China in December

December to February is cold and dry in northern China. In Beijing, the capital, the temperature is freezing for most of these months, with lows averaging minus 6 °C (21 °F) and highs a chilly 4 °C (39 °F). Harbin, a city in the country's northeast, is colder still with lows regularly falling below minus 20 °C (minus 4 °F), the city covered in frost and snow. The weather sets the tone for the city's magnificent ice festival, which begins early January. Thousands upon thousands of elegant and complex ice sculptures are made, their beauty attracting visitors from afar.

Central China is cold and dry throughout, In November to February in Nanjing, one of China's former capitals, Nanjing has highs of around 10 °C (50 °F) and lows of around zero (32 °F).  Xian (home to the Terracotta Warriors) is another of central China's landmark cities, one of the country’s oldest, and the weather is similar to Nanjing's, though a little colder in January the high of just 5 °C (41 °F) and lows  minus 5 C (23 °F).

Southern China has a humid subtropical climate, warm to hot the whole year round. January to March, before the rains, is warm and dry(ish). Temperatures in the historic city of Guangzhou (Canton), one of the nation's key trade hubs, sees average highs of 28 °C  (82 °F) in Jan to 32 (90 °F) in March, with lows averaging around 15 °C (59). Precipitation is a more than manageable 40, 70, 85 mm for January, February, and March respectively, about two thirds of the days dry.

The beautifully barren lands of northwest China, spanning Tibet, Xingjiang Gansu, Ningxia and Qinghai can be visited all year round. With much of the region desert, grassland and mountain, the winters in the region are cold and dry. Lhasa, capital of Tibet, is nestled in a valley protecting it from strong wind and intense cold, with the average temperature of minus 7 °C to 9 °C (19-48 °F) in January, warming to 0 to 14 °C (32- 57 °F) in March. Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, is much further to the north, with average temperatures of minus 16  to minus 8 °C  (3-18 °F) in January, the coldest month, but rising to minus 3 to 6 °C (27 -42 °F) in March. 

Depending on the lunar calendar, January or February brings Chinese New Year, when millions use public transport to return to their hometowns. Planning ahead is essential during this busy travel period.

Suggested Itineraries

Discover Cantonese Culture From Hong Kong To Conghua

Soak up the culture, history, sights and sounds of Canton on this six-day exploration of southern China’s most stylish province. From the bright lights, art galleries and markets of Hong Kong, immerse yourself in beautiful Conghua, where golf, hot springs and historic artifacts await amid gorgeous mountain scenery.

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,600
See Itinerary

Riding the Dragon's Back: Adventures in Guilin & Longsheng

Spend 5 days touring the stunning, vibrant landscapes of Southern China on this luxury journey through Yangshuo, Ping An, Xiaozhai, and Guilin. You’ll explore Guilin City, capture the limestone karsts of the Li River, visit picturesque rice terraces, and spend a night at the remarkable Li-An Lodge.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,200
See Itinerary

Guilin to Guizhou: Mountains and Ethnic Minorities of Southwest China

Gain some incredible insight into China’s ethnic and cultural diversity on this fascinating 13-day luxury journey. You’ll capture stunning panoramic scenes of the Li River, explore mystical caves, visit the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, interact with local minorities, and stay in luxury hotels like the Li-An Lodge.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,000
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Recommended Festivals For China in December

Dong New Year

December

Sometimes referred to as the Winter Festival, New Year of Dong is celebrated by the Dong ethnic group in Guizhou province. The Dong communities come together to celebrate the harvest; wearing traditional dress, they entertain friends and relatives, share food and join the celebrations with Lusheng music, dancing and bullfighting.

Location Guizhou, China

Lusheng Reed Pipe Festival

Celebrated in many different places - In Lusheng it is September (biggest one)

This is a popular four-day festival celebrated by the Miao ethnic minority of Guizhou. The Lusheng reed pipe dates back to the Tang dynasty and, as a symbol of Miao history, is played throughout the festival at ceremonies and performances of traditional dances. There are horse races on the third day and bullfighting on the fourth.

Location Lusheng, China

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