Is it a good choice to visit China in December?
Yes. December is a great time to explore China, but the experience differs by region.
In the north, it's the season for snow: Harbin's Ice and Snow Festival, ski resorts near Beijing and Changbaishan, and stunning winter scenery in places like Yellow Mountain. Expect very cold weather, but magical landscapes.
In the south, the climate is much milder. Cities like Yunnan, Chengdu, Chongqing, or Guangzhou are in low season, meaning fewer crowds and better prices. You can enjoy ancient towns, riverside scenery, and local food without the peak-season rush.
Read on to find out how China's December climate affects tourism and our travel suggestions.
China Weather in December: Overview
Top 7 Places to Visit in China in December
With low-season prices, quietness at the sights, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy from north to south, traveling in China in December offers great Christmas and New Year holiday experiences for you and your family.
Have a snowy Christmas in:
- Harbin & Mt. Changbaishan: Ice and Snow Festival, skiing, hot springs...
- Inner Mongolia: reindeer, nomadic life, BBQ in the snowy forest...
- Beijing: skiing, hot springs, the Great Wall...
- Northern Xinjiang: snow skiing, minority culture, vast landscapes...
Have a warm Christmas in:
- Yunnan: clear skies, diverse landscapes, minority culture...
- Sanya: sunny beaches, resorts with pools, seafood...
- Lhasa: sunshine, Potala Palace, plateau scenery....
1. Harbin & Changbai Mountain
Harbin Ice and Snow WorldIn late December, Harbin's Ice and Snow World opens. It's a winter amusement park with various ice-built castles illuminated by lights, along with entertainment. At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, there is also a fireworks show.
Skiing is, of course, an essential experience in Harbin. You could enjoy an all-inclusive winter holiday at Club Med Yabuli.
In Changbaishan, besides the frozen Heavenly Lake, the tallest volcanic waterfall, and the relaxing hot springs, you can also try rafting on a hot spring river at the foot of Changbai Mountain when the air temperature is -30°C (-22°F). Be the coolest one on your social media.
Rafting on a hot spring river at the foot of Changbai MountainThe Snow Town near Harbin is also a highlight. You could see the charming snow-covered village and experience what it's like in winter in the northern countryside. See our 7-Day Harbin, Snow Town, Mt.Changbai, and Changchun Tour
2. Yunnan
Dali Ancient PagodasWhile most of China is cold in winter, Yunnan in December stands out with its mild climate and sunny days.
The terraced rice fields in Yuanyang transform into mirrors of golden hues, reflecting the subdued winter sun. In the historic town of Lijiang, snowcapped mountains form a stunning backdrop to the traditional Naxi architecture.
Yuanyang Rice FieldsYou might see black-headed gulls at Erhai Lake, which have traveled all the way from northern Russia to spend their winter there. You could also take advantage of the sunny weather to ride along the edge of Erhai Lake.
You could explore Shaxi Ancient Town and make a typical handicraft of the Bai ethnicity before enjoying a moderate hike along the medieval Tea Horse Road.
Check out the 8-Day 'Meet Yourself' Yunnan Tour
3. Beijing
The snowy Great WallThe special silence of winter, with fewer tourists in Beijing, will make your visits to historical sites much more peaceful and profound. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace remain unmissable.
If you happen to see snow (which sometimes falls in December), you'll be treated to Beijing's beautiful winter scenery.
The Great Wall stands out dramatically against the white-covered ridges, and the golden glazed tiles and red walls of the Forbidden City are dusted in snow, creating a striking contrast.
Skiing is one of the most popular activities for families when traveling to Beijing in December. By December, all of Beijing's ski resorts are open. See Beijing's Top Ski Resorts
4. Inner Mongolia
HulunbuirInner Mongolia is not just highly visited for its beautiful grassland vistas. It is also a popular winter destination known for its boundless ice and snow scenery and primitive nomadic culture.
Traveling to Inner Mongolia in winter will no doubt refresh your senses and provide a beautiful contrast to hectic city life.
- Experience horse riding, snowmobile riding, and ice fishing in the vast snow prairies.
- Visit the last reindeer herder's tribe in China and get close to reindeer like Santa's.
- Visit the last remaining six families in China's coldest village, feel their enthusiasm for their harsh lives, and find out how they combat the extreme cold.
- Sleep on a traditional heated brick bed and work with local people to experience authentic Mongolian daily life.
5. Sanya
Enjoy the sunny beach in Sanya.Sanya is the warmest city in China in December with an average high of 27°C (81°F).
The long coastline, glorious sunshine, romantic islands, and golden shores make Sanya a favorite winter destination for travelers. Some even say that its beautiful beaches make it the "Hawaii of China".
There, you can leave your winter coat behind and snorkel in the sparkling blue ocean. Try some exciting watersports, like banana boats, water scooters, and sailing.
Sanya has about seven bays with coveted beaches to choose from. Yalong Bay is the most recommended one for couples and families as it has the most beautiful beaches, cleaner seas, and high-standard hotels.
6. Northern Xinjiang
Fairytale World - KanasThe snow scenery in northern Xinjiang is definitely worth exploring.
Kanas's winter is like a Chinese ink painting. Villages are scattered in the boundless snowscape, the morning mist rises from the streams, the crystal-clear rime hangs on the birch trees... (How to Plan a Trip to Kanas)
In Hemu Village, you will enter into a fairytale scene. The cabins deep in the snowy forest glow with warm orange light and their pointed roofs are covered with thick white snow.
One factor to note is that all flights from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou must stop first in Urumqi after a 4–5-hour journey.
Two nights are suggested in Urumqi to take in its exotic Muslim folk culture. From Urumqi to Kanas, it takes less than 1½ hours. A comparatively long journey to Northern Xinjiang will reward your family with an awesome other-worldly experience.
7. Lhasa
Our clients in LhasaDon't be surprised if I say that Lhasa is also a good choice for a comparatively warm holiday. Lhasa is called the 'sunlight city': its daytime highs of around 8°C in December feel much warmer.
Compared with other seasons, Lhasa in December is more laid back.
Pilgrims come in from near and far. Local people sit basking in the warm midday sunshine or enjoying a cup of yak butter tea and chatting in a teahouse.
With no crowds, you will probably find you are the only tourist in some places. Only when you are traveling in Lhasa in winter can you experience the most authentic life there.
Although Tibet transportation is usually costly, in December you may find unprecedented discounts on airfares — up to 80% off. While all entrance tickets are at low-season rates, some sights are even free for entry!
Fall in love with the "sunlight city" — take our 5-Day Tibet Winter Tour for inspiration.
Recommended China Tours
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