How to explore China in the winter
Experience winter three different ways in Xinjiang, Heilongjiang and Hainan
Words by Suzy Pope
If China has always been on your travel wish-list or you’re planning a return visit, experiencing the country’s winter season is nothing short of breathtaking. Winter in China dazzles as it highlights another side to its landscapes, activities and culture – and as the world’s third largest country, there’s a lot to take in.
Make the most of China’s diverse landscapes and cultures in three charming provinces. Heilongjiang, in the east, is the home of the world-renowned Harbin Snow & Ice Festival; Xinjiang in the west is a prime ski destination; and Hainan in the south is for a tropical slice of winter-sun-meets-island-life.
Heilongjiang
As China’s northernmost province and with the highest latitude in the country, Heilongjiang is full of superlatives. And it doesn’t stop there: it’s also home to the coldest city and the only place in the country where the Northern Lights can be seen.
If it’s those iconic white winter landscapes you’re looking for, Heilongjiang won’t disappoint. From its plethora of activities – both man-made and natural wonders – this northern province doesn’t slow down over winter. Quite the opposite, in fact. Heilongjiang is made up of dense forests, wide rivers, rolling plains and impressive mountains. You can already begin to imagine the winter transformation, with heavy snowfall blanketing the landscape.
Locals and tourists alike head to Heilongjiang to visit its capital city, Harbin. Its renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is a spectacular display of China’s art and cultural prowess – especially at Ice and Snow World, where towering sculptures are illuminated by colourful light displays.
Between December and March, the entire city swings into action, as the streets, parks, ski resorts and even the Songhua River form as venues for one of the world’s largest festivals of its kind.
Whether you’re with friends or family, you can embrace Harbin’s iconic festival by viewing some of the most incredible ice sculptures, try fun winter activities like snow tubing, and taste an equally iconic Chinese winter snack, tanghulu. You’ll see many families tucking into this dried candied fruit (typically hawthorn berries) on skewers.
Whether you’re with friends or family, you can embrace Harbin’s iconic festival by viewing some of the most incredible ice sculptures, try fun winter activities like snow tubing, and taste an equally iconic Chinese winter snack, tanghulu. You’ll see many families tucking into this dried candied fruit (typically hawthorn berries) on skewers.
Another must-visit winter spot lies around 280km from Harbin, at China Snow Village. You’ll instantly feel as if you’ve stepped into a snow globe, as it’s complete with cosy wooden houses, husky sledding and snowmobiling opportunities. A viewpoint walk offers a beautiful snapshot over the all-white village, too.
Heilongjiang is also home to ‘China’s North Pole’, Mohe. This city has the coldest temperatures recorded in the country! Thanks to its remote location, it’s also possible to spot the Northern Lights here, too. Watch swirls of green, blue and purple dance across the night sky in the only place in China that makes aurora-spotting possible.
Across Heilongjiang, temperatures drop well below freezing over winter, so dress appropriately and keep yourself warm with authentic street food and winter activities. While you can visit at any time during the winter season, March is a particularly great month to consider – you can embrace the final month of winter before the landscape transforms into yet another beautiful season.
Hainan
Did you know that Hainan is nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of China’? This picturesque island sits off the coast of Guangdong province in southern China and offers a year-round pleasant climate. If you’re looking for winter sun, Hainan is the place to go.
During the winter season, Hainan’s temperatures range between 18°C to 26°C, and while the climate may be slightly humid, it’s not overbearing.
Sanya should be your first port of call. It’s the southernmost point of the island, boasting some of the best white-sand beaches and just a few short steps from the glistening sea. This makes it perfect for relaxing days on the beach at the likes of Yalong Bay, Houhai Bay and, for ultimate city beach vibes, Sanya Bay.
Over on the east coast lies Wanning, with pristine beaches and surf-friendly waves making it another popular spot. You can swap snow for sun and enjoy swimming, sunbathing and exploring the coastlines, beaches and bays of Hainan.
Head inland and you’ll discover lush rainforests, where birds sing their cheerful songs and life continues to move at a slower pace. Delve beneath the canopy on a mountain hike; there are many parks and trails to choose from, depending on what gradient and challenge you’re looking for.
The winter season is one of the best times to go hiking in Hainan, as you’ll be hiking outside of the main rain season, which falls between May to October. As with most hikes, it’s best to start early in the morning, so you can savour the route (and the views) and leave before any fog sets in (due to the island’s tropical climate).
National parks pepper the island, including Limu Shan (Limu Mountain) with its pristine tropical rainforest reserve. The terrain is made up of evergreen forest, tropical ravine rainforest and high valleys, plus animal species that are endemic to Hainan, from delicate butterflies to leopard cats.
Some hikes are easier and suitable for children, like Dongshan (East Mountain), where you’ll pass age-old temples, ancient springs and caves en-route. If it’s a harder trail you’re after, Jianfeng Ridge consists of mostly natural paths and you can watch waterfalls thundering over boulders.
You’ll find that many of Hainan’s national parks are signposted and some include support to reach your start point or ascent.
So, whether you choose the beach or mountains (or both!) you can make the most of Hainan’s natural beauty and wild surroundings, in the middle of winter – and without a snowflake in sight.
Xinjiang
Bordering Central Asia, Xinjiang lies in far northwestern China. With flat, still lakes framed by towering mountains, the winter season transforms this province into a piece of art. And what an artwork it is: snow-dusted pine trees, iced-over lakes creating ethereal ‘ice mushrooms’ and traditional wooden huts punctuating the all-white canvas of snow.
Xinjiang is prime winter sports territory, as its impressive mountains – like the Tianshan and Altay ranges – create long steep runs. It’s a haven for skiers and snowboardwers, and the added bonus of skiing here isn’t just the exemplary natural snowfall, but the amount of space you can cover.
This underrated ski destination is slowly growing in popularity, especially with international tourism. This means you can glide through the snowpack without the crowds or queues for the ski lifts. Quality ski resorts are dotted around Xinjiang, catering to red, blue and black ski runs thanks to the high elevation points.
Jikepulin Hemu is one of the most popular ski resorts, with modern facilities, where skiers and snowboarders can tackle slopes from beginner to expert levels. At its highest elevation, you can admire the wintery scenery with views stretching across to Russia and Kazakhstan, too.
So, if you’ve tackled Canada, France or Japan and are looking for fresh skiing territory and even fresher snow, Xinjiang might just be your next best ski adventure.
Xinjiang’s location, close to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, reflect the province’s deep Central Asian connections and rich cultural heritage. The Kom-Kanas Mongolian Ethnic Township is surrounded by pristine nature, offering an evocative atmosphere that feels timeless.
It’s in these ancient villages where tourists and locals can join together around crackling bonfires to sing and dance the night away, surrounded by blissful winter scenes. Connected by human spirit, it’s also a fascinating insight into traditional ways of life. During the day you might see herds of stocky horses work their way through the blankets of snow.
Temperatures in winter fall well below freezing, but the weather is less harsh than the conditions of Heilongjiang, so be sure to pack suitable winter ski clothing.
However you choose to explore Xinjiang, you can further enhance your stay with warm, hearty cuisine. Winter is prime time to try authentic Xinjiang dishes like zhuanfan (a pilau rice mixed with raisin and carrots, typically served with mutton or beef) and dapanji (Big Plate Chicken, a spicy stew). There’s plenty to tuck into on your winter adventure in China.
