China Weather in December: Temperature & Places to Visit

Cities: Beijing, Tianjin, Taiyuan, Hohhot, etc.

North China cities like Beijing are cold and dry in December, with snow on the ground in most of the places. However, the weather never as that chilly as the Northeast China cities like Harbin. Temperature in North China in December mostly tends to range from the high 5°C to the low -12°C. But those Inner Mongolia cities like Hohhot may be a little bit colder.

Northeast China Weather in December

Cities: Harbin, Jilin, Shenyang, Changchun, etc.

Northeast China is by far somewhat the coldest area of the country. The December weather of this region is chilly, with temperatures mostly dropping lower than 0°C. The Northeast China also tends to see more snow in December than the rest regions of China.

Northwest China Weather in December

Cities: Xian, Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, Xining, etc.

Weather in Northwest China cities like Xian and Lanzhou is similar to those North China Cities like Beijing, with temperatures just a bit higher. The weather is cold and dry in this month. It snows occasionally and slightly.

South China Weather in December

Cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin, Yangshuo, Sanya, Hong Kong, Macau, etc.

South China region is normally one of the most pleasant and warm places in China in December. The further south you move, generally speaking, the warmer experience you will get and the rarer it’ll to find snow! The average temperature in Guangzhou in December is about 15°C / 59°F, and in Guilin is about 11°C / 51°F.

Central China Weather in December

Cities: Zhangjiajie, Luoyang, Yichang, Changsha, etc.

Central China in December is freezing, cold, humid and often icy. Though the temperature in December of this region is higher than those North China cities like Beijing, you may feel colder there sometimes because of the humidity. There are occasional snows in the mountainous areas of this region in December.

Southwest China is a large region with diverse weather features. Most of its cities like Chongqing and Chengdu are a little bit cold and foggy in December, while those cities like Kunming, Dali and Lijiang are much warmer. You can even have a taste of summer at Xishuangbanna, the most southwest city in China. Snow is rare there except in those high-altitude mountains like Mount Emei and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. And even if there is unexpected snow in the downtown area, it usually melts soon after hiting the ground. Temperature in China’s southwest part differs in certain areas of the region, with an average high for 11°C / 52°F and low for 4°C / 39°F in the city areas.

East China Weather in December

Cities: Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Xiamen, etc.

Est China cities settled close to the East China Sea are windy, humid and cold in December in China. In Xiamen of Fujian Province, the temperature in December usually varies from 12 °C/ 53 °F to 19 °C/ 66 °F. And in Shanghai, the temperature change is between 2°C / 36°F and 11°C / 52°F.

Visiting Beijing in December is one of the greatest options as you can enjoy the happy atmosphere of Christmas and New Year only this time of the year! The biggest discounts on accommodation and attractions sites also come, and thus you will get a more luxurious experience in the same price.

When it comes to Beijing, the Great Wall and Forbidden City are somewhat the must-visits. So it is in December. Never worry much on the snow. In December, the weather is seldom so bad to spoil your plans. Those crystal flying snowflakes will instead add more spectacular views. The striking contrast of white snow and red walls of Forbidden City will create many wonderful photos. And the Great Wall covered with a layer of thin snow is also amazing, which will give you a stronger feeling of its ancient charm. Skiing fans? All the major ski resorts in Beijing also open in early December.

Even if you still feel trouble about the outside cold, this ancient capital with over 170 museums offers many inside wonders. National Museum of China, Beijing Capital Museum, and Beijing Opera Museum are also all fantastic places for you to explore deeper about China.

Huangshan, or known as Yellow Mountain, starts its snow season from every November. And in December, it is usually already all covered with snow, which implies beautiful snowy landscapes are ready and it’s time to do a winter hiking there!

There is never too thick or too thin snow in December in Huangshan, so you will never feel it is too hard to hike up or too boring. There are crystal-like rimes hanging on the leaves and mysterious mists floating in the air. All the mountain tops are dressed in bright white color, while their sharp cliffs are still yellow. And there are many chances to capture the magnificent Sea of Clouds. If lucky, you can even appreciate the “Buddhist Light”, which can frequently be seen on after a snowfall!

Different with cold north cities of China like Harbin, Jilin and Beijing, most parts of Yunnan Province like Kunming, Dali and Lijiang in December is still warm and pleasant. And you can even get a summer feel in its most southwest city - Xishuangbanna! Due to its pleasant weather and climate, plenty of visitors prefer to visit it to escape the freezing winter, making it one of the most popular winter travel destinations in China!

Besides the weather, Yunnan Province also famed for its different kinds of natural beauty and diverse ethnic culture. Highlights spread this province, like ancient cities, stone forests, terraced fields, snow mountains, gorges, monasteries and pagodas and so on! And the most recommended Yunnan highlight you should never miss in December must be Yuanyang Rice Terraces! In December, every single field of Yuanyang Rice Terrace will be full of water, creating amazing mirror-like fields! Beautiful blue sky, floating mist and clouds, and moving sun are all collected on the surface of the water. During the sunset and sunrise hours, there will also be colorful fields due to the work of refraction. Besides that, the local ethnic groups dressed in their ethnic clothes will farm their fields with their buffaloes. What a beautiful and peaceful world! It comes no surprises that there are countless terraced field scenic areas in China but only Yuanyang Rice Terraces has been listed as a sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Harbin is one of the coldest places in China, and somewhat the most spectacular snow and ice scenery can be captured in this northeast land during winter from December to February. It’s most famous Ice & Snow Festival also kicks off in December. If you happen to visit Harbin in the first half of this month, you will see huge ice chunks being cut off from the surface of Songhua River and then be transferred to Harbin Snow and Ice World to build ice sculptures. And in the second half of December, almost all the ice works will be ready and the official Opening Ceremony will soon come, which often happens on January 5th every year. The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is one of the grandest festivals in China and even the world. It welcomes visitors from all over the globe to marvel at world-class superb ice and also snow sculptures and lantern shows. Ancient castles, adorable animals, notable landmarks and so on can all be found there during the festival days. All of them are made in ice blocks and snow and decorated with colorful illuminated lights, creating an appealing fairy-tale ice and snow kingdom that everyone should pay a visit in close at least once of lifetime.

In addition to the must-experience Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin also hosts many great snow slopes for skiing and snowboarding. In December in Harbin, there will always be enough snow for you to enjoy these cheerful snow activities. And no matter you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced skier, there is always a ski resort that allows you to have a blast there. Amongst all the Harbin ski resorts, Yabuli Ski Resort is the largest and best one, which even hosted the Asian Olympic Games in 1996. If you have ever dreamed of waking up in a snowy village like a hero of the cartoon, your dream can be perfectly realized at China Snow Town in Harbin. This small town will not only introduce you what a real cartoon winter world be, but also gives you a special glimpse of China’s village life in its northeast part!

December surprises never end in Harbin. It is really a paradise for everyone who is fond of snow and ice!

There are so many reasons why you should visit Sichuan in December. Firstly, the largest amount of lovely pandas is always there. Secondly, it is somewhat the most budget month to savor all the treasures you are long for. In addition, some of China’s best snow landscapes are calling!

Only 1 or 2 days are available for a vacation? Never mind! Already enough to have a close visit of adorable pandas and have a taste of spicy Hot Pot in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province! Isn’t it a good idea? In addition to the highlights in Chengdu, Sichuan in December also welcomes tourists with abundant other attractions, like Mount Emei, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Xiling Snow Mountain, Hailuogou Glacier Park, etc., each of them will show you a different style of snow beauty. And besides that, Mount Emei, one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China, will introduce you sacred Buddhist Culture.

Before choosing the best places to go in December in China, you are required to ask yourself one question. What are you dreaming for the most in this month, the best snow scenery and festival atmosphere, the best natural beauty in warm or the best budget vacations to explore the classics? Choose your bests and then find the answers here!

If you prefer the best snow scenery and festival atmosphere, Harbin, of course, is your best choice. And about 3~6 days are recommended then. Looking for great snow landscapes in China? Huangshan, Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, Hailuogou, Zhangjiajie and Jilin are also good. 10 Best Cold Weather Winter Destinations in China >>

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For the visitors looking for somewhere warm to have a taste of summer and spring in winter, you are suggested to visit Yunnan (Kunming, Lijiang, Yuanyang, Dali, etc.), Fujian (Xiamen, etc.), Great Bay Area (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.), Sanya or Guangxi (Guilin, Yangshuo, etc.). And then you will relax and bathing in the sun of the south. Check more about Top 5 Warm Places to Visit in China >>

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Interested in a budget tour to visit the classic destinations in China? Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin Chengdu are all fantastic choices! 4~14 days are needed to explore some of or all of them.

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Check more about How to Plan a Winter Trip to China >>

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