Winter tourism in China

Winter is the enchanting season to explore China, weaving together frosty landscapes and timeless cultural traditions. Snow-blanketed mountains, icy rivers, and glittering cities create a photographer’s paradise with stark, serene beauty. The crisp, cold air invites cozy adventures—skiing alpine slopes, soaking in hot springs, or sipping tea by traditional hearths—while off-peak travel means quieter historic sites.
 
Winter festivals, like the Lantern Festival’s glowing lanterns or Harbin’s Ice Festival extravaganzas, add festive magic. This blend of natural wonder, cultural warmth, and seasonal celebrations offers travelers a unique journey through China’s winter soul.

Best Travel Destination for Winter

Harbin
Chengdu
Sanya
Xiamen
Guangzhou
Beijing
Yunnan
Xinjiang
Harbin, China’s "Ice City," blends Russian-inspired architecture with frozen wonders, transforming into a winter dreamland. Crisp air and snow-draped landscapes create a magical setting for festive adventures.
The season cloaks the city in glittering ice sculptures, snow mazes, and twinkling lights. Subzero temperatures suit ice castle tours, skiing, or sledding. The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival dazzles with colossal ice art and fireworks.
Visit Snow Town, Ice and Snow World, stroll Central Street’s Russian-style buildings, or ski at Yabuli. A 3-day trip could mix ice slides, hot spring dips, and dumpling feasts. Pair this with sled dog rides or folk ice lantern workshops for local flair.
Chengdu, Sichuan’s cozy hub, pairs spicy cuisine and panda cuteness with nearby winter wonderlands. Crisp air and snow-kissed peaks create a playground for adventure and cultural warmth.
The season dusts Xiling Snow Mountain (ski slopes, hot springs) and Siguniangshan (alpine hikes, frosty vistas) in glistening snow. Misty mornings and sunny days suit mountain treks, temple visits, or hotpot feasts. New Year festivals and folk markets add festive cheer.
Ski at Xiling Snow Mountain, trek Siguniangshan’s trails, or meet pandas at the research base. A 3-day trip could blend snow sports, Tibetan village tours, and Sichuan Opera nights. Pair this with spicy mala hotpot or tea house lounging for local comfort.

6 Days

Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan

3 Days

Chengdu-Huanglong National Park-Jiuzhaigou

from $456

6 Days

Chengdu-Four Girls Mountains

from $456
Sanya, China’s tropical "Hawaii," offers sun-soaked beaches, turquoise waters, and lush rainforests as a winter escape from cold. Warm breezes and palm-fringed shores create a laid-back paradise.
The season brings balmy 25°C (77°F) days, perfect for beach lounging, snorkeling, or yacht cruises. Clear skies and gentle waves suit diving at coral reefs or hiking Yalong Bay’s rainforest trails. New Year fireworks and coastal markets add festive energy.
Relax on Yalong or Sanya Bay, explore Wuzhizhou Island’s underwater world, or hike Luhuitou Peak. A 3-day trip could mix sunbathing, seafood feasts, and jungle zip-lining. Pair this with tropical fruit tasting or sunset cruises for island vibes.

7 Days

Sanya-Lingshui-Wanning-Haikou

5 Days

Sanya

from $562
Xiamen, a coastal gem in Fujian, blends colonial charm, serene beaches, and subtropical warmth into a winter retreat. Mild temperatures and blooming bougainvillea create a vibrant escape from colder climates.
The season offers 15–20°C (59–68°F) days, ideal for cycling Gulangyu Island’s car-free lanes, strolling Nanputuo Temple’s incense-filled gardens, or sipping oolong tea by the sea. Cultural festivals and street markets add local color.
Explore Gulangyu’s villas, hike Mount Hulishan’s coastal trail, or savor seafood at Zengcuoan’s night stalls. A 2–3 day trip could mix heritage walks, tea house lounging, and ferry rides to Kinmen (Taiwan-adjacent). Pair this with peony flower shows or clay oven baked goods for local flavor.
Guangzhou, a subtropical metropolis in southern China, offers mild winters (12–20°C/54–68°F) filled with blooming flowers, bustling markets, and historic Cantonese charm. The city’s fusion of old and new creates a cozy winter escape.
The season brings sunny skies and crisp air, perfect for exploring Chen Clan Ancestral Hall’s artistry, Shamian Island’s colonial architecture, or Canton Tower’s panoramic views. New Year flower markets and dim sum feasts add festive warmth.
Stroll Yuexiu Park’s ancient walls, cruise the Pearl River at dusk, or sip herbal tea in Lychee Bay. A 2–3 day trip could blend heritage tours, temple visits, and nighttime light shows. Pair this with roasted goose lunches or jasmine tea workshops for local flair.
Beijing’s winter transforms the city into a snow-kissed wonderland, blending imperial grandeur with festive cheer. Crisp air and occasional snowfall create a magical backdrop for history buffs and adventure seekers.
The season dusts the Forbidden City in silver, turns Mutianyu Great Wall into an icy dragon, and ignites temple fairs with lanterns and dumpling stalls. Subzero temperatures suit hutong ice-skating, hotpot dinners, or winter panda-watching.
Hike the Great Wall at Jinshanling, skate on Shichahai Lake, or explore 798 Art Zone’s galleries. A 3-day trip could mix heritage sites, Peking Opera nights, and roast duck feasts. Pair this with lantern festivals or snowy park strolls for iconic winter moments.

4 Days

Beijing

2 Days

Beijing

from $267
Yunnan, China’s "Land of Eternity," blends snow-capped peaks, tropical valleys, and ethnic diversity into a winter wonderland. Mild days and crisp nights create a tapestry of landscapes and cultures.
The season paints Meili Snow Mountain in golden sunrise hues, warms Xishuangbanna’s rainforests, and ignites ethnic festivals with bonfires and traditional dances. Snow-draped terraces (e.g., Yuanyang) contrast with blooming camellias.
Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge’s icy trails, explore Dali’s Erhai Lake by bike, or sip Pu’er tea in old towns. A 5–7 day trip could mix alpine treks, jungle elephant sanctuaries, and minority village stays. Pair this with hot springs or pine-scented markets for local charm.
Xinjiang, China’s wild west, transforms in winter into a surreal landscape of snow-draped deserts, glacial peaks, and Silk Road mystique. Subzero temperatures and azure skies create a playground for adventure and cultural immersion.
The season gilds Kanas Lake’s forests in frost, turns Heavenly Lake into a glassy mirror, and sparks Uyghur festivals with horse games and roasted mutton. Snow-capped dunes (e.g., Taklamakan’s edges) contrast with geothermal springs.
Ski at Altay’s powder slopes, hike the snowy Muzart Pass, or wander Kashgar’s Sunday Bazaar. A 5–7 day trip could blend nomadic yurts, camel treks, and ancient mosque visits. Pair this with hearty laghman noodles or Kazakh eagle-hunting demos for local magic.

Select travel destinations based on temperature

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China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

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IntoExplore
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Charnay Tung
March 11,2025
This agency offers good services and always help me with any errors during booking. Thanks for taking good care of my team during our trip at Shanghai.
Lucía Fernández
Nov. 20,2024
Special thanks to my guide, Sofia. It's really hard for me to find a Spanish tour guide. She is professional and I have a good understanding about the China culture under her guide. During the Xi'an trip, I was shocked by the strong atmosphere of culture. I hope I can go next time, really love it.
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John J
Mar 2025 Family
4.8 of 5 bubbles
An amazing experience with Into Explore, their services are absolutely brilliant
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Into Explore for providing the Johnston Family with an amazing experience in China, it really was a brilliant service with a very personal touch by Vicky/Tiana and their team of guides and drivers.
Our whole journey through China exceeded our expectations due to the fact that Into Explore made everything so easy and if issues arose, they were rectified in an extremely timely manner.
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Swandi T
Mar 2025 Family
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Amaging Exploring Shenzen
Shenzen is wonderful city since arrive all imigration was very helpful and smiling,entering city has lot of park with so many tree. I got good travel agent who serve me well (IntoExplore),I like to explore food, city view hang out in seaworld area. People are welcome and helpful.
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Robert Gex
Apr 15,2025
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Independent travel by train in China…
Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .
Seaid
February 06,2025
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Excellent experience in Great Wall
as a first-time traveler in beijing, I`m so many thanks to Norman for arranging a well-planned trip to great wall and also the kind driver and guide. My first experience to China was perfect. thanks a lot!!!

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