Chengdu Weather in January 2026: the Peak Snow Season

Weather: January is the coldest month in Chengdu. The average daily high temperature is around 12°C (54°F), and the average nightly low temperature is 3°C (37°F).

But it is usually cold, damp, grey, hazy, and dry. It gets the fewest days of sunshine of the major cities in China, and for most of the year, it is cloudy and overcast. Only about 8 mm of rain falls each January, although some precipitation falls about 7 days of the month.

It seldom snows in downtown Chengdu, maybe only once or twice a year. But in January, you can easily see snow in nearby places like Mount Emei, Xiling Snow Mountain, Jiuzhaigou, and Mount Gongga.

What to Wear: Bring warm clothing such as a long and thick down jacket, sweaters, thermal underwear, gloves, warm pants, a scarf, and a hat to stay warm outdoors.

Is It Worth Visiting Chengdu in January?

If you don't mind the cloudy days and the temperatures, around 12°C (54°F) when it's sunny and 0–5°C (32-41°F ) on rainy days, January is still a good time to visit.

Since it's the off-season, you'll enjoy quieter attractions and lower travel costs, and it's also best for snow, pandas (they're more active in winter), spicy food, and hot spring soak.

January also offers New Year vibe. Beyond January 1st, Spring Festival may fall late in the month. You'll find more traditional celebrations in Chengdu, such as lantern shows and iron fireworks.

However, Spring Festival is also a peak travel period. Chengdu can get very crowded, prices double, and transport, hotels, and guides are in high demand. If you're not specifically visiting for the festivities, it's best to avoid this period.

What to Do in Chengdu in January

1. Ski at Xiling Snow Mountain or Bipenggou

Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort

January is peak snow season, and if you want to go skiing near Chengdu, Xiling Snow Mountain and Bipenggou are your best options.

Xiling Snow Mountain has 7 ski runs of different levels and also offers night skiing. There are also rich snow-playing activities like snow tubing, snowmobiles, ice forests, and a fairytale snow castle, making it more suitable for families to spend a resort time.

Bipenggou is best for scenery and quiet seekers, allowing you to ski surrounded by towering snow peaks. The snow slope here is flatter, so even if you are a beginner, you can practice freely and safely without worrying about bumping into others.

After a day on the slopes, nothing beats unwinding in a cozy hot spring, while enjoying views of the snow-capped peaks and frosted forests. For example, you can book Huashuiwan Resort at Xiling Snow Mountain, or the Ramada Hot Spring Hotel in Guregou near Bipenggou.

2. Catch Snow Views and Cloud Sea at Mount Emei

Mount Emei is covered in snow.

In January, Mount Emei is often snowy and misty, so you're more likely to see the ice forests, sea of clouds, and Buddha's Light if you visit in this month.

The most breathtaking experience is the sunrise over the sea of clouds at the Golden Summit. In January, sunrise is around 7:50 am and sunset is at 6:20 pm.

To catch the sunrise at its earliest, it's best to stay overnight at the Golden Summit. The rooms have floor heating to keep you warm and cozy, and we highly recommend booking a view room to enjoy the frosty forests and sunset right from your window.

And don't forget to bring crampons. Although there's a cable car, you'll still need to hike up some stairs through the snowy forest to reach the summit, and the path can be icy and slippery.

3. Watch Sichuan Opera at a Cozy Chamber Theatre

Sichuan Opera with face-changing and fire-spitting

If it's your first time in Chengdu and you're interested in history and traditional culture, you can not miss a Sichuan opera performance. It's as much a must-see as the giant pandas.

January can be chilly, but you can enjoy Sichuan opera from the warmth of a comfortable indoor theater. When you sip hot tea while watching classic performances like face-changing, fire-spitting, and rolling a Kerosene lamp, the cold seems to vanish from your body.

As winter evenings can be too cold for night markets or sightseeing, watching a Sichuan Opera can fill your evening. It usually starts around 7–8 pm, and it's perfect for elders or families with kids who prefer to stay warm.

4. Chase the Early Wintersweet in Du Fu's Thatched Cottage

Wintersweet

From late January to February, Chengdu is dotted with blooming wintersweet, so you'll actually find that winter in Chengdu is not so gloomy and bleak, except for the weather.

While at Du Fu Thatched Cottage, you'll find the widest variety of plum blossom colors, from yellow to pink and white.

But it's not just about colors. In this tranquil, traditional garden-style setting, when you admire the wintersweet, you'll also soak in the historic atmosphere and capture beautiful photos of blossoms framed by ancient architecture and red walls.

5. Join the New Year or Spring Festival Celebrations

Fire Dragon in Spring Festival

Chengdu in January is also full of festive vibes. During New Year, you'll find lively countdowns and fireworks in major shopping districts like Taikoo Li and MixC.

And if the Chinese Spring Festival happens to fall in January, you'll get to experience the most traditional and festive side of Chengdu.

For example, you can visit Jinli Old Street and Wuhou Shrine for temple fairs and folk shows, soak in the festive street vibes at Kuanzhai Alley, light incense for blessings at Wenshu Monastery, watch the Fire Dragon Dance in Huanglongxi Ancient Town, or enjoy lantern fairs, markets, and fish-shaped lantern parades at Tiexiang Temple Water Street.

More Activities to Enjoy in Chengdu in January

Of course, popular spots like Chunxi Road, Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli Old Street, the Panda Base, and People's Park are also great to visit on non-holiday days. 

Or you can head to Jiuzhaigou to see frozen waterfalls, or catch the sunrise glow over Gongga Snow Mountain. In January, you can enjoy a slow and relaxed pace while visiting these spots.

Popular Chengdu Tours

• 5-Day Chengdu, Leshan, and Mount Emei Tour
• 4-Day Essential Chengdu and In-Depth Jiuzhaigou Tour

Chengdu Weather by Month

• Chengdu Weather in January
• Chengdu Weather in February
• Chengdu Weather in March
• Chengdu Weather in April
• Chengdu Weather in May
• Chengdu Weather in June
• Chengdu Weather in July
• Chengdu Weather in August
• Chengdu Weather in September
• Chengdu Weather in October
• Chengdu Weather in November
• Chengdu Weather in December