Ask a QuestionDecember marks the onset of winter across China, offering a diverse range of weather patterns depending on the region. From snow-covered landscapes in the north to mild, sunny days in the south, China’s vast expanse provides travelers with a variety of winter experiences. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to plan for your trip across different parts of China in December.
In December, China experiences significant weather variations due to its vast size and diverse topography. The northern regions plunge into freezing temperatures, while southern and coastal areas remain relatively mild. On average, temperatures range from -10°C to 10°C, with colder weather in the northern and inland areas.
While northern China is characterized by dry, cold air with occasional snowfall, the south enjoys milder temperatures, offering a pleasant escape from winter's harshness. If you're traveling to China in December, expect shorter days, with daylight lasting around 8 to 10 hours.
In December, northern China is deep in winter, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Beijing's temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C, making it necessary to bundle up in thick coats, scarves, and gloves. Harbin, known as China's "Ice City," experiences even colder temperatures, dropping as low as -20°C, with snowfall adding to its magical winter landscape.
Harbin is particularly famous for its Ice and Snow Festival, which begins in late December. This is an excellent time to visit for those who enjoy winter sports, ice sculpture exhibitions, and snow-covered landscapes.
While northern China freezes, southern cities such as Guangzhou and Sanya maintain milder climates. In Guangzhou, temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a break from the cold. Sanya, located on Hainan Island, remains warm with temperatures around 25°C, offering sunny beaches and tropical vibes even in December.
For those looking to escape the cold, a visit to the southern coast is ideal for enjoying pleasant weather, warm seas, and outdoor activities.
Western China’s high-altitude regions, including Tibet and Xinjiang, experience dry, cold weather in December. In Lhasa, the temperature ranges from -10°C at night to 10°C during the day, but the sun shines bright due to the region's high elevation. Despite the cold, Tibet’s serene landscape and fewer tourists make this an appealing time for those seeking peace and cultural exploration.
Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, experiences similar conditions, with temperatures often dipping below freezing but offering clear skies and stunning winter scenery.
Central China, including cities like Wuhan and Zhengzhou, experiences cold but less harsh weather compared to the north. Temperatures hover between 0°C and 10°C. Although snow is less frequent, the cold air and humidity make it feel chillier than the actual temperature.
1. Wusong Island (Jilin Province)
Highlights: Snow-covered trees, Rime ice, Scenic photography spots
Wusong Island, one of China's four natural wonders, is an enchanting winter destination in December. The island, formed by the Songhua River, is renowned for its spectacular rime ice that begins to form in late December. The trees on the island are beautifully coated with frost, creating a dreamlike, silvery landscape. The best time to visit is from late December to February, with the optimal photography window between 10:00 and 11:30 AM. For those keen on capturing the beauty of rime ice, the villages of Hantun and Zengtun offer excellent viewpoints.
Location: Wulajie Town, Longtan District, Jilin City, Jilin Province
2. Laojun Mountain (Henan Province)
Highlights: Snow landscapes, Cloud sea, World Geological Park
Laojun Mountain, named after Laozi, the founder of Taoism, becomes an ethereal wonderland in winter. From November through February, snow blankets the mountain, and the golden temple at its peak often appears to float above a sea of clouds. The snow-covered landscape, coupled with the misty clouds and ancient temples, creates a truly heavenly scene. Whether it's sunrise, sunset, or twilight, every view here is a masterpiece of nature.
Location: Qiliping Village, Luanchuan County, Luoyang, Henan Province
3. Harbin Ice and Snow World (Heilongjiang Province)
Highlights: Ice sculptures, Snow art, Large-scale ice festival
Harbin Ice and Snow World is an iconic winter attraction that opens in mid-December and runs through early March. The park features some of the world's most stunning ice sculptures, creating a mesmerizing fantasyland of illuminated ice castles, statues, and buildings. In addition to the Ice and Snow World, the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo and Zhaolin Park Ice Lantern Garden Party are also must-visit spots in Harbin during winter.
Location: Songbei District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province
5. Changbai Mountain (Jilin Province)
Highlights: Snow-covered peaks, Skiing, Ice waterfalls
Changbai Mountain offers some of the best winter scenery in China. From December to early January, visitors can enjoy pristine snowfields, frozen lakes, and dramatic ice waterfalls. Known for its long snow season, this mountain range is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and soaking in hot springs. The iconic Tianchi Lake, often frozen over, adds to the magical atmosphere, while the towering pines and icy cliffs create a fairytale setting.
Location: Between Antu County, Yanbian, and Fusong County, Baishan, Jilin Province
6. Weizhou Island (Guangxi Province)
Highlights: Subtropical climate, Beaches, Geological park
For those seeking a winter beach escape, Weizhou Island is the perfect choice. Located in the subtropical zone, the island enjoys mild December temperatures around 20°C. Visitors can relax on its pristine white sand beaches, admire the lush vegetation, or explore the island’s unique coastal landscapes, including sea-eroded cliffs and natural rock formations. Weizhou Island offers a peaceful getaway, particularly in winter when the crowds are minimal.
Location: Haicheng District, Beihai City, Guangxi Province
7. Snow Town (Heilongjiang Province)
Highlights: Snow landscapes, Winter sports, Fairy-tale atmosphere
Snow Town, also known as Shuangfeng Forest Farm, is China's quintessential winter wonderland. Starting in October and lasting until April, the town is blanketed in deep snow, creating picture-perfect scenes with snow-covered rooftops, frosty trees, and red lanterns. Visitors can enjoy snow sledding, snowball fights, or even experience traditional sledding with dogs and horses. Snow Town is especially magical during Chinese New Year when it feels like a scene out of a storybook.
Location: Hailin City, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province
8. Yabuli Ski Resort (Heilongjiang Province)
Highlights: Skiing, Snow sports, Winter festivals
Yabuli is China's most famous ski resort, located in Heilongjiang Province. The resort offers a range of ski slopes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as other winter activities like snowmobiling, ice skating, and sledding. Yabuli's long winter season, lasting from November to March, makes it a popular choice for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort also features hot springs for relaxation after a day on the slopes.
Location: Yabuli Town, Shangzhi City, Heilongjiang Province
9. Hani Rice Terraces (Yunnan Province)
Highlights: Mirror-like terraces, Stunning sunrise and sunset views, Photography hotspot
Winter is the best time to visit the Hani Rice Terraces in Yuanyang County. From November to April, the terraces are flooded with water, creating breathtaking reflections during sunrise and sunset. The colorful light reflected on the water, combined with the swirling mists and clouds, makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site a paradise for photographers. The terraces, built into the mountainside, offer a unique and peaceful rural atmosphere.
Location: Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
►Cold Northern Regions (Beijing, Harbin, Snow Town)
For northern China, where temperatures can drop below -10°C, it's essential to pack: Thick down jackets, Thermal wear, Hats, scarves, gloves, Waterproof, insulated boots.
►Mild Southern Regions (Guangzhou, Sanya)
In southern China, lighter clothing like sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and light jackets are appropriate. If you’re visiting Sanya, pack swimwear, sunscreen, and light beachwear for the tropical climate.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Although the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival officially starts in January, preparations and early events begin in late December. This is a magical time to witness intricate ice sculptures, grand snow castles, and illuminated ice lanterns.
Christmas Celebrations
While Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday, it is increasingly celebrated in larger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Major shopping malls and hotels host Christmas-themed events, and streets are decorated with lights, giving visitors a festive, holiday feel.
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