Winter may not be the best time for you to tour Beijing, because of its cold weather, but it undeniably has its advantages.
There isless crowdingat the main attractions. Tourism has itslowest pricesin winter. The air is dry and crisp. And Beijing is a good winter destination for those who loveskiing,winter festivities, andsnowy sightseeing.
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Beijing Weather in Winter
Winter weather in Beijing starts inNovemberwhen thefirst snow falls.
In December,cold wind is biting, and snow sometimes covers the ground of Beijing. There are only about two rainy/snowy days per month from December to February.
Januaryis thecoldest month in Beijingand it isfreezing and windy. Along with February, it is the best time for festivities, skiing, and snow and ice scenery.
In March, Beijing weather changes fromfreezing to cooling, but it iswindyandsandstorms are possible.
On average, Beijing experiencesabout eight snowy days per winterand rainfall is almost absent.
| November | December | January | February | March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average High (°C) | 10 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 11 |
| Average Low (°C) | 0 | -3 | -8 | -5 | -1 |
| Average High (°F) | 51 | 38 | 35 | 43 | 52 |
| Average Low (°F) | 33 | 21 | 17 | 23 | 30 |
What to Expect in Beijing Winter - Pros and Cons
Advantages: Dry, Not Hot, Less Busy, Economical
You should expect cold weather with much less rain. Winter is actually preferable for those tourists who love drier and not very hot environments.
Actually, winter is the driest time of the year all over China. Sunny days in Beijing's winters can beperfect for those who love sightseeingif temperatures below freezing point are not minded too much.
You also should expectfewer crowds(apart from at Chinese New Year), and it is the time tourist attractions, hotels, and flights reduce prices to encourage off-season travel spending, so expect tosave a lot of moneytoo. Some airlines even offer 80% off flights!
Disadvantages: Cold, Pollution
Beijing has very cold, long winters, starting early November and extending to early March. Beijing travelers should bring winter boots and coats, thick trousers, thermal underwear, sweaters, hats, and gloves.
Beijing pollutionis also more likely to be an issue in winter, though you can escape it in the suburbs and beyond, and there can be some very good days in winter.
- 4-Day Beijing Private Tour to Visit the Great Wall at Night
- Half-Day Beijing Walking Tour in a Neighborhood
Beijing Winter Festivities
Winter is Beijing's time for most festivities and temple fairs, so you should expect the festive thrill among Chinese people. Chinese New Year is a holiday-mood-filled time when cultural activities held in parks and temples during the New Year holiday are the best way of experiencing Chinese culture.
Christmas in Beijing
There aren't manyChristians living in China, but in recent years, the celebration ofChristmas in Chinahas become more popular and is celebrated in major cities like Beijing where a large number offoreignerslive, andWestern influenceis greater.
You can also choose to visitBeijing's top theatersfor Christmas performances, do some shopping (prices drop greatly in Winter), and visit Beijing'stop attractionsduring Christmas.
Chinese New Year
Known as the "Spring Movement",the Chinese New Year travel rushis the world's largest annual human migration, where many people working in urban areas travel home for holidays, so you should expect crowds traveling, but tourist attractions still have fewer crowds.
There are many cultural activities to take part in including theDragon DancesandLion Dances. Many people go to Beijing's traditionaltemple fairsduring the festival, for ritual praying, entertainment, snacks, andto buy crafts.
Decorations include decorating houses inred and wearing red clothesthat signify power, happiness, and vitality and are believed to scare away ghosts.
After the dinner feast, many Chinese people go out to watch a hugefireworks display. Chinese fireworks are also thought to scare away evil spirits.
In 2022, Chinese New Year's Day will beTuesday, February 1st. You can read aboutChinese New Year DatesandHow to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Beijing.
Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival
Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festivaltakes place fromJanuary to Februaryevery year at Longqing Gorge. Visitors enjoy ice art, including the more-than-400 massive ice sculptures and ice castles usually exhibited at the event.
TheBest Things to Do in Winter in Beijing
Winter Sightseeing: the Great Wall, Beijing Scenery...
Gear up and try ice climbing, and you will discover a new kind of excitement!
The Great Wall covered in snow:This iconic landmark of China provides a spectacular sight during winter, first due to the winter scenery and second, due to theabsence of crowdsthan in any other times of the year.
The best places to see the special snow-sheeted sceneries of Beijing are at theBadaling Great Wallsection, at theBadaling Ski Resort, and at theForbidden Citywhere you especially admire the beautiful snowy landscapes at theMeridian Gate Square and the Southeast Corner Towerout from Donghuamen (东华门).
Other places that you can visit to see snow and snow-covered sceneries in and near Beijing include theLongqing Gorgeduring the Beijing's Snow Festival,Taoyuan Xiangufor ice climbing over an ice wall made with frozen waterfall, andJingshan Parkto witness the Forbidden City peaks covered in snow.
You can also travel to theShihua Cavein February. It offers a2,500-meter tourwith stalactites and underwater streams galore. You can also head toChuandixia Villagefor dynasty-style courtyard homes and vistas that inspire snapshots and hand-drawn artistry souvenirs.
Skiing in Beijing
花的最好方式your winter in Beijing is skiing, including at theBadaling Ski Resortnear the Badaling's Great Wall Section and inShijinglong Ski Resort(one of the best ski resorts in China).
There are many other ski resorts to visit in Beijing in winter though, including theNanshan Ski Resort,largest ski resort close to Beijing.
Huaibei Ski Resort, which is 70 kilometers away from Beijing downtown, is the best for beginners.
AndBeijing Snow World Ski Parkis the nearest natural ski resort to Beijing city. It is located at Fenghuang Mountain of the MingTombs tourism area.
Soak in Beijing's Hot Springs
What better way to relax after a day of skiing or festivities than in the soothing waters of Jiuhua Hot Spring Resort in Changping District. It is near the Beijing Snow Ski Park and its waters contain numerous minerals and trace elements withcurative effects. You can also get a traditional Chinese medicinehealth care massagein the spring.
Longmai Hot Spring Resortis built on the original site of the former imperial hot spring bathing area, as is Jiuhua, mid-way between the Badaling Expressway and the internationalairport.
Eat Special Chinese Winter Food
Chinese have special traditional winter food. You can tastewarm winter specialtieslike hotpot at Haidilao Hot Pot (8F Tianyingtai Department Store, 88 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District) and at the Ghost Street in Dongzhimen Neidajie.
Other winter food specialties to try areChinese congeeat Jindingxuan near theLama Temple(Hepingli Xijie, Dongcheng District) androast lambat the'Leg of Lamb Street' (Beixinqiao Santiao, Dongcheng District), and chuanr (spicy meat skewersseasoned with cunmin and chilly powder).
Do Some Shopping in Beijing
Winter is thebest time to do shopping在中国,因为所有类型的商品和价格services drop since there aren't many customers and visitors.
- 6-Day Beijing Winter Tour with Skiing in a 2022 Olympic Winter Games Venue
- 1-Day Beijing Hutong Tour
Experience Winter in Beijing Your Way with Us
Customize any of the tour recommendations below ortailor-make a China tourfrom your requirements.
- Private 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing:Discover Chinese culture and history with a knowledgeable guide.
- 6-Day Beijing City Essence with Traditional New Year Activities:Celebrate the festival with fireworks, a New Year banquet, and decorate a house with a host family.
- 11-Day Classic Wonders Tour:The highlights of Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai are still very visitable in winter.
