From glittering ice festivals and world-class ski resorts to snow-covered temples and ancient nomadic cultures, China offers travellers a wealth of spectacular winter experiences.
Stretching from the forests of Heilongjiang and Jilin to the remote wilderness of Xinjiang and the historic cities of Shanxi and Beijing, the country’s northern provinces are home to a diverse range of seasonal attractions.
Whether your clients are seeking adrenaline-fuelled days on the slopes, immersive cultural encounters or breathtaking natural scenery, this is the ultimate guide to winter in China.
Heilongjiang
Best for: ice and snow festivals
Home to some of China’s coldest winters, Heilongjiang is famous for its seasonal festivals, world-class skiing and status as the only place to witness the Northern Lights in China. Held from late December to late February, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is a winter wonderland of towering ice palaces and intricate ice sculptures illuminated by colourful lights. The annual festival is a celebration of all things sub-zero, featuring attractions like an ice maze, ferris wheel and a 24-lane, 521-metre ice slide. Just 4.5 hours away, Shuangfeng Forest Farm (China Snow Town) draws crowds with its whimsical, snow-covered cottages.
Ski: Yabuli Ski Resort
Boasting over 300 hectares of sprawling runs and winter sports facilities including a terrain park, Yabuli Ski Resort is one of China’s largest ski destinations. Guests can hit the slopes for alpine skiing and snowboarding or take in panoramic mountain views on snowmobile expeditions.
Xinjiang
Best for: powder snow and untouched wilderness
China’s far northwest delivers spectacular winter scenery and powder snow at the foot of the Altai and Tianshan Mountains. Bordering eight countries, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Xinjiang’s unique location reflects its rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of Silk Road history. Travellers can visit Qiongkushitai Village to see traditional Kazakh homes blanketed in snow and gain insight into local nomadic customs that continue today. The remote Kanas Scenic Area transforms into a wonderland during the colder months, with frozen lakes, dense forests and snow-covered valleys ripe for nature photography and outdoor adventures.
Ski: Hemu Ski Resort
Nestled within the Altai Mountains, Hemu Ski Resort resort caters to all skill levels with a growing network of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs accessed via modern lift infrastructure. Guests can stay in traditional Tuvan-style wooden cabins in nearby Hemu Village and the resort’s high-elevation terrain and reliable snowfall make it particularly popular with experienced skiers seeking off-piste adventures and uncrowded slopes.
Jilin
Best for: rime ice and hot springs
Bordering North Korea, the Jilin Province is renowned for its winter scenery that comes courtesy of around four months of annual snowfall. The Songhua River is the ideal place to witness the region’s enchanting rime ice phenomenon where water vapours settle and freeze, covering trees in crystalline ice sculptures. Visitors can also take part in time-honoured winter traditions with ice fishing on Chagan Lake or soak in natural, mineral-rich hot springs on Changbai Mountain.
Ski: Beidahu Ski Resort
Powder hounds should look no further than Beidahu Ski Resort, home to 74 ski trails and 13 high-speed cable cars. The premier ski destination served as the training ground for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and regularly hosts competitions like the Asian Winter Games and FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Beidahu offers a choice of eight resort hotels, an extensive range of beginner-friendly slopes and a range of night skiing experiences complete with DJ sets, bonfire shows and fireworks displays.
Liaoning
Best for: coastal winter escapes and UNESCO-listed landmarks
Liaoning offers a softer introduction to winter in China with its culture-rich urban landmarks and coastal scenery. One of the gateways to northeast China, the province is ideal for travellers seeking winter experiences beyond the ski slopes. In the provincial capital of Shenyang, visitors can explore the Shenyang Imperial Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of only two surviving imperial palace complexes in China. Nature lovers can venture to Qianshan Mountain, a UNESCO Global Geopark, to explore snow-dusted peaks, temples and forest trails.
Inner Mongolia
Best for: snowy grasslands and nomadic culture
Winter transforms Inner Mongolia’s 880,000 square kilometres of vast grasslands into a serene expanse of snow-covered plains, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the region’s traditional nomadic way of life. Around Hulunbuir, travellers can ride horses across frozen landscapes and stay in traditional Mongolian yurts. Winter is also an ideal time to sample hearty regional cuisine, while seasonal festivals and folk performances provide immersive cultural experiences and opportunities to learn about local herding traditions.
Beijing
Best for: winter heritage and modern snow sports
China’s capital takes on a magical atmosphere in winter as historic landmarks are dusted with snow and travellers have the opportunity to explore the city’s most iconic attractions without the crowds of peak seasons. Visitors can walk along snow-covered sections of The Great Wall of China for dramatic views and photography opportunities, while the frozen lakes of Shichahai become a hub for traditional ice skating. Beyond its historic sites, Beijing ups the seasonal charm with festivals and warming local cuisine, as well as easy access to nearby ski resorts.
Hebei
Best for: winter recreation close to the capital
Hebei has emerged as one of China’s premier winter sports destinations thanks to its mountainous terrain and myriad ski resorts, including Chongli Ski Resort. The province’s Chongli District gained international recognition as a key host region for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and is now home to a collection of world-class ski resorts and snow parks. Here, travellers can enjoy everything from beginner ski lessons and family-friendly snow activities to challenging alpine runs and terrain parks. Beyond skiing, Hebei offers scenic mountain hiking with panoramic views, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an escape from the city.
Shanxi
Best for: temples and trekking
Shanxi’s wealth of ancient architecture, Buddhist temples and preserved historic towns take on a unique charm during the winter months. Visitors can wander the remarkably preserved streets of Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into China’s imperial past. Further north, Mount Wutai, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, draws pilgrims and travellers alike with its snow-covered temples, tranquil landscapes and spiritual significance. Smaller crowds make winter one of the best times to explore the province’s cultural treasures.
