China Weather in January

January is the coldest month in China, and it's the best time for skiing. However, not every place is extremely cold. For example, in tropical cities like Sanya and Xishuangbanna, the weather is warm.

Is January a Good Time to Visit China

If you don't mind the cold wind biting your face and love snowy scenery, then this month is quite suitable for you to visit China.

It's better not to come on New Year's Day. It's a legal holiday in China, and people get a 3-day break. Everyone will go out traveling, so scenic spots and restaurants will be even more crowded than usual.

China Weather in January in the Northeast Regions

The northeast region is frigid. You have to wrap yourself up tightly to withstand the biting cold. But luckily, there's usually heating indoors. This heating is supplied uniformly by boilers and is much warmer than air-conditioning heating.

Every winter, Harbin Ice and Snow World is popular. There are ice sculptures, snow sculptures, light shows, and all kinds of fun activities. It fully displays the charm of ice and snow art. When the lights come on at night, it's like a fairy-tale world.

What to Wear in the Northeast Part of China

Upper Segment: thermal underwears, fleece jackets, down vests, and long down coats 

Lower Segment: thermal pants, cotton-padded trousers, and windproof pants

How to Keep Warm in Northeast China

Stick warm patches on key parts of your body to prevent a cold. Choose snow boots with good warmth retention and pair them with thick wool socks. You can also put heated insoles in your shoes.

When turning on the heating indoors, make the air more humid by using a humidifier or placing a basin of water. When going outside, apply some skin cream to keep your skin moist.

Take a thermos with you when going out so you can drink hot water anytime to warm your body. If you need to stay outside for a long time, wear an ear-protecting hat, a scarf, and gloves.

China Weather in January in Northern Regions

North China is freezing and often windy, so you need to wear thick winter clothes. Fortunately, there's also centralized heating supplied by boilers here, making it quite warm indoors.

Shichahai and Kunming Lake become places for ice-skating in winter, allowing you to fully experience the speed and joy of ice-skating in this season. If you're lucky, you can even see the snow scenery in the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park. It's really spectacular!

What to Wear in the Northern Part of China

Upper Segment: thermal underwears, sweaters, and short down jackets

Lower Segment: a thermal underwear and a pair of jeans

China Weather in January in the Northwest Regions

The northwest region is freezing, so you have to wear winter clothes. There's little vegetation, and when the wind blows, it can whip up sand and dirt. Fortunately, there's also centralized heating supplied by boilers.

The Jiayuguan Great Wall in winter is like the shadow of a desolate history. Walking inside, it feels like you've traveled back to ancient times.

What to Wear in the Northwest Part of China

Upper Segment: thermal underwears, knitted sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and short down jackets

Lower Segment:  thermal pants and windproof trousers

China Weather in January in Central Regions

Central China is very cold, and you need to wear winter clothes to keep warm. Heating mainly relies on air conditioners, which can make it a bit warmer indoors.

At high altitudes on Tianmen Mountain, rime is common. White ice crystals cover the branches, and together with the clouds, mist, and mountains, they create a particularly vivid scene. It makes you feel like you've entered a fairyland.

What to Wear in the Central Part of China

When you're in Henan Province, you should wear thermal underwear on the upper body, then a  Fleece Lining, and finally wrap yourself in a down jacket. For the lower body, first put on thermal pants, and then add a pair of fleece pants.

In the other three provinces, you just change the thermal underwear to a long-sleeved shirt. If you plan to go hiking, bring an additional windbreaker.

China Weather in January in Southern Regions

The weather in South China is unpredictable, sometimes cold and sometimes cool. If you go to Guangxi, you need to wear winter clothes; if you go to Guangdong, autumn clothes will do; however, the climate in Hainan Province is very comfortable, and summer clothes are enough.

The scenery along both sides of the Li River in Guilin is as beautiful as a painting. Taking a bamboo raft or a cruise ship, you can see beautiful sights like the Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the Yellow Cloth Reversed View.

Elephant Trunk Hill has a unique shape, just like an elephant drinking water by the river, and it's a landmark attraction of the city.

What to Wear in the Southern Part of China

In Guilin, you can wear a shirt and then put on a fleece-lined sweatshirt over it on the upper body, and then put on a down jacket over it, and wear windproof cotton trousers for the lower body.

If you go to Guangzhou or its nearby cities, wear a long-sleeve shirt on the upper body and a windbreaker outside, and jeans for the lower body. It's best to bring a slightly thicker coat as well, because it's a bit chilly in the morning and evening.

In Sanya, you can wear shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, but it's better to bring a thin coat and long trousers too, as it's also a bit cool in the morning and evening.

China Weather in January in the Southwest Regions

High-altitude places like Lhasa, Jiuzhaigou, and Shangri-La are freezing, and most other areas are also cold, so you need to wear winter clothes everywhere. However, Xishuangbanna has a pleasant climate. You can wear autumn clothes in the morning and evening, and summer clothes are enough at noon.

In Daocheng Aden, you can see the magnificent views of the three sacred mountains: Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji. You can also witness the mysterious blue of the frozen Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake.

What to Wear in the Southwest Part of China

For the upper body, first put on thermal underwear, then layer it with a sweater, and finally wear a down jacket as the outermost layer. For the lower body, start with thermal pants and add a pair of cotton-padded trousers on top. If you're planning to go hiking, bring along an additional windbreaker jacket.

Xishuangbanna has a pretty warm climate. In the middle of the day, you can just wear a short-sleeve shirt with jeans or casual pants. But it gets a bit cooler in the morning and evening, so you'll need to wear a long-sleeve shirt and throw on a thin jacket.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in the Southwest Part of China

In high-altitude places like Lhasa and Shangri-La, it's quite common to experience altitude sickness, so there's no need to worry too much. Taking anti-hypoxia medicine two weeks before departure can enhance your body's tolerance to oxygen deficiency and help prevent altitude sickness to some extent.

Oxygen cylinders are important and should be carried with you at all times. Don't overexert yourself or engage in strenuous exercise during the trip. Avoid washing your hair or taking a shower in places with poor warmth retention. If you catch a cold, you'll be more prone to altitude sickness.

China Weather in January in the Eastern Regions

East China is very cold, and you need to wear winter clothes. Since it's close to the sea, it gets more rain than inland areas.

Ancient villages like Hongcun and Xidi are nestled against mountains and beside water. The ancient buildings are well-preserved, with their white walls and black tiles. They blend beautifully with the surrounding green mountains and clear waters, like a lovely painting. You can really soak up the quiet and unique charm of these ancient villages.

What to Wear in the Eastern Part of China

Upper Segment: long-sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts, and trench coats

Lower Segment: a pair of pants with fleece lining

Where Can You go to see the Snow Scenery in January

If you are fond of exciting snow activities, you can travel to North and Northeast China, where ice-snow festivals are held annually during this month.

Harbin

Harbin is deservedly a winter paradise for tourists, thanks to its stunning snow and ice landscape. Tourists can appreciate the Ice Lantern Exhibition, admire Snow Sculptures on Sun Island, watch Winter Swimming Performances, and take part in the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

The most attractive festival, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, is officially opened every year and lasts about 3 months, consisting of 5 parts and over 100 activities.

There are also some snow resorts welcoming you in January, such as Yabuli Ski Resort, Grand World of Ice and Snow, Sun Island Scenic Area, and Moon Bay Ski Resort. Thus, if you don't fear the cold and love the world of snow, Harbin is a good choice.

Beijing

As the capital city of China, Beijing not only boasts places of historic interest and scenic beauty but also abounds with many ski resorts suitable for winter activities, such as Badaling Ski Resort, Huaibei Ski Resort, Jindinghu Ski Resort, Jundushan Ski Resort, Lingshan Ski Resort, Nanshan Ski Resort, Pinggu Ski Resort, Shijinglong Ski Resort, Yunju Ski Resort, and Xueshijie Ski Resort.

Where Can You Go to Escape the Cold in January

If you are afraid of the cold and prefer to enjoy the relatively warm weather, you can visit South China, such as Yunnan and Hainan.

Sanya

Sanya is celebrated as oriental Hawaii and the natural oxygen bar, becoming a famous tourist resort for its beautiful beaches, warm sunshine, and convenient weather conditions. The weather in January in Sanya is pleasant with no frost or snow.

Various flowers are in full bloom all year round. For years, Sanya has been a preferred resort for people living in North and Central China to keep away from the chilly winter. In These years, an increasing number of tourists at home and abroad come to Sanya to spend their winter holidays.

Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna has China's only tropical rainforest reserve. There are many kinds of living things, and the local culture is also diverse. You can see the unique buildings, enjoy the special songs and dances, and take a look at the distinctive costumes of ethnic minorities like the Dai people.

Xishuangbanna is in a tropical area. Even in cold winter, the climate is very pleasant. And it's the dry season at this time, so it's very suitable for escaping the cold and taking a holiday.

China Weather by Month

• China Weather in January
• China Weather in February
• China Weather in March
• China Weather in April
• China Weather in May
• China Weather in June
• China Weather in July
• China Weather in August
• China Weather in September
• China Weather in October
• China Weather in November
• China Weather in December

Booking Your China Tour with Us

Are you still unsure which city to choose as your winter travel destination? Just contact your personal travel advisor. We will recommend a suitable place based on your interests, so you can have an unforgettable winter trip!

• 4-day Beijing Skiing Tour
• 5-day Classic Beijing Winter Tour
• 4-day Yabuli Skiing Tour

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