December is a season of growing winter, perfect for enjoying snow scenery, soaking in hot springs, and seeking refuge from the cold. From the magnificent snow scenery of the frozen north to the warm coastal scenery of the south, from the tranquility of the plateau holy land to the elegance of ancient capital cities, December in China presents a diverse and peaceful travel scene. Here are 14 selected December luxury travel cities/provinces to embark on a luxurious journey that is as enchanting as winter.

1. Harbin

Sun Island Snow Expo: Black Myth: Wukong

Temperature: Minimum -25 ℃ • Maximum -10 ℃
Highlights: Ice and Snow World, Central Street, Madier popsicles and Russian cuisine, Yabuli Ski Resort, Sun Island
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February
In December, Harbin enters the ice and snow season, and the Ice and Snow World Ice Sculpture Art Exhibition shines brightly. The European style buildings on Central Street are covered in white snow, and you can experience special foods such as Madier popsicles and Russian Western cuisine. Yabuli Ski Resort opens top-level ski slopes, suitable for skiing enthusiasts to challenge their limits; The Sun Island Snow Expo showcases giant snow sculptures, paired with a light show that resembles a fairy tale world.
High end accommodations such as Hilton Harbin Grand Theatre and Shangri La Songbei offer private underfloor heating rooms and ice and snow view rooms. Paired with iron pot stew, Russian grilled meat, and Gevas cuisine, enjoy a luxurious vacation in the snowy land of the Ice City. December is also a popular season for stargazing and shooting auroras, and professional teams can be arranged to capture natural wonders.

 

2. Changbai Mountain

Heaven Lake on Changbai Mountain

Temperature: Minimum -20 ℃ • Maximum -5 ℃
Highlights: Tianchi, rime island, skiing/snowmobile, Julongquan volcanic hot springs, snow scenery and starry sky photography
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February/March
The snow scenery in Changbai Mountain in December is picturesque, with Tianchi frozen and Wusong Island covered in jade trees and flowers. You can experience ice and snow sports such as skiing and snowmobile. The Changbai Mountain hot spring group provides natural warm soup, making soaking in snow even more comfortable. Julongquan Volcano Hot Springs are rich in mineral resources, and the combination with snow scenery can be called the ultimate experience of "ice and fire in two heavens".
High end accommodations such as Park Hyatt Changbai Mountain and Hyatt Regency provide private butlers and customized skiing services. Paired with ginseng stewed chicken, snow clam soup, mountain delicacies hot pot and other health foods, enjoy a taste feast against the backdrop of snow capped mountains. December is also the golden season for stargazing and snow photography, and can be arranged for mountain top stargazing and forest hiking.

 

3. Xishuangbanna

Xishuangbanna Dai Ethnic Culture Park

Temperature: Minimum 15 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
Highlights: Tropical Botanical Garden, Wild Elephant Valley, Gaozhuang Night Market, Dai Ethnic Garden, Rainforest Starry Sky Camping
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February/March/April
In December, Xishuangbanna is as warm as spring. The Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is full of flowers, and the Wild Elephant Valley can be searched for traces of Asian elephants. The Shuangjing Night Market in Gaozhuang West is dazzling, with Dai style barbecue, pineapple rice and other delicacies paired with the night view of the Lancang River, forming a romantic picture of "Oriental Little Thailand". Experience ethnic customs through splashing water and reveling in Dai ethnic gardens, and explore ecological wonders through hiking in tropical rainforests.
High end accommodations such as Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort Hotel and Wanda Vista Hotel offer private swimming pools and tropical garden services. Enjoy a winter vacation in the rainforest scenery with special dishes such as roasted fish with citronella grass, Bamboo tube food, and Dai style salad. December is also a popular season for stargazing and photography, where you can arrange rainforest starry sky camping and night tours of botanical gardens.

 

4. Sanya

A sea as precious as a gemstone

Temperature: Minimum 22 ℃ • Maximum 28 ℃
Highlights: Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island, Nanshan Temple Sea Guanyin, Tianya Haijiao Stone Carvings
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February/March
In December, Sanya has a pleasant climate, with luxurious hotels in Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay offering private beaches and infinity pools. Diving on Wuzhizhou Island allows for close observation of coral reefs and tropical fish populations. The Guanyin Villa on the sea of Nanshan Temple is grand and majestic, and can be used for praying and making wishes; The stone carvings at the ends of the earth witness romantic legends, while the swaying coconut groves evoke the coastal charm.
High end accommodations such as Atlantis Sanya Hotel and Addison Hotel offer sea view rooms and aquarium experiences. Enjoy a luxurious vacation in the blue sea and sky with seafood feast, refreshing drinks, coconut rice and other delicacies. December is also a popular season for diving and surfing, and professional coaches can be arranged to guide water activities.

5. Mount Emei

The Golden Summit of Mount Emei after Snow

Temperature: Minimum -5 ℃ • Maximum 10 ℃
Highlights: Golden Summit Cloud Sea Buddha Light, Wannian Temple, Baoguo Temple, Mountain Top Star Watching
Other recommended travel dates: December/January/February
The snow scenery of Mount Emei in December is magnificent, with frequent occurrences of golden clouds and Buddha lights, which can capture stunning images of the "Emei Treasure Light". The ancient temples of Wannian Temple and Baoguo Temple appear even more solemn in the snow, and walking through the snow forest can feel the tranquility of the "Immortal Mountain of Shu". There are abundant hot spring resources in the mountains, and soaking in snow can soothe the body and mind.
High end accommodation, such as Emeishan Blue Light Jizhuang Hotel and Jinding Hotel, provides private bathing pool and customized tourism services. Enjoy a luxurious vacation in the immortal mountains of the Buddhist kingdom, accompanied by special delicacies such as Emei Su Zhai, Snow Konjac Roasted Duck, and Bamboo Leaf Green Tea. December is also a popular season for stargazing and photography, where you can arrange mountain top stargazing and snow hiking.

 

6. Nanjing

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum after the Snow

Temperature: Minimum 0 ℃ • Maximum 8 ℃
Highlights: Qinhuai River night tour, Confucius Temple, Purple Mountain Observatory stargazing, Ming Xiaoling, Tangshan Hot Springs
Other recommended travel dates: December/January/February
In December, a night tour of the Qinhuai River in Nanjing has a unique charm. The Confucius Temple is brightly lit, and you can take a painting boat to enjoy the poetic feeling of "night mooring in Qinhuai". The Purple Mountain Observatory offers stargazing and moon gazing experiences. The snow scenery on the Shixiang Road in the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is picturesque, and the interweaving of ginkgo trees and red maple trees creates a unique sight of autumn and winter charm. Tangshan Hot Springs are rich in minerals, and soaking in snow enhances the beauty of health preservation.
High end accommodation, such as Ritz Carlton Nanjing Hotel and Banyan Tree Garden, provides private bathing pool and city view room services. Paired with Jinling delicacies such as duck blood vermicelli soup, salted duck, and plum blossom cake, enjoy a luxurious vacation in the ancient city style. December is also a popular season for stargazing and snow viewing. You can arrange a night tour of Purple Mountain for stargazing and the east of Laomen.

 

7. Xiamen

Gulangyu Island and Sunshine Rock

Temperature: Minimum 12 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Gulangyu Island, Huandao Road, Shapotou, sailing boats and yachts going out to sea, winter sea view photography
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February
In December, Xiamen is warm and pleasant, and the international architectural complex on Gulangyu Island appears even more colorful under the winter sun. You can stroll through the Shuzhuang Garden and Sunshine Rock, and feel the romance of the "Garden on the Sea". Cycling on the Ring Road offers a panoramic view of the sea and coconut groves, while the Shapotou Cultural and Creative Market gathers handmade art, making it a great place to purchase unique souvenirs.
High end accommodations such as Andaz Hotel Xiamen and Qishang Hotel offer sea view rooms and private butler services. With sea food such as Shacha noodles, Sea worm jelly, oyster fry, you can enjoy a luxurious holiday in European architecture and seaside scenery. December is also a popular season for sailing and yacht sailing, and professional coaches can be arranged to guide water activities.

 

8. Guangzhou

At night, Canton Tower emits dazzling rainbow lights

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 20 ℃
Highlights: Chimelong Christmas Season, the Pearl River Night Tour, Baiyun Mountain, Cantonese Morning Tea/Roasted Goose, Chen Family Temple
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February
In December, the climate in Guangzhou is cool, and Yuexiu Park and Baiyun Mountain are intertwined with autumn colors and winter charm, offering visitors the opportunity to climb high and enjoy the city scenery. Chimelong Tourist Resort has started its Christmas season, and the Wildlife World and Happy World are suitable for family outings. The night tour of the Pearl River can enjoy the "Small Man Waist" light show of Guangzhou Tower, and enjoy the charm of "eating in Guangzhou" with Cantonese breakfast tea, roast goose, Little pan rice and other delicacies.
High end accommodations such as Guangzhou Rosewood Hotel and Mandarin Oriental Hotel offer city view rooms and private butler services. Enjoy a luxurious holiday in Lingnan culture with classic Cantonese cuisine such as White cut chicken, braised wax and double skin milk. December is also a popular season for watching stars and avoiding cold weather. Night tours of Baiyun Mountain and the Pearl River can be arranged.

 

9. Mount Huangshan

Sea of Clouds in Mount Huangshan Mountain in Winter

Temperature: Minimum -5 ℃ • Maximum 5 ℃
Highlights: Frost on Shixin Peak, Xihai Grand Canyon, mountain hot springs, snow scenery and starry sky photography, winter hiking challenge.
Other recommended travel dates: December/January/February
In December, the picturesque snow scenery of Mount Huangshan Mountain, Shixin Peak and Guangming Peak, with pine trees hanging on the snow, forms the "Rime Wonder", which can shoot the beautiful picture of "pine trees dancing with snow". The snow scenery of Xihai Grand Canyon is magnificent. During the hiking, you can feel the shock of "Five Mountains return without looking at the mountain, Mount Huangshan return without looking at the mountain". Mountain hot springs provide a snow soaking experience, soothing the body and mind.
High end accommodation, such as Mount Huangshan Banyan Tree and Mount Huangshan Lion Forest Hotel, provides private viewing rooms and spa services. Enjoy a luxurious holiday in the peak forest wonders with special foods such as stinky mandarin fish, hairy tofu, Mount Huangshan Shaobing (Baked cake in griddle), etc. December is also a popular season for stargazing and photography, and professional photography teams can be arranged to capture the wonders of snow scenery.

 

10. Guilin, Guangxi

The silhouette of nine horses is hidden on this mountain peak

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 15 ℃
Highlights: Lijiang River, Jiuma Huashan, Yangshuo West Street, Longji Terraced Fields
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February
In December, the Li River in Guilin is tranquil and beautiful in winter. Drifting on bamboo rafts allows you to enjoy classic landscapes such as the Nine Horses Painting Mountain and the Yellow Cloth Reflection. The Li River in winter appears even clearer and more peaceful. Yangshuo West Street has warm lights at night, beer, fish, Luosifen and other delicacies are paired with Qingba, and you can experience the night life of the blending of China and the West. The snow scenery of Longji Terraced Fields is like a chain, which can capture the magnificent scene of "snow falling on the terraced fields".
High end accommodations such as Guilin Yangshuo Sugar House and Longji Terraced Resort Hotel offer private swimming pools and starry sky observation services. Enjoy a luxurious holiday in the landscape painting with beer fish, Guilin rice noodle, Lipu taro and pork. December is also a popular season for stargazing and staying out of the cold, and can be arranged for Li River starry sky photography and nighttime firefly observation.

 

11. Libo, Guizhou

Xiaoqikong

Temperature: Minimum 3 ℃ • Maximum 12 ℃
Highlights: Xiaoqikong, Water Forest, Laya Waterfall, Maolan Karst Landform
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February
In December, the winter scenery of Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area is serene and serene, with clear waters, green mountains, and snowy scenery complementing each other, like pearls on a jade necklace. You can hike through the water forest and the Laya Waterfall, experiencing the serene beauty of the "emerald on the earth's belt". The Maolan Karst landform appears even more rugged under the winter sun, making it suitable for exploring natural wonders.
High end accommodations such as Libo Xiaoqikong Ruijing Hotel and Maolan Resort provide lake view rooms and forest bath services. Paired with specialty foods such as sour fish soup and yangmei soup, enjoy a winter vacation in the karst landscape. December is also a popular season for stargazing and photography, where you can arrange forest starry sky camping and night tours of scenic spots.

 

12. Lhasa, Tibet

The Potala Palace in the snow appears even more mysterious

Temperature: Minimum -10 ℃ • Maximum 10 ℃
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Namtso, butter tea/yak meat
Other recommended travel dates: November/December/January/February
In December, Lhasa is sunny, and the Potala Palace appears even more solemn in the snow. Visitors can visit the magnificent Buddhist halls and cultural relics inside the palace. Pilgrims on Barkhor Street of Jokhang Temple can experience the devout atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism. The frozen surface of Namtso Lake and the reflection of the snow capped mountains are like mirrors, creating a stunning scene of the "Winter Charm of the Holy Lake".
High end accommodations such as the Lhasa St. Regis Hotel and Shangri La Hotel offer Tibetan style homestays and oxygen supply services. Paired with Tibetan cuisine such as butter tea, yak meat, and barley wine, enjoy a luxurious vacation in the holy land of the plateau. December is also a popular season for stargazing and snow photography, and professional photography teams can be arranged for guidance.

 

13. Urumqi

Ice covered Tianshan Tianchi

Temperature: Minimum -15 ℃ • Maximum -5 ℃
Highlights: Tianshan Tianchi, skiing in Nanshan, international Bazaar New Year's goods
Other recommended travel dates: July/August/September/December
Urumqi is covered in silver in December, the frozen surface of Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains is like a mirror, and the snow slopes of Nanshan Ski Resort are galloping. The International Bazaar New Year Goods Market is bustling with delicious Kazakh winter dishes that are mouth watering.
We recommend the Silk Road Resort Hotel or Hilton Hotel for high-end accommodation, paired with Uyghur song and dance parties and Kazakh felt bonfires, to experience the winter scenery and ice and snow fun of the Western Regions.

 

14. Chongqing

The street behind Ciqikou Ancient Town is brightly lit with lights

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 10 ℃
Highlights: Ciqikou Ancient Town, Cloud Eye Observation Deck, Yangtze River Cableway, Winter Hot Springs
Other recommended travel dates: March/April/May/September/October/November/December
In December, Chongqing's mountainous city is shrouded in mist, and the ancient town of Ciqikou welcomes the New Year with colorful lights and decorations. The Eye of the Clouds observation deck overlooks the dazzling night view of the two rivers. Rich in hot spring resources, Beibei hot spring, Tongjing hot spring and other natural bathing pool warm up.
Recommended high-end accommodation options include the River View Suite at the Regent Hotel or the Hot Spring Villa at Nanshan Homestay. Paired with Chongqing hotpot, small noodles, and other delicacies, you can experience the collision of heat and warmth in the foggy winter days.