China in December 2024: Snow World Travel Guide & More

China is a vast destination with diverse beauties to suit all tastes. For a pure white winter, head to the north for tranquil snow towns and an exciting skiing experience. If you are looking for a spring-like place to escape the winter chill, then the south is a good choice for your China trip. Read this guide to find out more about traveling in China in December.

China's Weather in December

Southern China

Cities in southern China, such as Sanya, Hong Kong, and Dali, have relatively warmer temperatures in December compared to the north, which is characterized by humid and warm air, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25℃, suitable for outdoor activities.

Dali

Western China

Represented by Xinjiang, Tibet, and Qingdao, the December weather in the west is predominantly dry and cold, with a wide range of temperatures from -8 to 10℃ between day and night. The weather is mainly sunny, so you can explore the open-air landscape to your heart's content.

Northern China

Temperatures in northern China are cooler, especially in Harbin with average temperatures largely below zero. However, the weather is sunny, the air is dry and the UV rays are strong. As long as you dress warmly enough, you will be able to enjoy the snow world of Beijing, Shenyang, and more.

Eastern China

The December climate in the east is characterized by cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 2-11℃, while nighttime temperatures drop a little further. With less rainfall, there are more sunny days for outdoor exploration in Nanjing and Shanghai.

Best Places to Travel in December

Beijing

Beijing as the capital of China is a destination that cannot be missed. In December, you can enjoy Beijing's unique snowy scenery of the capital city and also feel the depth and majesty of its history and culture. You will feel the winter charm of Beijing winter.

Temple of Heaven

Harbin

If you have a deep desire for snow and want to go to the world of ice and snow to have fun, then Harbin in China can satisfy you. It is covered with snow and the whole city is snow-white. And the cultural intermingling of centuries ago makes the city full of exotic flavors able to be a double surprise for both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Dali

If you have already traveled to many famous and prosperous cities in China, then Dali will bring you a different travel experience. The wind and snow by the Erhai Sea, the romantic encounters on the streets of Lijiang, and the magnificent glaciers of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are all worth traveling to experience. You will surely be impressed by this city full of cozy and laid-back atmosphere.

Sanya

While most parts of China are still experiencing a cold winter, Sanya is still sunny and the natural scenery is meandering. You can lie on the beach and enjoy a lazy time, or jump into the sea to feel a variety of exciting water activities.

Xinjiang

It is like Switzerland under the Alps or the Grand Canyon of Colorado in the United States, but it is not in Europe or America. This is Xinjiang, China, with its majestic snow-capped peaks, mirror-blue lakes, and barren Gobi and deserts. These humanistic customs and peculiar natural landscapes blend together to make Xinjiang full of novelty and mystery.

What to Do in December

Feeling the Romance of the Sea

Even though it is December, the quality of the seawater in Wuzhizhou Island is very good and the visibility is very high, which is why it is also called the "Jelly Sea". If you want to experience some activities, whether it is in the sea, on land, or in the air, this place can satisfy your enjoyment and pursuit of vacation at different latitudes.

You can take an electric car around the island and enjoy the sea breeze on your cheeks. What's more, you can rent a sea boat and go out on the sea by yourself, quietly sea fishing in the morning, enjoying sunbathing at noon, and watching a sunset on the sea in the evening, all of which will add a lot of fun to your Sanya trip.

Stroll Through the Ancient & Modern Beijing

The Forbidden City in December is even more unique. As the royal palace of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City has more than seventy palaces of various sizes, which are very grand and magnificent. While in the snow, serene, white, full of Chinese dynasty atmosphere, as if you are in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Great Wall is also a destination not to be missed. The Badaling Great Wall expresses the majestic and steep appearance of the Great Wall of China. The mountains here overlap, and the December climb up to the Great Wall has a different flavor. Layers of snow cover the trees, and as far as the eye can see, everything is white, so you can feel the charm of the Great Wall in peace.

Enter the World of Ice & Snow

Harbin in December is already a world of ice and snow. As one of the most well-known landmarks in Harbin, Sophia's Church, with its green roof and Byzantine architecture, is full of fantastic exotic flavor.

In winter, the church's snow scene is more like a fairy tale in general, romantic and beautiful. After enjoying the church, you can't miss the unique winter activities. You can go to the snow valley and experience snow programs in the snow, for example, skiing, sledding, snow circles, snowmobiles, and other kinds of ice and snow programs are available. You can surely have a unique winter experience here.

Sophia's Church

Experience Ethnic Charm in Dali

December is one of the most suitable months for traveling to Dali. Visit the Erhai to experience the magnificence and mystery of nature, the Yindu Water Town to feel the long and mellow culture, or the Cangshan Mountain to feel the hazy heaven on earth.

If you want to get into the life of the locals, strolling through the local market is a good choice. Come across all kinds of amazing products in Dali, from vegetable specialties to vintage clothing, experience hand-picking roses and making flower cakes and rose lip balm on the west bank of the Erhai. Tie-dyeing, an ancient handicraft of the Bai people in Dali, is also not to be missed. You can make your own piece of tie-dye cloth and experience dyeing beautiful patterns on square scarves, scarves, hats and other clothing.

Get Close to Snow in Xinjiang

In December, Xinjiang is already a snow-covered landscape. Here, you can experience the solemnity of the snow-covered landscape or the freedom to enjoy the beauty alone.

Head to the Cocotohai for half a day enjoying the natural scenery of canyon river sources, marsh wetlands, extremely cold lakes, and strange earthquake fracture zones. If you want to have close contact with snow in winter, you can't miss the ski resort here. There are very many slopes and excellent facilities, so whether you are a novice or experienced, you can feel the fusion of snow and nature here.

Events & Festivals

Winter Solstice

As the winter solstice of the 24 Chinese solar terms, this is a very lively day. This means that starting today, the weather afterward will be the coldest. One of the most important things to do on the Winter Solstice is to eat. More commonly, it is a custom in northern China to eat dumplings on the winter solstice. On this day, you will see pictures of "Dumplings for sale" posted in stores on the streets and alleys, while in the south, dumplings are eaten, and of course, there are also special customs, such as drinking mutton soup and eating mochi.

New Year's Eve

December 31st every year is a lively day around the world, and China is no exception. On New Year's Eve, everyone meets their friends or spends the night with their families. The so-called New Year's Eve is to move from the past year to the new year when the clock strikes twelve o'clock at night. If you are outdoors, then you can go to a square to spend the last day of the year with countless strangers, people will count down together, release balloons in their hands together, shout together and make a wish. If you are indoors, you can watch the New Year's Eve party and say hello to your family and friends. These are all good New Year's Eve choices.

Crowds & Costs

December is off the peak season for traveling in China, with fewer crowds on the trip, which means you can enjoy a great travel experience with a lower price of hotels and tickets, and without the worry of packing attraction sites or the bustling backdrops of your memory photos, perfect for the detailed visit with the tranquil atmosphere.

China Travel Tips in December

Thick Clothes to Prevent the Cold

In December in China, basically, most of the places are in the winter climate, making thick clothes such as down jackets, sweaters, snow boots, etc. your essential gear to avoid catching a cold during the trip, especially in the north.

Slow Down Your Pace

December is the prime time for snow and ice sports. You must pay attention to safety when playing sports or recreation, and try to make sure that there are professional coaches on hand to guide you and prevent accidents.

Let Your December Holiday Beyond the Snow

Whether you want to feel the charm of ancient and modern times in Beijing, enjoy the sunny beaches in Sanya, or experience pure life in Dali, China in December will not disappoint you. Hurry up and explore China with Odynovo.