February is one of the most unique months to explore China. While the north glitters with snow and ice, the south feels warm, tropical, and full of life. Whether you’re planning a family trip with kids, a romantic escape, a solo adventure, or your first-ever visit to China, February offers beautiful destinations—as long as you choose the right place for the season.
Many travelers also visit during Chinese New Year (usually in early–mid February), so knowing what to expect can help you plan smarter.
This guide gives you the best places to visit in China in February, with temperatures, who each place is best for, what to expect, sample itineraries, and essential travel tips.
If you need a full month-by-month overview, here’s our main guide: Best Time to Travel to China >>
Quick Summary: Top Places to Visit in February
| Destination | Why Visit in February | Best For | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanya (Hainan) | Warm beaches, water sports | Families, couples, first-timers | 23–28°C |
| Xishuangbanna (Yunnan) | Tropical rainforest, Dai culture | Families, culture lovers | 16–27°C |
| Guangzhou / Shenzhen | Mild weather, flower markets | Families, city travelers | 10–20°C |
| Harbin | Ice & Snow Festival peak | Families, photographers | –20 to –10°C |
| Jilin Rime Island | Best rime scenery of the year | Photographers | –10 to –5°C |
| Changbai Mountain | Skiing, hot springs, snow forests | Adventure, families | –25 to –10°C |
| Xiling Snow Mountain (Sichuan) | Easy-access skiing near Chengdu | Families, beginners | –10 to 5°C |
| Chengdu | Mild weather, pandas, hotpot | Families, first-timers | 5–12°C |
| Kunming | Comfortable spring climate | Seniors, families | 8–18°C |
| Nanjing / Suzhou | Plum blossoms (late Feb) | Couples, culture lovers | 4–12°C |
China Weather in February: What to Expect
China’s weather in February can be divided into three major zones:
1. Northern China (Harbin, Jilin, Beijing)
- Very cold, often –25°C to –5°C
- Clear skies and powder snow
- Best for ice festivals, skiing, and winter landscapes
2. Central & Western China (Chengdu, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie)
- Chilly but manageable: 0–10°C
- Light rain possible
- Good for sightseeing with fewer crowds
3. Southern & Tropical China (Guangzhou, Hainan, Yunnan)
- Mild to warm
- Sunny, comfortable days
- Perfect for families and beach holidays
What to Pack
- North: thermal layers, snow boots, gloves, hat, scarf, hand warmers, moisturizer & lip balm
- Central: wool coat, sweaters, waterproof shoes
- South: light jackets, T-shirts & light clothing for daytime, sunglasses & sunscreen, swimwear
- Families with kids: bring lip balm & moisturizer (dry north), swimwear for south
Best Places to Visit in China in February
1. Sanya (Hainan) – Best Warm Destination in February
Weather: 23–28°C
Best For: Families with kids, couples, seniors, first-time visitors
February is peak Sanya season. Families love it for:
- clean beaches
- warm seas
- kids-friendly resorts
- water sports
- tropical fruit season
Top things to do
- Yalong Bay (best beach)
- Wuzhizhou Island (snorkeling)
- Atlantis water park
- Tianya Haijiao coastal cliffs
Why February specifically?
- Warm, sunny, dry—the best beach weather of the year.
- No typhoons, minimal rain, and clear water for snorkeling.
2. Xishuangbanna, Yunnan – Tropical February Escape
Weather: 16–27°C
Best For: Families, nature travelers, culture lovers
Xishuangbanna offers rainforest scenery and warm sunshine. You’ll see:
- Dai minority villages
- Wild elephant sanctuary
- Botanical garden (one of Asia’s largest)
- Tea mountains
Why February?
Dry season + warm days = best comfort.
3. Guangzhou & Shenzhen – Mild City Break + Flower Markets
Weather: 10–20°C
Best For: Families, couples, city travelers
February is ideal for Guangdong: not humid, not rainy, and full of festival vibes.
Highlights
- Chinese New Year flower markets
- Chimelong Safari Park
- Cantonese food
- Shenzhen theme parks (Window of the World, OCT Harbor)
4. Harbin – China’s Most Iconic February Destination
Weather: –20 to –10°C
Best For: Families, photographers, adventure travelers
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival reaches its best stage in February:
- gigantic ice castles
- snow sculptures
- ice slides
- Siberian tiger park
- snow villages nearby
Why February?
The festival continues until late Feb, but crowds from early January are reduced.
5. Jilin Rime Island – Magical Winter Fog Forests
Weather: –10 to –5°C
Best For: Photographers, nature lovers
A hidden gem where morning frost forms stunning rime landscapes along the Songhua River.
Best time: Early morning, mid–late February.
6. Changbai Mountain – Skiing, Hot Springs & Snow Forests
Weather: –25 to –10°C
Best For: Skiers, families, adventure travelers
Why people visit in February:
- best snow quality
- Winter views of Heavenly Lake
- forest hot springs
It’s one of China’s most beautiful winter landscapes.
7. Xiling Snow Mountain (Chengdu) – Family-Friendly Ski Resort
Weather: –10 to 5°C
Best For: Families with kids, beginners, first-time skiers
Located 2 hours from Chengdu, this is the easiest winter getaway for families.
What to do
- skiing (beginner-friendly)
- snow tubing
- sledding
- kids snow playground
Combine this with:
- Chengdu Panda Base
- Chengdu hotpot
- Leshan Giant Buddha
8. Chengdu – Mild Weather, Pandas & Hotpot Season
Weather: 5–12°C
Best For: Families, foodies, first-time visitors
Chengdu in February means:
- fewer tourists
- comfortable walking weather
- perfect hotpot season
- baby pandas (depending on year)
Great for:
- slow travel
- culture
- city life
- nearby day trips
9. Kunming – Eternal Spring in February
Weather: 8–18°C
Best For: Families, seniors, relaxed travelers
Kunming stays mild year-round:
- no winter extremes
- great air quality
- easy for elderly travelers
Top sights:
- Stone Forest
- Dianchi Lake
- Yunnan ethnic villages
10. Nanjing / Suzhou – Plum Blossom Season
Weather: 4–12°C
Best For: Couples, culture lovers, photographers
Late February is plum blossom season, turning gardens pink and romantic.
Worth visiting:
- Nanjing Plum Blossom Hill
- Suzhou gardens (Humble Administrator’s Garden)
- Ancient canals & bridges
Chinese New Year Travel Tips (Important for February 2026)
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) usually falls in early-mid February and is the busiest travel period in China. With good planning, you can still enjoy the holiday atmosphere without stress.
If You Want to Experience the Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is one of the best times to feel China’s culture—lanterns, temple fairs, dragon dances, fireworks (in some regions), and family traditions.
What You’ll Experience:
- Lantern shows, temple fairs, and New Year markets
- Red decorations everywhere — streets, malls, and scenic spots
- Special holiday food and snacks
- Warm, festive atmosphere in major cities
Best Places for Chinese New Year Experiences:
- Beijing: Temple fairs, cultural shows, lantern festivals
- Chengdu: Relaxed vibe, lively food streets, local celebrations
- Xi’an: New Year lantern festival + ancient city wall events
- Suzhou & Hangzhou: Classical gardens with lantern displays
- Harbin: Snow and ice festival + New Year celebrations
Tips:
- Book hotels and flights 3–6 weeks in advance
- Stay in cities with strong cultural traditions
- Join lantern festivals or temple fairs
- Expect some small shops/restaurants to close for 1–2 days
If You Want to Avoid the Crowds
Many travelers still prefer February for its stable winter weather, snow destinations, and off-season prices—as long as they avoid the main holiday week.
What to Expect During New Year Week:
- Higher hotel & flight prices
- Busy airports, trains, and highways
- Crowds at major city attractions
- Some service delays
Tips for a Smooth, Low-Crowd February Trip:
- Travel before or after the main holiday week
- Choose nature & outdoor destinations, like Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, Yunnan, Xinjiang winter landscapes, Hainan beaches
- Buy train tickets as soon as sales open (15 days before departure)
- Avoid long-distance travel on peak days (Lunar New Year’s Eve + first 2–3 days)
- Carry a little cash for small vendors
- Expect slower responses from hotels/tour companies around New Year’s Eve
Travel Tips for Visiting China in February
- Pack warm layers for northern China; bring lighter clothing for the south.
- Expect possible crowds and higher prices if your trip overlaps Chinese New Year.
- Travel before or after the holiday week for a quieter experience.
- Popular winter destinations (Harbin, Xinjiang, Jiuzhaigou) can be very cold — wear proper winter gear.
- Tropical areas like Hainan and Xishuangbanna are warm — sunscreen and light clothing are enough.
- Buy train tickets as soon as sales open (15 days before departure).
- Plan sightseeing earlier in the day due to shorter winter daylight hours.
- Carry some cash in case small shops or vendors close during the holiday.
- Watch for icy paths in mountain areas such as Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, and Emeishan.
- Try seasonal foods like hotpot, dumplings, rice cakes, and New Year snacks.
More Featured Trips for February
FAQ
Is February a good time to visit China?
Yes—February is great if you choose destinations that match the season. Southern China offers warm, pleasant weather, while northern China is perfect for snow festivals and winter landscapes. It’s also a good month for lower crowds outside the Chinese New Year week.
Where is warm in China in February?
Sanya, Xishuangbanna, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are the warmest places, with temperatures ranging from mild to tropical. Ideal for families, couples, and travelers who prefer sunshine.
Where can I see snow in February?
Harbin, Jilin Rime Island, Changbai Mountain, and Xiling Snow Mountain offer the best snow in February. These places are reliable for winter scenery, skiing, and ice activities.
Is Chinese New Year crowded?
Yes—transport hubs and major city attractions get very busy during the holiday week. However, nature destinations, national parks, and smaller towns are much calmer and easier to explore.
Can families travel in February?
Absolutely. Sanya is the top pick for warm family vacations. Chengdu is mild and easy for young kids. Xiling Snow Mountain is great for beginner-friendly snow play. Kunming offers comfortable spring-like weather.
What should I pack?
For northern China: thermal layers, gloves, and warm boots.
For central regions: a good coat and layers.
For the south: light clothing and a jacket for evenings. If visiting beaches, pack sunscreen and swimwear.
