China in January 2026: Weather, Where to Visit & What to Do in Winter

Your journey will add to the incredible differences in China in January. Here are great immersions beyond your expectations, from snow-covered landscapes in Northern China to pleasantly warm beach resorts in the south. Don't wait - enjoy a unique experience on your China tour in January.

China's Weather in January

With average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C, January is considered one of the coldest months in all of China. Large areas in January are chilly and windy. But with vast territory, temperatures would vary significantly from north to south, offering great diversity in winter landscapes.

Northern China

Northern China is extremely freezing and dry under the control of cold air. Cities like Urumqi can be very dry and gusty. Harbin, Jilin, and Shenyang may encounter heavy snow, with temperatures ranging from -25°C to -10°C. If one of these cities is your destination, putting on thermal underwear and a wind-proof jacket is necessary.

Central China

Not as cold as in the further north, the maximum temperature in major cities including Beijing, Tianjin, and Xi'an tends to range from -5°C to 5°C. But the weather is still freezing and bitingly windy. You can take beautiful photos of ancient Chinese complexes blanketed by snow in this area. Overcoats, woolen sweaters, and creams are indispensable to cope with the cold and dry weather.

Southern China

It seems magical to say the winter of the southern part in the same month. It is warm, humid, and full of sunshine, with a maximum average amazingly as high as 26°C (in Sanya). Many cities, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, are pleasant and warm around 10°C. The weather is nice for the city outdoors with lighter clothes.

The Best Places to Travel in January

Beijing

January may not be the best time for you to visit Beijing, but during the month, fewer tourists allow peaceful and ultimate sightseeing at these historical sites, and their tickets have lower prices. Main attractions picturesquely covered by snow, like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall, hold their distinctive appeal too.

If Chinese New Year happens in January, Beijing will be full of snowy festivities, featuring local traditional temple fairs. You can join local people for ritual praying, choose some exquisite handicrafts at flower markets, and try some tasteful snacks in Hutong alleys.

Summer Palace

Yunnan

It is well-known that Yunnan is like spring all year round. Even in January, the average high temperature in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, can reach around 15°C. It boasts delightfully mild air for travelers to avoid the cold in the northern area.

It is a tranquil time to walk around the lake and get incredible pictures of Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake; spend your energy exploring the fantastic Stone Forest; and catch sight of a beautiful slice of snow blanket at the peak of West Hill. The warm weather is suitable for going deep into the city's old traditions and culture, like Shuanglang Old Town and Lijiang Ancient Town, which show you a distinct facet of minority life.

Sanya

People in north China wear down coats while people in Sanya wear T-shirts. It is true. While the northern part of China is getting bitterly cold in January, Sanya is just like in summer. Given the tropical monsoon climate, Sanya's temperature in January averages around 20°C.

The city of Sanya is a very popular destination to escape the cold while visiting China in January. During this time, you can take a pleasant sunbath and enjoy a comfortable, warm atmosphere on the beach. You have a chance to explore the lush rainforests and sample cheap, fresh, and delicious seafood.

Harbin

Winter's Harbin is a snow kingdom that is considered one of China's most beautiful snow places. Despite the chilliness at minus 20°C in January, the city has wonderful snowy landscapes and forests, making it a good winter destination for those who prefer skating, skiing, and snowboarding on the Songhua River.

Every year from early January on, Harbin will hold many attractive snow festivals, like Harbin's International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival. You can see colorful styles of beautiful snow sculptures and ice-light shows. Besides the snow fun, some European architecture, including Central Avenue, Sofia Church, and Alex Hall, is an exotic sight to visit.

Ice-and-snow Artworks in Harbin

What to Do in January

A Dazzled Hike on the Snow-capped Great Wall in Beijing

The winter Great Wall holds a distinguishing feature from other seasons. The snow dresses the classic attraction in white and solemnity. January is quite a golden time for snow viewing of the Great Wall.

You can make the best use of the low crowds to drink in the winter beauty. Hike the Mutianyu or Jinshanling Great Wall, where stretches of ancient brown brick wind through snowy white mountains. The run-down steps and watchtowers are surprising spots to discover.

Immersion Into Winter Holiday in Chengdu

Fun is packed in Chengdu in January. Giant pandas, skiing, and hot pots must be an unforgettable part of your Chengdu journey.

January is a good time to meet the adorable and endearing pandas, which are highly vivacious in the cold. You will have more chance seeing these lovely animals eating bamboo, climbing trees, and playing with snow in their outdoor base. To catch more adventures, you can go skiing at Xiling Ski Resort or Bipenggou Ski Resort to seek the best winter charm. Outside of snow activities, hot pot is a must-try in Chengdu. Here you can taste authentic Sichuan cuisine, spicy and hot to resist the cold.

Exceptional Photography of Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan

Yuanyang boasts rare beautiful scenery, even in January. Every year from this month on, Yuanyang Rice Terraces in the county show breathtaking beauty at their most. January is absolutely one of the best times to take photos of this Hani ethnic minority masterpiece for nature lovers and shutterbugs.

The time is just when the terraces have been irrigated and filled with water, which reflects the sunshine. You can expect dramatic layers of glass-like rice fields changing colors in blue, golden, rose, purple, red, and so on. Covering a large area of over one hundred square kilometers, it must be a particular spectacle to feast on the eyes. Later, the sunset will draw a more stunning picture in return for your travel day.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Fabulous Enjoyment at China's Snow Town Around Harbin

The superb snow fun is always a good match for a winter trip, just as China's Snow Town is. It consists of around twenty wooden houses characterized by strings of golden corn and red dry chili hanging on their front doors.

Amazing with a two-meter-deep snow cover, China's Snow Town is blessed with a pure and stunning snowscape that is perfect for snow photography and entertainment. You can seek a high point for a panoramic view of the white village and snow-capped forests interspersed with hopping local people, horses, dogs, and reindeer, more brilliant with lights after dark. For ultimate enjoyment, it is an unforgettable experience to do dog or horse sledding on the village street. You can also go snowtubing or skiing at one of the ski resorts just close to the town.

Events and Festivals

The New Year

Every year on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Chinese people enjoy a vacation of at least seven days for supreme fun. There are many choices of destinations for you to pass New Year's Eve.

The "slim waist" of the Canton Tower in Guangzhou has a romantic night light show to grip on you. The two sides of Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong offers a brilliant display of sparking fireworks. You can also stroll along the snow-covered avenues in Beijing, feeling the atmosphere of New Year with red lanterns and antithetical couplets.

It would be a memorable moment to have a cheerful countdown to welcome the New Year together with thousands of people.

The Ice and Snow Festival

In Harbin's winter, the Ice and Snow Festival is one of the unbeatable highlights to battle against the cold. This is a fabulous ice and snow exhibit.

There are great varieties of handmade ice-and-snow artworks, including large snow sculptures (like castles and palaces), snow animals and cartoon characters, and various well-designed ice lanterns. You can admire various snow sculptures and build a snowman by hand.

In the nighttime, all the ice and snow artworks are lit up, which creates a remarkable sight to photograph. 

Crowds and Costs

January is the off-season in China for tourism, there will be small crowds at most times, so you can go sightseeing without much concern. Moreover, you can enjoy quicker and more affordable transportation and accommodation services, thanks to fewer tourists.

January may see a peak season in some cities, like Harbin for its spectacular snow events and Sanya for its perfect warm temperatures in winter. As a result, airplane and hotel rates may see a significant increase.

China Travel Tips in January

Buy Something Red

Although January doesn't include the full Chinese New Year festivities, you'll still see locals preparing for the Spring Festival. This is a great chance to experience the culture and shop like a local! Stores will begin selling all kinds of festive "red" items, such as coats, scarves, socks, Chinese knots, and paper cuts. Pick out something you like and join in the festive spirit!

Be Aware of the Cold Weather

If you plan to visit China's northern part in January, be prepared for the cold weather. Average temperatures can reach minus ten degrees, with dry weather almost every day. Dress warmly with long underwear and make sure you’re all bundled up to enjoy every moment in the snowy wonderland.

Recommended China Tour in January

10-Day Best of China

You will be surprised by the diverse China. In January, marvel at the unique charm of grand architecture and ruins covered in snow in Beijing. Learn Xi'an which has a long history and its special status in past China. Meet precious and cute pandas in Chengdu. Enjoy futuristic Shanghai to conclude the tour.