If you love snowy scenery or prefer to travel when it’s quieter and more affordable, January is a great time to visit.
January is the coldest month in China. Large parts of China reach the peak of severe winter weather except for locations in South China, such as Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, and Hainan Island. These places are comfortable winter escapes for people from colder latitudes.
Snow falls in North China (in areas such as Harbin and Beijing). If you want to enjoy stunning snow scenery and exciting snow activities, go to North China.
Read on to get more China in January weather information and our useful travel tips.
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- January Weather Conditions
- Weather in North China
- Weather in East China
- Weather in South China
- Weather in West China
- Top 4 Places to Visit in January
- Crowds and Costs
January Weather Conditions in China
- Average daily temperature range: -5–5°C (23–41°F)
- Average rainy days: 2
- Average sunny days: 29
- Average rain/snowfall: 21 mm (1 in)
Weather in North China (Beijing, Xi'an, Harbin...)
North China is extremely cold in January. The temperature often reaches well below zero. The farther north you go, the colder it gets. Harbin averages -25 to -13°C (-13–9°F)!
The dry and snowy weather in northern areas provides a good climate to do outdoor activities like skiing, but remember to dress properly for the cold.
Clothing: You'll need an extra-thick coat and layers of clothing to stay warm, as well as gloves and a hat, long underwear, and winter shoes/boots with good traction.
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Amazing time in Beijing
Tom has been an amazing guide during our trip to Beijing. He explained us a lot about all the attractions we have visited, giving details about the history behind.Always on time, always flexible to accomodate our needs and requests. He gave us a lot of great suggestions about what to do in the free time and about restaurants.Has been a real pleasure to have him as guide, hope everyone can have someone like him during their time in Beijing. more
Aug 2025, giulio
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Experienced and knowledgeable private guide
Mark is a knowledgeable private guide with good English skills. He always had a story or tips to share at each location we visited. Also he and Mr Joe the driver were very flexible. We were there leading up to a military parade and so some locations were restricted around Tiananmen Square and so they worked late to help us navigate the situation and accomplish our goal to see the square. more
Aug 2025, taylor kevin
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Best Experience Ever! (Thanks Bruce!)
We had the chance for traveling to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) and we really enjoyed the experience.Bruce was our guide and was absolutely helpful and supportive.And also a great photographer! more
Aug 2025, giorgiocY8586FY
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Weather in East China (Shanghai, Hangzhou...)
The temperature hovers above zero degrees in East China, averaging 0–8°C (32–46°F), and there is some rain. So, if you are from Northern Europe or Northern America, the temperature is not that bad.
Clothing: Take a winter coat, warm layers of clothing, rain gear, and water-resistant shoes.
Weather in South China (Guilin, Guangzhou, Hong Kong...)
Although January is the coldest month in China, the southern areas still have comfortable temperatures for traveling. The average temperature is about 8–15°C (46–59°F). Though there is still some rain, it is the south's driest time.
As long as you are warmly dressed, you can enjoy your time at the attractions and on a river cruise.
Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, a thick coat, and a wind/rainproof jacket.
Weather in West China (Yunnan, Chengdu, Tibet...)
Weather conditions vary among cities in the western region of China.
Oxygen levels are low in Lhasa because the weather is cold. Due to the high altitude, it feels warm when it is sunny. It only snows a little — about once a month.
Chengdu typically has cool temperatures with occasional cloudy or foggy days, and it is common to experience light rain or drizzle.
While many cities in Yunnan Province benefit from pleasant winter weather with sunshine, high-altitude areas are frigid. Take Kunming (capital of Yunnan) as an example — temperatures average 2–15°C (36–59°F) and there are typically 4 days (14 mm, ½ in) of rainfall in January.
Clothing: Dress in layers and take your coat, gloves, and a hat.
Recommended China Tours in January
- 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
- 8-Day China Golden Triangle Tour
- 21-Day A Grand Tour of China's Landmarks
All of our tours can be adjusted based on your requirements. Feel free to contact us.
Is China Crowded or Expensive in January?
In general, January is the low season for most areas of China, except for some northern cities, such as Harbin, which are popular for winter travel. This means that most destinations are less crowded and the prices go down.
If you want to arrange a private tour, simply contact us. You'll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure. (See more details.)
Top 4 Places to Visit in China in January
Here are five popular winter destinations in January in China where you could enjoy a wonderful winter holiday with everything from beautiful snowy scenery to vibrant cultural experiences.
1. Yunnan: Where Snow Meets Sunshine
Jade Dragon Snow MountainRanging from tropical rainforests to snow-capped peaks, Yunnan in January would give you more options in winter.
In Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, you can marvel at the snow-covered Jiaozi, Jade Dragon, and Meili Snow Mountains — January is one of the best times of the year to enjoy their breathtaking alpine views.
In Dali, Kunming, and Lijiang, the city areas stay comfortably warm in winter. It is perfect for outdoor sightseeing.
You could ride a bike along Erhai Lake, take a relaxing walk through Lijiang Ancient Town, or visit a local farm with your kids to make the region’s famous flower cakes as a special New Year’s treat.
If you’re looking to escape the cold and experience somewhere even warmer, head south to Xishuangbanna. There, you could go on an adventure in the tropical rainforest, explore Dai villages and their local cuisine, or unwind in the nearby Jingmai Mountain, surrounded by tea plantations and forest trails.
- 7-Day Yunnan Winter Tour
- 18-Day Classic China Tour with Yunnan
- 7-Day Shangri-La and Meili Snow Mountain Adventure Tour
2. Harbin: Best Place for Snow Activities
Ice and Snow WorldIf you want to see the snow and participate in a variety of snow and ice activities, then Harbin is the place for you.
The annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is open and offers a mesmerizing winter wonderland. Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures, ice castles, and even enjoy thrilling ice slides.
You could also go to China Snow Town to feel the magic of seeing splashed water instantly turn into ice and experience the traditional winter lifestyle in northeast China, such as staying on a traditional kang bed (a brick bed heated by a fire underneath) and making dumplings.
3. Beijing: Enjoy the Less-Crowded Great Wall
Our clients visiting the Great Wall in winterBeijing remains a popular choice for first-time visitors to China, regardless of the season.
January is the off-season in Beijing. You could enjoy better prices. Attractions are less crowded, so you could spend more time exploring rather than waiting in line.
In January, you have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking snow-covered scenery of the Great Wall. This dry and cold season also allows for hiking, and you could enjoy a less-crowded experience on the Great Wall.
Beijing also offers great opportunities for skiing in winter. You could enjoy the fun at an Olympic resort and skate with locals on a frozen lake.
Furthermore, you could experience vibrant celebrations at the Chinese New Year, which typically occurs at the end of January or in the beginning/middle of February.
- 10-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle with Pingyao
- 6-Day Beijing Winter Tour with Skiing in a Winter Olympic Cluster
- 5-Day Beijing Family Tour
4. Guangzhou: A Warm Foodie Getaway
Guangzhou dim sum snacksGuangzhou is also a great choice if you’re looking for a warm January getaway.
A food experience is a must here. With temperatures around 10–20°C, it’s perfect for exploring the city’s famous food streets like Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and enjoying traditional dim sum at Tao Tao Ju or other classic Cantonese tea houses.
You can also visit the Canton Tower and take the Bubble Tram to watch the city’s stunning sunset views from above. If you love shopping, Baima Clothing Market and Zhonggang Leather Mall are ideal places to hunt for affordable, made-in-China goods.
If you have about a week to spare, consider extending your trip to nearby Foshan, Chaozhou, or Shenzhen. There, you can experience more of Lingnan culture and enjoy the region’s high-tech modernity.
- 3-Day Guangzhou Foodie & Shopping Adventure
- 3-Day China's Silicon Valley-Shenzhen Highlights Tour
- 14-Day Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and Zhangjiajie Tour
More Ideas
If you have your own ideas, you could just contact us. All of our tours can be customized based on your interests and requirements.
Or you could see our Top Places to Visit in January in China for inspiration.
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