December in China offers two completely different types of trips: snowy winter wonderlands in the north and warm, sunny escapes in the south. Whether you’re dreaming of ice castles in Harbin, clear blue skies in Yunnan, Christmas lights in Shanghai, or tropical beaches in Hainan, December brings comfortable weather, low rainfall, and fewer crowds. It’s an excellent month for families, culture lovers, winter travelers, and warm-weather seekers.
Planning a different month? See the full guide: Best Time to Travel to China
China Weather in December
| Region | Temperature | Weather in December | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North China (Beijing, Xi’an) | -5–5°C | Dry, crisp winter | Great for sightseeing |
| Northeast China (Harbin) | -15 to -25°C | Deep winter, heavy snow | Best for ice/snow lovers |
| East China (Shanghai, Suzhou) | 3–12°C | Cool, misty | Great for city walks |
| Southwest China (Yunnan) | 5–18°C | Sunny, dry | Ideal mild-weather trip |
| South China (Hainan, Guangzhou) | 18–27°C | Warm, sunny | Best warm destination |
| West China (Tibet, Xinjiang) | -10 to -30°C | Harsh winter | Not recommended |
Best Places to Travel in China in December
Below are the top December destinations across China — each with suggested trip duration, temperature, highlights, and helpful notes.
1. Beijing (Winter Great Wall + Clear, Crisp Weather)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: -5–5°C (cold but dry)
Why December is great
Dry winter weather means clear skies, peaceful Great Wall hikes, and quiet museums. Perfect for classic sightseeing.
Highlights
- Mutianyu or Jinshanling Great Wall
- Forbidden City
- Hutongs in winter
- Temple of Heaven
- Old Beijing hotpot
Best for: Families, first-timers, culture lovers
Note: Pack warm layers for outdoor attractions.
2. Harbin (Ice & Snow Wonderland)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: -15 to -25°C (extreme cold)
Why December is great
Snow arrives early, and the world-famous Ice Festival begins construction mid-month, offering magical early access with fewer visitors.
Highlights
- Ice & Snow World (partial opening mid–late December)
- Central Street
- Sun Island Snow Park
- Siberian Tiger Park
Best for: Snow lovers, photographers, families
Note: Professional winter gear is necessary.
3. Snow Village / Xuexiang (Fairy-Tale Snow Town)
Suggested trip duration: 2–3 days
Temperature: -10 to -20°C
Why December is great
The iconic “cotton snow” piles on rooftops, creating the most beautiful winter village scenery in China.
Highlights
- Snow-covered houses
- Lantern streets
- Snow hiking
- Northeastern cuisine
Best for: Couples, families, winter photographers
Note: Travel with an experienced driver due to icy roads.
4. Changbai Mountain, Jilin (Volcano Lake + Snow Forests)
Suggested trip duration: 3–4 days
Temperature: -10 to -18°C
Why December is great
Snow forests, frozen lakes, and steaming hot springs make Changbai one of China’s most dramatic winter destinations.
Highlights
- Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
- Hot springs in snow
- Waterfalls in ice
- Snow-forest trails
Best for: Adventurers, nature lovers, hikers
Note: Visibility at Tianchi Lake varies—go early.
5. Shanghai (City Lights + Christmas Atmosphere)
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 3–12°C
Why December is great
Holiday lights, beautiful night views, and cozy cafés make December a magical month for urban travel.
Highlights
- The Bund
- Christmas markets
- Yu Garden lights
- Nanjing Road
Best for: Couples, families, city travelers
Note: Damp air feels colder—dress in layers.
6. Hangzhou & Suzhou (Mist, Tea Culture, Garden Winter)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 3–10°C
Why December is great
Quiet lakes and misty classical gardens create calm, poetic winter scenery.
Highlights
- West Lake
- Longjing tea village
- Suzhou gardens
- Water towns (Tongli, Wuzhen)
Best for: Culture lovers, seniors, slow travelers
Note: Visit outdoor spots earlier in the day.
7. Xi’an (Dry Winter + Fewer Crowds)
Suggested trip duration: 2–3 days
Temperature: -3 to 6°C
Why December is great
Dry air and no crowds make sightseeing smooth and comfortable.
Highlights
- Terracotta Warriors
- Ancient City Wall
- Muslim Quarter
- Pagoda squares at night
Best for: Families, first-timers, history lovers
Note: Dress warmly if cycling the city wall.
8. Chengdu (Mild Weather + Hotpot Season + Pandas)
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 5–12°C
Why December is great
Mild weather, active pandas, and perfect hotpot season make Chengdu a cozy winter choice.
Highlights
- Panda Base
- Mount Qingcheng
- Jinli & Kuanzhai Alleys
- Sichuan hotpot
Best for: Foodies, families, culture travelers
Note: Panda experiences fill quickly on weekends.
9. Sanya, Hainan Island (Tropical Beaches + Sunny Winter)
Suggested trip duration: 4–7 days
Temperature: 25–28°C
Why December is great
Warm water, bright sunshine, and perfect beach conditions — China’s top winter escape.
Highlights
- Yalong Bay
- Snorkeling & diving
- Beach resorts
- Rainforest parks
Best for: Families, couples, warm-weather travelers
Note: December is high season—book hotels early.
10. Haikou & Hainan East Coast (Warm, Sunny & Less Crowded)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 22–27°C
Why December is great
Warm beaches, green parks, and calmer travel than in Sanya.
Highlights
- Coconut forests
- Volcanic park
- Haikou old town
- Coastal cycling
Best for: Seniors, budget travelers, slow travelers
Note: The sea is slightly cooler than Sanya but swimmable.
11. Xishuangbanna, South Yunnan (Warm + Tropical Rainforest)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 18–28°C
Why December is great
Dry season begins, bringing blue skies and lush jungle scenery.
Highlights
- Tropical botanical gardens
- Wild elephant valley
- Dai minority villages
- Mekong River
Best for: Nature lovers, warm-weather travelers
Note: Cooler at night—bring a light jacket.
12. Kunming (Spring-like Winter + Blue Skies)
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 6–16°C
Why December is great
Pleasant temperatures and clean air — perfect for easy-paced winter travel.
Highlights
- Green Lake Park
- Stone Forest
- Local Yunnan cuisine
- Old neighborhoods
Best for: Seniors, families, relaxed travelers
Note: UV is strong even in winter.
13. Dali & Lijiang (Mild Sun + Clear Snow-Peak Views)
Suggested trip duration: 4–6 days
Temperature: 5–18°C
Why December is great
Dry season means excellent visibility for mountain views, lakes, and old towns.
Highlights
- Erhai Lake
- Dali Old Town
- Lijiang Old Town
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Best for: Couples, culture lovers, photographers
Note: Nights are cold—bring warm layers.
14. Shangri-La (Tibetan Culture + Sunny High-Altitude Winter)
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: -5 to 10°C
Why December is great
Golden winter grasslands, Tibetan villages, and peaceful monasteries shine under bright sunlight.
Highlights
- Songzanlin Monastery
- Napa Lake
- Dukezong Old Town
- Tibetan meadows
Best for: Photographers, culture lovers
Note: High altitude—take it easy on Day 1.
15. Guilin & Yangshuo (Cool, Misty Karst Scenery)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 8–15°C
Why December is great
Winter mist creates atmospheric rivers and mountain landscapes.
Highlights
- Li River cruise
- Bamboo rafting
- Karst viewpoints
- Countryside cycling
Best for: Families, landscape lovers, cyclists
Note: Choose clear days for best photography.
16. Guangzhou & Shenzhen (Warm, Sunny City Breaks)
Suggested trip duration: 2–4 days
Temperature: 18–25°C
Why December is great
Warm weather, excellent food, and almost no rain.
Highlights
- Cantonese cuisine
- Canton Tower
- Coastal parks
- Theme parks in Shenzhen
Best for: Warm-weather travelers, families, food lovers
Note: Ideal for short winter getaways.
17. Xiamen & Gulangyu (Mild Island Winter + Sea Breeze)
Suggested trip duration: 3–4 days
Temperature: 15–22°C
Why December is great
Comfortable for seaside walks and exploring Gulangyu’s colonial architecture.
Highlights
- Gulangyu Island
- Seaside boardwalk
- Nanputuo Temple
- Fresh seafood
Best for: Couples, seniors, relaxed travelers
Note: Sea breeze can feel cool—bring a light jacket.
18. Gansu: Zhangye + Dunhuang (Dry, Comfortable & Cultural)
Suggested trip duration: 4–6 days
Temperature: -5 to 10°C
Why December is great
Clear, desert air provides perfect visibility for colorful mountains and ancient Silk Road sites.
Highlights
- Danxia Rainbow Mountains
- Mogao Grottoes
- Crescent Lake
- Echoing Sand Dunes
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, adventure travelers
Note: Nights are very cold—pack thermals.
19. Zhangjiajie (Clear Views + Misty Peaks)
Suggested trip duration: 3–5 days
Temperature: 2–10°C
Why December is great
Crisp air improves visibility, and the park is almost empty.
Highlights
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountains
- Tianmen Mountain
- Glass skywalk
- Forest Canyon Trails
Best for: Nature lovers, families, photographers
Note: Fog is common — flexibility helps.
20. Huangshan (Snow Peaks + Sea of Clouds)
Suggested trip duration: 2–3 days
Temperature: -5 to 5°C
Why December is great
Light snow coats pines and granite cliffs, creating magical winter mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Snowy peaks
- Sunrise & sea of clouds
- Winter pine forests
- Hot springs
Best for: Hikers, photographers, couples
Note: Anti-slip spikes recommended in snow.
China Travel Tips for December
- Northern China is very dry — indoor heating removes moisture, so bring moisturizer, lip balm, and a small humidifier pack if you have sensitive skin.
- Snow and ice are common in the northeast — wear non-slip boots and warm outer layers, especially in Harbin, Snow Village, and Changbai Mountain.
- Hainan and Yunnan feel like spring — pack lighter clothing for warm, sunny days but still bring a light jacket for cooler nights.
- Book flights early for Christmas and New Year — popular destinations like Sanya and Shanghai fill quickly.
- Expect shorter daylight hours — plan outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day, especially for mountains and parks.
- Use heating wisely in northern cities — indoor air can feel dry; drink more water and keep your throat and nose hydrated.
- Check attraction opening hours — some high-altitude scenic spots shorten hours or close early for safety.
- Carry cash or backup payment — smaller winter villages may have limited mobile payment coverage.
What to Pack for China in December
- Thick jacket or down coat for northern cities and high-altitude destinations.
- Thermal layers to stay warm without bulk—especially useful for Harbin or Beijing winters.
- Gloves, hat, and scarf to protect against wind chill and snowy conditions.
- Waterproof winter boots for northeast China or any snow destination; normal sneakers are fine for cities without snow.
- Light layers for southern China — T-shirts, light jackets, and breathable clothing for Hainan, Kunming, and Xishuangbanna.
- Sunscreen — UV is still strong in Hainan and at high elevations in Yunnan.
- Lip balm and moisturizer to combat dry, heated indoor air.
- Sunglasses to reduce snow glare in Harbin, Changbai, and Huangshan.
- Portable hand warmers (very useful in northern winters).
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in dry regions.
Final Thoughts
December offers some of China’s most unique travel experiences — from frozen fairy-tale landscapes in the northeast to warm tropical beaches in the south. Whether you love winter scenery, mild sunshine, cultural cities, or festive holiday vibes, December is a rewarding month to explore China.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit China?
Yes. December is an excellent month for both winter and warm-weather trips. Northern China offers snowy landscapes and festive city scenes, while the south stays warm and sunny. It’s also one of the driest, least crowded months of the year.
Where is warm in China in December?
Southern China remains pleasantly warm. The best warm destinations include:
- Hainan: Sanya, Haikou
- Guangdong: Guangzhou, Shenzhen
- Yunnan: Xishuangbanna, Kunming
Temperatures range from 18–28°C, perfect for beach trips or outdoor sightseeing.
Where can I see snow in China in December?
December is full snow season in the northeast. Top winter-snow destinations include:
- Harbin
- Snow Village (Xuexiang)
- Changbai Mountain
- Beijing’s Great Wall (snow occasionally after late December)
- Huangshan (light snow + sea of clouds)
These areas offer the best snow views and winter photography opportunities.
Is the Harbin Ice Festival open in December?
Partially. Sculptures start taking shape around mid-December, and some zones open for early viewing. The official opening is in early January, but December still allows great photos without peak crowds.
Is Yunnan good in December?
Yes — December is one of the best times to visit Yunnan.
The weather is sunny, dry, and mild, ideal for:
- Kunming (spring-like winter)
- Dali & Lijiang (clear mountain views)
- Shangri-La (sunny high-altitude scenery)
- Xishuangbanna (tropical warmth)
Is Zhangjiajie open in winter?
Yes. The park remains open year-round. December is quiet, and visibility can be excellent after cold fronts. Misty winter mornings also create dramatic scenery.
Is December crowded in China?
Not at all. December is one of the least crowded months in China:
- Cities-calm
- Historical sites-fewer tour groups
- Snow destinations-moderate crowds
Only Sanya and tropical beaches get busy around Christmas and New Year.
What should I wear in China in December?
North: Thick jacket/down coat, thermals, gloves, scarf, waterproof boots.
South: Light layers, T-shirts, a light jacket.
Yunnan & Hainan: Sunscreen and sunglasses — UV is strong even in winter.
Dress for big temperature differences between regions.
What’s the best itinerary for Christmas holiday travel?
For a winter snow experience:
Harbin → Snow Village → Changbai Mountain
Perfect for families, photographers, and winter lovers.
For a warm-weather holiday:
Sanya → Haikou → Xishuangbanna
Ideal for beach travelers, couples, and kids.
