China in January

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
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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
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Xiahe's Rustic Outdoors: A Week in China's Gansu Province

A memorable journey awaits you on this 7-day tour within the Gansu Province of China. This enticing itinerary gives you the opportunity to witness the authentic Tibetan culture and lifestyles that are still alive within this region. 

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,400
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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 January

Huashan Festival

February

The Miao People of Yunnan celebrate this annual one-day festival in honor of their ancestors. They dress in traditional costume and plant a flower tree on a mountain. Classical music, dancing, and lion dancing are accompanied by a bullfight. There are games and competitions with prizes and a local market of food and crafts.

Location Yunnan, China

New Year's Eve

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

Chinese New Year

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

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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