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Weather in January in China
January is undoubtedly the coldest month in China, but don't let that scare you off. The weather varies dramatically depending on where you are.
Think of it like this: the further north you go, the colder it gets, and the further south you go, the milder (or even warmer) it becomes.
| City | Temperature in Jan. | City | Temperature in Jan. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | -5°C to 2°C (23°F to 36°F) | Lhasa | -9°C to 7°C (16°F to 45°F) |
| Xi'an | -3°C to 4°C (27°F to 39°F) | Kunming | 3°C to 15°C (37°F to 59°F) |
| Shanghai | 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) | Guilin | 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F) |
| Harbin | -22°C to -13°C (-8°F to 9°F) | Zhangjiajie | 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F) |
| Chengdu | 2°C to 9°C (36°F to 48°F) | Dali | 4°C to 16°C (39°F to 61°F) |
| Sanya | 19°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F) | Lijiang | -1°C to 14°C (30°F to 57°F) |
Northeast China: Frozen Temperatures, White Wonderland
Popular Destinations: Harbin
Temperature: Freezing cold. Averages range from -20°C to -10°C, with temperatures often dropping even lower at night and early morning.
Weather: Dry and icy, with frequent snowfalls in some areas.
What to Expect: Snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes create a winter wonderland. Perfect for snow activities, but be sure to pack your heaviest coat, thermal layers, and sturdy boots.
Northern China: Dry and Cold
Popular Destinations: Beijing, Datong, Pingyao
Temperature: -15°C to 0°C, but it can get colder, especially at night and early mornings.
Weather: Dry, icy air, with occasional snowfall.
What to Expect: A chilly and clear atmosphere, with fewer tourists, best time to explore historical heritages. Make sure to bring a good jacket and thermal gear.
Central China: Cool and Crisp
Popular Destinations: Luoyang, Shaolin Temple, Zhangjiajie
Temperature: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), chilly but not extreme.
Weather: Overcast skies and occasional rain, but snow is rare.
What to Expect: Great for urban exploration and nature trips, with fewer crowds than in peak seasons. Pack a warm jacket, but you won’t need Arctic-level gear.
Northwest China: Frozen and Dry
Popular Destinations: Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan
Temperature: Cold and some areas is frozen, ranging from -10°C to 5°C
Weather: Generally dry, with occasional rain. Snow is rare.The wind is strong in places with little vegetation.
What to Expect: A chilly and clear atmosphere, with fewer tourists, best time to explore historical heritages along China Silk Road.
Southwest China: Big Temperature Difference
Popular Destinations: Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Tibet
Temperature: Varies by altitude. In the mountains, expect -10°C to -20°C, but in the valleys, temperatures are milder. In some areas of Yunnan, it’s quite warm.
Weather: Snow in the mountains, dry and cool in the lower areas. Sunny in Yunnan
What to Expect: A comfortable winter experience with clear skies and pleasant weather in lower altitudes. Great for outdoor adventures!
Eastern China: Cold but Manageable
Popular Destinations: Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou
Temperature: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), similar to Central China.
Weather: Overcast with occasional rain, and snowfall is rare.
What to Expect: Great for cultural exploration in cities with a mix of historical sites and modern life. Bring a warm coat for sightseeing.
Southern China: Warm and Pleasant
Popular Destinations: Guilin, Guangzhou, Sanya
Temperature: Much milder, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Weather: Generally warm and sunny, with occasional rain.
What to Expect: A pleasant escape from the cold. Light jackets or sweaters will suffice, and you can enjoy outdoor activities and even beach life in places like Hainan. Ideal for winter sun seekers!
Best Places to Visit in China in January
For Winter Sports Lovers: Harbin, Yabuli, Changbaishan
If you’re up for a snowy adventure, Northeast China, or Dongbei (东北) in Chinese, is the best place to be in January. It’s cold, but the winter magic is worth it.
Harbin’s ice and snow festivals are world-famous, offering mesmerizing ice sculptures and snow activities. Head to Yabuli for skiing, where you’ll find China's largest and most developed ski resort. Changbaishan also offers stunning snowy landscapes, perfect for skiing or simply enjoying the winter scenery.
General Travel Itinerary Overview: Beijing + Harbin
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Day 2: Beijing City Tour (Forbidden City, Jinshanling Park, Temple of Heaven)
Day 3: Great Wall + Summer Palace
Day 4: High Speed train to Harbin (6 hours)
Day 5: Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Day 6: Harbin Local Tour, Departure in the afternoon
For Culture and History Buffs: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanxi, Henan
January is a perfect timing to deep explore China’s rich cultural and historical heritage when the crowds are thinner.
In Beijing, you can marvel at the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. Xi'an is perfect for delving into ancient China with its Terracotta Army and city walls. Shanxi and Henan are home to historical treasures like ancient temples and caves that offer a glimpse into China's dynastic past.
General Travel Itinerary Overview: Beijing + Datong + Pingyao + Xi'an
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Day 2: Beijing City Tour (Forbidden City, Jinshanling Park, Temple of Heaven)
Day 3: Great Wall + Summer Palace
Day 4: High Speed train to Datong (2 hours), Yungang Grottoes
Day 5: Datong Tour (Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda)
Day 6: High speed train to Pingyao (2.5 hours), Pingyao Ancient City
Day 7: Pingyao Tour (Wang’s Family Compound, Zhangbi Ancient Castle), High speed train to Xi'an (3 hours),
Day 8: Xi'an Tour (Terracotta Army, Hanfu experience in Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City)
Day 9: Xi'an Tour (City Wall) and departure
For Nature Lovers: Guilin, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan
January might be chilly, but these natural wonders look stunning with a winter twist.
Guilin's dramatic karst peaks are even more mystical with light winter fog. Jiuzhaigou National Park is a snow-covered fairyland, with frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains. Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly landscape of sandstone pillars is even more magical with a light dusting of snow. And Huangshan, known for its “sea of clouds,” looks extra beautiful in the crisp winter air.
General Travel Itinerary Overview: Shanghai + Zhangjiajie + Guilin + Hong Kong
Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
Day 2: Shanghai City Tour (Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road& the Bund)
Day 3: Shanghai Tour and fly to Zhangjiajie
Day 4-6: Zhangjiajie Tour (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain)
Day 7: Early Morning High speed train to Guilin (7 hours), Guilin City Tour
Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Country Tour
Day 9: Ynagshuo drive back to Guilin, High speed train to Hong Kong (3 hours)
Day 10: Hong Kong Tour
Day 11: Departure from Hong Kong
For Sun Seekers (阳光爱好者): Yunnan, Hainan
Escape the chill with some warmth in January!
Yunnan, known for its mild winter weather, offers a combination of lush landscapes and pleasant temperatures, especially in Dali, Kunming, and Xishuangbanna. Sanya in Hainan is a sunny paradise, perfect for enjoying the beaches and relaxing in the warmth.
General Travel Itinerary Overview: Kunming + Dali + Lijiang
Day 1: Kunming Arrival
Day 2: Kunming Tour (Stone Forest, Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park)
Day 3: High Speed train to Dali (2 hours), Dali Erhai Exploration (Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Bike Ride)
Day 4: Dali half-day Exploration, Drive to Lijiang (2 hours), Lijiang Old Town
Day 5: Lijiang Tour (Yulong Snow Mountain, Baisha Murals)
Day 6: Departure
For Food Lover: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing
Winter in China is a great time to indulge in the country's spicy and warming cuisine.
Chongqing and Chengdu’s famous hotpot is ideal for warming up on chilly days, with its fiery spices and rich broth. Leshan is a hidden gem for food ties. In Guangzhou, dim sum reigns supreme, perfect for a cozy winter feast. As well, it’s always warm in Guangzhou in January.
General Travel Itinerary Overview: Chengdu + Leshan + Emeishan + Chongqing + Yangtze River
Day 1: Chengdu Arrival
Day 2: Chengdu Tour (Panda Base, Jinli Old Street)
Day 3: Chengdu drive to Leshan Giant Buddha, then transfer to Emeishan.
Day 4: Emeishan Mountain Tour, then High Speed train to Chongqing (3 hours)
Day 5: Chongqing city Tour. Board a Yangtze River Cruise at night
Day 6-7: Yangtze River Cruise through the Three Gorges.
Day 8: Disembark at Yichang, Departure from Yichang.
Holidays & Festivals in January in China
If you're in China in January, you'll catch a couple of cool (and tasty) festivals that are a bit of a warm-up to the big show—Chinese New Year!
New Year’s Day元旦
Yep, China celebrates the regular New Year on January 1st, but it's kind of low-key. Think of it like an excuse to chill with family or take a day off work. There’s no massive partying like you might find in other parts of the world, but it’s a nice, quiet way to kick off the year.
Laba Festival 腊八节
This one’s all about Laba congee—a sweet porridge made with a bunch of grains, beans, and dried fruits. It usually happens in early January (the 8th day of the 12th lunar month). It’s kinda like a warm-up for the big Chinese New Year festivities, with people getting into prep mode: cleaning up, shopping, and just getting ready for the real party later on. If you're there, definitely try a bowl of congee—it's tasty and traditional!
Little New Year小年
When: 23rd/24th day of the 12th lunar month (Feb 10–11, 2026; Jan 30–31, 2027).
Northern China Celebrates on the 23rd while Southern China Celebrates on the 24th.
This one’s a sneak peek at the chaos to come! It’s not as big as Chinese New Year, it’s all about preparing for it. People clean their houses, make offerings to the Kitchen God, and start thinking about what they'll do for the Chinese New Year. It’s like getting your house in order before the family madness begins.
Travel Tips for Visiting China in January
Dress in Layers: January's cold, so pack your warmest clothes, shoes, and trousers. Think thermal layers, a heavy jacket, gloves, scarves, and a hat. If you're heading to northern areas, like Harbin or Beijing, bring insulated boots too.
Watch Out for Snow: In the north and mountain area, snow is pretty common. It can get icy, so be careful when walking around—especially in places like Harbin or Tibet.
Book Indoor Attractions Early: In winter, indoor attractions like museums or temples are your best bet for warmth. You'll probably have more room to enjoy them, and fewer tourists, which means shorter lines and no crowds.
Bring a Face Mask for Cold: In cities like Beijing, the air can be quite cold and people easily get a cold. A simple face mask can help with both the chill and disease, especially in the metro or crowd area.
Check the Weather Before You Go: While the weather's generally cold, it can vary. Southern China will be milder, so if you’re heading to places like Guilin or Hainan, you won’t need to pack as many heavy layers.
Don’t Skip the Food: Winter is a great time to enjoy hotpot in China. Don’t miss out on street food either—there’s nothing better than a hot skewered snack on a chilly day.
Join a Guided Tour: With the cold weather and possible language barriers, having a knowledgeable guide can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, you'll avoid common travel headaches like navigating public transport or figuring out where to eat. Asia Odyssey Travel offers popular China tours in January, so you can explore the best spots without the stress. We’ve got your back!
Explore China in January with Asia Odyssey Travel
January in China means winter wonderlands, festive vibes, and fewer crowds at top attractions. Whether you’re looking to marvel at the snow-covered Great Wall, soak in steaming hot springs in Harbin, or experience the Chinese New Year celebrations, this is a magical time to visit.
At Asia Odyssey Travel, we handle everything—customized itineraries, expert local guides, seamless transportation, and exclusive seasonal experiences. No language barriers, no stress, just pure adventure.
Ready for a winter getaway? Let’s plan your perfect China trip in January. Contact us today!
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