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China Temperature in Winter
| Cities | Temperature in Dec. | Temperature in Jan. | Temperature in Feb. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F) | -5°C to 2°C (23°F to 36°F) | -3°C to 5°C (27°F to 41°F) |
| Shanghai | 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F) | 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) | 3°C to 9°C (37°F to 48°F) |
| Xi'an | -1°C to 6°C (30°F to 43°F) | -3°C to 4°C (27°F to 39°F) | -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F) |
| Chengdu | 4°C to 11°C (39°F to 52°F) | 2°C to 9°C (36°F to 48°F) | 4°C to 11°C (39°F to 52°F) |
| Guangzhou | 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) | 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) | 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) |
| Hong Kong | 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F) | 14°C to 19°C (57°F to 66°F) | 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) |
| Guilin | 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) | 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F) | 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F) |
| Zhangjiajie | 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F) | 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F) | 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F) |
| Lhasa | -7°C to 8°C (19°F to 46°F) | -9°C to 7°C (16°F to 45°F) | -6°C to 9°C (21°F to 48°F) |
| Harbin | -18°C to -8°C (0°F to 18°F) | -22°C to -13°C (-8°F to 9°F) | -19°C to -9°C (-2°F to 16°F) |
| Kunming | 5°C to 16°C (41°F to 61°F) | 3°C to 15°C (37°F to 59°F) | 5°C to 17°C (41°F to 63°F) |
| Sanya | 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F) | 19°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F) | 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F) |
Winter in China varies greatly by region, from freezing cold in the north to mild or even warm in the south.
- Northern China: Think real winter—temperatures often hover around 0°C (32°F) and can plummet to 20°C (-4°F) or even lower with heavy snowfall. If you love snow-covered landscapes and crisp winter air, this is the place to be!
- Southern China: A milder winter experience. Most places rarely drop below freezing with temperature ranging from 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F), and snow is a rare treat. Perfect for those who like cool weather but aren’t fans of extreme cold.
- Warm Escapes: If winter jackets aren’t your thing, head to southern Yunnan, Hainan Island, or the Pearl River Delta—where the sun still shines, and winter feels more like spring with temperature ranging 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) ! These are also some of the hottest (literally and figuratively) travel spots during this season.
Check out China Weather in December, China Weather in January, China Weather in February for more details.
Top Winter Festivals in China
China’s winter isn’t just about cold—it’s about festive buzz and epic celebrations:
Chinese New Year (春节) & Lantern Festival - The Most Important Festivals in China
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China and many other East Asian countries. The festival usually falls between late January and mid-February and lasts for 16 days from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.
| Year | Chinese New Year Date | Year | Chinese New Year Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Feb. 16th - Mar. 3rd | 2029 | Feb. 12th - Feb. 27th |
| 2027 | Feb. 5th - Feb. 20th | 2030 | Feb. 2nd - Feb. 17th |
| 2028 | Jan. 25th - Feb. 9th | 2031 | Jan. 22th - Feb. 6th |
It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated with family reunions, feasts, red couplet, fireworks, red envelopes (hongbao), and cultural activities.
- Visit Temple Fairs: Crowded and lively with Unique folk performances, mouthwatering local delicacies, and exquisite handicrafts.
- Try traditional food: Dumplings (饺子), fish (symbolizing prosperity), sticky rice cake (年糕), and Tangyuan for Lantern Festival.
- Fireworks: Many cities have huge fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. And in rural areas, mild fireworks are an entertainment for kids.
- Lantern fairs: it’s celebration for Lantern Festival. Now lantern displays are everywhere during Chinese New Year in old towns and parks
You will have great experience in these cities:
- Beijing - Experience traditional temple fairs in Ditan Park & Summer Palace.
- Shanghai - Yu Garden Lantern Festival & fireworks over the Bund.
- Xi'an - Watch Tang Dynasty-style celebrations at the City Wall.
- Chengdu - Wuhou Temple Lantern Show, a mix of Sichuan opera and lantern art.
- Hong Kong - Spectacular New Year parade and fireworks over Victoria Harbour.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival (哈尔滨冰雪节) – The Ultimate Winter Wonderland
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is one of the world's largest and most spectacular winter festivals, held annually in Harbin, China. It typically runs from early January to late February, though some attractions open earlier depending on weather conditions.
What to expect:
- Massive Ice Sculptures – Intricately carved buildings, castles, and statues made from ice blocks in Sun Island Snow Sculpture Park.
- Ice Activities – Visitors can enjoy ice slides, ice biking, and snow tubing in Ice and Snow World .
- Cultural Performances – Traditional Chinese performances, fireworks, and light shows,
- Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Fair – Smaller yet stunning ice lantern displays.
Tibetan New Year (Losar, 藏历新年) – A Spiritual Celebration in Tibet
Tibetan New Year, known as Losar, is the most vibrant and spiritually significant festival in Tibetan culture. Losar follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually falling in February or March. Celebrations last up to 15 days, but the first 5 days are the most festive.
2026 date: Feb. 18-22
Similar to Chinese New Year, Losar is a festival celebration for families. People gathered to feast Tibetan food, join Buddhist rituals and monastery ceremonies, and enjoy the Tibetan performance.
You will have great Losar experience in these destinations:
- Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street in Lhasa: Monks chanting, butter lamps, and local celebrations.
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse: Watch traditional Tibetan masked dances (Cham Dance).
- Potala Palace in Lhasa: Iconic Tibetan New Year celebrations in the former home of the Dalai Lama. Illuminated with thousands of butter lamps.
- Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, Gansu: Witness monks chanting and unfurling giant thangka (Buddhist scrolls).
- Taer Monastery in Xining, Qinghai: Butter sculpture exhibitions and bonfires.
Best Place to Visit in China during Winter
Winter in China offers a diverse range of experiences with lower price and crowds, from snow-covered mountains to tropical beaches and vibrant cityscapes.
1. Beijing & Shanghai - Iconic Winter Gateways
As two of China’s most famous cities, Beijing and Shanghai are fantastic starting points for a winter trip.
Beijing typically experiences 4-5 snowfalls each winter. You can marvel at the Great Wall covered in snow (now always), explore the Forbidden City, and enjoy ice skating at Houhai Lake. Don't miss Peking duck to warm up!
In Shanghai, expect 1-2 snowfalls in winter. Experience the Bund’s skyline in winter mist, wander through Yu Garden’s lantern displays, and enjoy hot xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
2. Harbin & Changbai Mountain – The Ultimate Winter Wonderland
If you want to fully embrace winter, go north. Like, way north.
Harbin is home to the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, where you’ll see massive ice castles lit up at night. It’s freezing, but magical.
In Changbai Mountain, expecting frozen waterfalls, epic snowy landscapes, and the mysterious Tianchi (Heaven Lake). Great for skiing, too.
3. Yunnan – Enjoy Warm Winter Without the Cold
Not a fan of freezing your toes off? Yunnan’s got sunshine, blue skies, and chill vibes.
In capital Kunming, this “Spring City” offers mild weather all year round. The temperature during winter is 15°C-20 ****°C (59°F - 68°F), perfect for a laid-back start. Don’t miss the Stone Forest, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
In Dali, enjoy a relaxing winter holiday in the sunny days. This small city is built around Erhai Lake, with several ancient towns and large colorful farms. A cycle ride to explore life in old town and countryside is cozy and easy.
Lijiang is like a fairytale with cobblestone streets, Naxi culture, and snow-capped mountains in the background. If you want tropical rainforests and Thai-style vibes, come to Xishuangbanna.
4. Hainan – Beach Mode ON
Yes, China has beaches! Sanya is basically China’s Hawaii.
Sanya, the southern edge of Hainan Island, is Warm and sunny during winter seasons. It’s a perfect winter escape with white sand beaches, palm trees, and fancy resorts. Perfect if you just wanna chill by the ocean.
Other parts of Hailan Island, like Wanning and Haikou, are less touristy, but still great for surfing and fresh seafood.
5. Foodie Cities – Because Winter = Time to Eat
Let’s be real—winter is all about comfort food. These cities will keep you warm and full:
Chengdu – Warm up with spicy hotpot, mapo tofu, and street snacks after the Panda stroll. If you want more vibe, head to Leshan for top street food and Leshan Giant Buddha, or visit Zigong for the best spicy rabbit and the dazzling Zigong Lantern Fair—both just a one-hour high-speed train ride from Chengdu.
Chongqing – The birthplace of fiery Sichuan hotpot, best enjoyed in cold weather! It’s the trending city on TikTok for its Cyberpunk city view. Also, it’s the boarding point for the legendary Yangtze River Cruise.
Xi'an – Try lamb paomo (pita bread soaked in lamb soup) and roujiamo (Chinese burgers) after you’ve deep into the Terracotta Army. Also enjoy a Spring Festival atmosphere in Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City.
Guangzhou – Enjoy dim sum and Cantonese-style roasted meats, perfect for a cozy winter meal. During Chinese New Year, head to nearby Foshan-the birthplace of Lion Dance to watch a spectacular lion dance performance.
6. Snowy Mountain Escapes – Nature’s Winter Beauty
For those who love breathtaking landscapes, these mountains offer stunning snow scenery, sunrise views, and peaceful hikes:
In Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), expect 9-10 snowfalls each winter. Winter Snow itself is one of Huangshan Mountain’s five wonders, with the other four are: Sea of Clouds, Twisted Pine Trees, Dramatic Rock Formations, and Stunning Sunrises. Take a cable car up to the top to waiting for a romantic sunset and sunrise.
In Zhangjiajie, expect 1-2 snowfalls every winter. The Avatar mountains look surreal in winter’s mist, with fewer crowds and a magical snowy atmosphere.
In Emei Mountain close to Chengdu, expect more snowfalls on top of the mountain. Take a shuttle bus and a cable car to the Golden Summit, expecting a wonderful sunrise over the sea of clouds. The massive golden statue of Samantabhadra (Puxian) Bodhisattva—a shining 48-meter (157 ft) statue that looks even more stunning when the sun hits it.
How to Plan A China Winter Tour
Option One: China Golden Triangle: Beijing Xian Shanghai
This is the perfect itinerary for visiting China during the Chinese New Year holiday! As many locals return to their hometowns to celebrate, big cities like Beijing and Shanghai become less crowded.
Meanwhile, ancient capitals in China like Beijing and Xi'an come alive with traditional celebrations, offering a vibrant festive atmosphere. From cultural performances to temple fairs, it’s the best time to experience China’s rich heritage and holiday spirit!
- Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
- Day 2: Beijing City Tour: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and Summer Palace
- Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Glimpse of Bird’s Nest & Water Cube
- Day 4: Take a high speed train to Xi'an (5 hours)
- Day 5: Xi'an tour: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Bell Tower
- Day 6: Xi'an Tour: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter. Then fly to Shanghai
- Day 7: Shanghai City Tour: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden & Bazaar, Nanjing Road & The Bund
- Day 8: Departure from Shanghai.
Option Two: Beijing + Harbin
Spend 9 days enjoy ice and snow in northeastern China! This itinerary offers the most dreaming journey to the while fairytale, visiting Harbin, Yabuli, and China Snow Town. Let’s dive into snow!
- Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
- Day 2: Beijing City Tour: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and Summer Palace
- Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Glimpse of Bird’s Nest & Water Cube
- Day 4: Take a high speed train to Harbin (6.5 hours)
- Day 5: Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Tour: Siberian Tiger Park, Ice, Sun Island, Harbin Ice and Snow World
- Day 6: Harbin drive to Yabuli Ski Resort (3 hours): Skiing Experience
- Day 7: Yabuli drive to China Snow Town (2 hours): Snowy Street, Observation
- Day 8: China Snow Town Tour: Dream Home. Then drive back to Harbin (4.5 hours)
- Day 9: Harbin Local Tour & Departure: Morning Market, Winter Swimming Show, St. Sophia Cathedral, Stalin Park, Central Street, Lao Daowai
Option Three: Yunnan Panoramic Tour
This 9-day Yunnan itinerary will take you through the top highlights of Yunnan like Lijiang, Dali, Kunming and Xishuangbanna. In winter, you can enjoy a mild weather in these areas, with Yulong Snow Mountain may be frozen and Xishuangbanna may be quite hot.
- Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang
- Day 2: Lijiang tour: Yulong Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, Lijiang Old Town
- Day 3: Lijiang drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge (2 hours), then drive to Shaxi Ancient Town (2 hours)
- Day 4: Shaxi drive to Dali (2 hours): Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town
- Day 5: Dali high speed train to Kunming (2.5 hours), then visit the Green Park and Yuantong Temple.
- Day 6: Dali drive to Stone Forest (2 hours), return after visiting. Then take high speed train to Xishuangbanna (3.5-4 hours)
- Day 7: Xishuangbanna Tour: Tropical Botanical Garden, Manting Park and Zongfosi Temple
- Day 8: Xishuangbanna Tour: Wild Elephant Valley, Manzhang Dai Village
- Day 9: Departure from Xishuangbanna
China Winter Travel Tips
- Dress in Layers
Pack warm layers, a good winter coat, thermal wear, gloves, and waterproof shoes if visiting snowy areas.
- Plan for Chinese New Year
Book trains, flights, and hotels well in advance. Expect some businesses to close but enjoy the festive atmosphere, temple fairs, and cultural performances.
- Take Advantage of Off-Season Deals
Winter is totally an off-peak season, meaning cheaper flights, discounted hotels, and fewer tourists at major attractions.
- Try Seasonal Winter Foods
Warm up with hotpot, roasted sweet potatoes, lamb skewers, and traditional dumplings. Each region has its own winter specialties worth trying!
- Use High-Speed Trains for Comfort
High-speed trains are a great alternative to flights, offering warmth, comfort, and scenic views. They’re especially useful for winter travel between major cities.
China in winter offers a unique and beautiful travel experience. Whether you're chasing snow or escaping the cold, plan ahead and enjoy the season!
Explore China in Winter with Asia Odyssey Travel
Winter in China is a season of snow-covered landscapes, festive celebrations, and fewer crowds at major attractions. Whether you want to see the Great Wall dusted in snow, marvel at the Harbin Ice Festival, soak in natural hot springs, or experience the magic of Chinese New Year, winter offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.
At Asia Odyssey Travel, we take care of everything—customized itineraries, expert local guides, hassle-free transportation, and exclusive seasonal experiences. No language barriers, no stress, just a smooth and unforgettable winter adventure.
Ready to explore China in winter? Contact us today and start planning your trip!
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