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.
February
The Miao people of Liuzhi in Guizhou province, celebrate their history and heritage during this day-long festival. The people dress in traditional costume and come together in the town for a local government ceremony and to watch the buffalo fights and performances of classical Lusheng folk dancing and Miao music.
Location Liuzhi, China
February
The lantern festival is a popular celebration which takes place over one night throughout China. Children take elaborate, vividly-colored - usually red - lanterns to the temple. The lanterns are embellished with riddles the children try to solve. The releasing of the lanterns symbolizes letting go of the past, and being ready for renewal.
Location Countrywide, China
March
The Naxi people celebrate this one-day festival every year to honor the jade dragon snow mountain hero who protects the Lijiang area. They visit the Sanduo statue in the temple and make ceremonial animal sacrifices. The families of the community cook and share food, while playing games set to music and dancing.
Location Lijiang, China
January/February
The day before Chinese New Year, people clean their houses to clear away bad luck and welcome good luck. Homes are decorated, new clothes are bought and families hold a reunion dinner comprised of fish and dumplings to symbolize wealth. Many people visit the temple at midnight to light incense and pray for a prosperous new year.
Location Countrywide, China
January/February
This seven-day holiday is one of the most important in the Chinese calendar and is referred to as Golden Week. There are noisy celebrations with fireworks, family reunions where older relatives give youngsters red envelopes with cash, and lion dance performances. Most businesses reopen on the sixth day with spring dinners for employees.
Location Countrywide, China
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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