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Top 6 Places to Visit in February in China

Top 6 Places to Visit in February in China

Written by Chris QuanUpdated Mar. 4, 2024

February is the last month of winter in most of China. It's the right time to appreciate rape flowers and plum blossoms in warm places. Meanwhile, Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is more likely to fall in February, when China will be filled with happiness and huge celebrations.

Best Places to Visit in February in China

1. Beijing — the Great Wall in Snow, and Skiing

Great Wall in SnowGreat Wall in Snow

February is a quiet time for traveling to Beijing (apart from during the Spring Festival rush). You can enjoy a less-crowded trip, especially at the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace, which are full of crowds in peak season. 

If you are interested in skiing, Beijing is an ideal place. There are several ski resorts around Beijing: such as Chongli Thaiwoo Ski Resort and Nanshan Ski Resort.

If you are traveling during Spring Festival, we recommend Beijing's temple fairs, a traditional experience held at ancient temples for hundreds of years. The most famous temple fairs in Beijing are Changdian Temple Fair, Dongyue Temple Fair, and Baiyun Temple Fair. Read top 10 Beijing temple fairs.

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2. Harbin — Colorful Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

Harbin St Sofia Orthodox ChurchHarbin St Sofia Orthodox Church

Harbin is the northernmost city of China, near Russia. You can see many Russian-style buildings there, such as St Sofia Orthodox Church. It is always an ideal place to visit in China's wintertime.

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival last till late February. You can see many (life-size) famous buildings etc. sculpted in ice or snow.

Harbin is also a good place for skiing. If you are interested in skiing, please refer to Yabuli Skiing Center, Erlongshan Skiing Resort, and Jihua Skiing Resort.

Recommended Harbin Tours:

3. Changbai Mountain — Splendid Wintry Scenery

  • Average February temperatures: -30–-10°C (-22–14°F)

Changbai Mountain is one of the top scenic mountains in China. It has splendid scenery in all four seasons, but it is especially beautiful in winter and an extraordinary winter resort for all kinds of visitors.

Heavenly Lake is like a sapphire set in the snowy mountains. Gorgeous rime hangs on the branches. Mt. Changbai's hot spring river is covered by mist.

Changbai Mountain offers various snow activities like skiing, winter rafting, sledding, and snowmobiling. There are also many luxury hot spring resorts.

Recommended Changbai Mountain Tours:

4. Yunnan — Rice Terraces, Flowers, Hot Springs

Canola Flowers in LuopingCanola Flowers in LuopingLuoping
  • Average February temperatures: 5–20°C (41–68°F)
  • Read more about Yunnan Weather.

February is a good time to visit Yuanyang's Rice Terraces (in Kunming prefecture, southwest China). It is one of China's five most beautiful rice terraces.

It looks like a huge palette, with red earth and water in the fields reflecting the blue sky and golden sunshine. Around mid-February, the blooming wildflowers make it more charming.

It's also an ideal month to see rape flowers in Luoping. The yellow rape flowers, covering an area of more than 100 square kilometers (39 sq mi), are in full bloom between February and March.

The warm sub-tropical sunshine, clear dry-season skies, and moderate climate will let you enjoy abundant outdoor activities. Explore tropical landscapes in Xishuangbanna, hike on the original Tea Horse Road in Lijiang, and relax in a volcanic hot spring in Tengchong.

5. Sanya — Warmest Place in China

Sanya BeachSanya Beach

If you want a trip away from the coldness of China's winter, Hainan Island is ideal. It's the warmest place in China during February.

You can have fun in the sea and on the beaches in Sanya, known as "Oriental Hawaii". Experience spreading the sails, diving in the blue ocean, flying through a tropical forest by zipline, hiking in 'Sky's Edge Sea's Corner' Scenic Zone, and shopping for duty-free commodities.

Recommended Sanya Tours:

6. The Yellow Mountains — Magnificent Snow Scenery

the yellow mountain in snow, seas of cloudsThe Yellow Mountain in Snow, Seas of Clouds

If you are looking for enchanting mountain snow scenery, the Yellow Mountains is an ideal destination.

Different from many famous pictures, the Yellow Mountains in February have breathtaking views of a pure white world. The famous scene "the seas of cloud" is more likely to be seen in winter.

And the sunrises and sunsets on the mountains are very splendid. You can enjoy the scenery by yourself most of the time, unlike in the overcrowded summer.

Recommended Yellow Mountains Tours:

Plan Your Winter Holiday with Us

For travelers who prefer snow scenery and activities, see our most recommended customizable ice and snow tours:

For those who'd prefer a warm winter escape, see our top recommended customizable warm winter tours:

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