as its convenient and hot.