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.
Top 5 Places to Visit in China in January
Here are 5 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.
2. Harbin & Jilin: 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 mesmerising winter wonderland. Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures, ice castles, and even enjoy thrilling ice slides.
If you like photography and look for spectacular winter scenery, the rime wonder of Jilin City should not be missed. The best spots to see the rime ice are the Ashhada Rime Ice Viewing Belt and Rime Ice Island.
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.
Our winter tours can take you to enjoy warm destinations, experience the magic of snow and ice, or you can contact us to create a personalized itinerary just for you.
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.
5. Chengdu — Glacier, Hot Pot, and Pandas
Chengdu Bipenggou ValleyGetting close to pandas will be an unforgettable moment in your winter holidays.
Besides meeting the lovely Giant Pandas, you can taste real Sichuan food and learn how to cook authentic Sichuan cuisine. The hot and spicy food will ward off the cold.
You can also enjoy the fun of skiing in beautiful Bipenggou National Park (3½ hours away by car), and soak in a natural mineral hot spring in a snowy wonderland.
In addition, Mount Emei provides beautiful snowy scenery in winter with sweeping cliffs, high-reaching peaks, gushing waterfalls, gurgling springs, and towering ancient trees.
Plan Your Winter Holiday with Us
For travelers who prefer snow scenery and activities, see our most recommended customizable ice and snow tours:
- 8-Day Northeast China Winter Holiday Tour — Charming Northeast China
For those who'd prefer a warm winter escape, see our top recommended customizable warm winter tours:
- 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Winter Tour — A Warm Winter Trip in Yunnan
Or contact us if you have any questions or requirements to design a tour.
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