The roe deer is running in the snow

January is the perfect time to embark on an annual luxurious journey, from the Ice City in the north to the islands in the south. China's January presents a unique yet charming travel landscape that is distinct from the north and south. Whether it's the fairy tale world of Frozen, the warm seaside vacation experience, or the cultural journey of ancient city heritage, January can meet the expectations of high-end travelers. Here are 13 selected luxury travel destinations in China for January, each equipped with luxurious accommodations, specialty cuisine, and unique experiences, injecting extraordinary inspiration into the New Year journey.

1. Harbin

Harbin Ice and Snow World

Temperature: Minimum -15 ℃ • Maximum -5 ℃
Highlights: Ice and Snow World Ice Sculpture Art, European style Architecture on Central Street, Snow Sculpture at the Snow Expo, Volga Manor Russian Style, Madier Ice Stick, Iron Pot Stewed Food
Other recommended travel dates: December, January, and February
Harbin is known as the "Ice City", and January is the golden season for viewing ice sculpture art. In the world of ice and snow, giant ice sculptures are dreamlike under the light, European style buildings on Central Street complement the snow scenery, and Volga Manor showcases a strong Russian style atmosphere, making people feel like they are in a foreign land.
In addition to the ice and snow scenery, Harbin's cuisine is also mouth watering. Madeier popsicle tastes more refreshing in cold winter, while iron pot stew gathers the essence of northeast cuisine. Meat and vegetables are stewed in a steaming pot, warming the stomach and heart.

 

2. Sanya

On the beach of Yalong Bay, people are surfing the waves

Temperature: Minimum 18 ℃ • Maximum 27 ℃
Highlights: Yalong Bay five-star hotel cluster, Wuzhizhou Island diving, Tianya Haijiao sunset, Nanshan Sea Guanyin, seafood feast, Coconut Grove hot springs
Other recommended travel dates: November, December, January
Sanya, as a tropical coastal city in southern China, has a warm and pleasant climate in January, making it an ideal place for winter vacations. The five-star hotel cluster in Yalong Bay provides luxurious accommodation experiences, while the diving project on Wuzhizhou Island allows people to get up close and personal with colorful coral reefs and tropical fish populations.
Sanya's culture and natural landscapes are equally rich. The sunset scenery at the ends of the earth is enchanting, while the Guanyin on the sea in Nanshan is a holy land of Buddhist culture. Seafood feast is an unmissable culinary experience in Sanya, where fresh seafood is carefully cooked with excellent color, aroma, and taste.

 

3. Changbai Mountain

Is there a hidden water monster under the Tianchi Lake

Temperature: Minimum -20 ℃ • Maximum -10 ℃
Highlights: Tianchi Ice Waterfall, Snow Hot Springs, Wanda Ski Resort, Demon Realm rime, Volcanic Rock Landform, Northeast Iron Pot Stew, Snowmobile
Other recommended travel dates: December, January, and February
Changbai Mountain is covered with white snow in January, presenting a magnificent snow scenery. The Tianchi Ice Waterfall shines with a blue and white light in the sunlight, while the snow hot springs provide a warm soaking experience in the icy and snowy world. Wanda Ski Resort is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts, providing professional skiing facilities and coaching guidance.
The natural landscape of Changbai Mountain is unique and mysterious. The rime of the demon realm appears faintly in the morning mist, while the volcanic rock landscape showcases the incredible craftsmanship of nature. Northeastern iron pot stew is a local specialty dish, where meat and vegetables are stewed in a steaming hot pot, giving people a feeling of the enthusiasm and generosity of Northeastern people.

 

4. Xuexiang (Mudanjiang)

Blue sky, distant mountains, wooden houses, snow scenery, pine trees, reindeer, snow foxes

Temperature: Minimum -25 ℃ • Maximum -15 ℃
Highlights: Mushroom House on Xueyun Street, Dreamy Home Light Show, Bangchuishan Boardwalk, Snowy Bonfire Party, Northeast Folk Experience, Frozen Pear and Persimmon
Other recommended travel dates: December, January, and February
Snow Village is renowned as the "Snow Village of China" and January is the best season to enjoy snow scenery. The mushroom houses on Xueyun Street are covered with thick snow, like small houses in fairy tales. The light show of Dreamland illuminates the snowy countryside at night, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
The folk experiences in Xuexiang are equally rich. Tourists can participate in the snow bonfire party, sing and dance with local residents, and experience the enthusiasm and vitality of Northeast China. The experience of Northeast folk customs allows people to deeply understand the local culture and traditions, while frozen pears and persimmons are delicious snacks unique to winter.

5. Wusong Island (Jilin)

The fairyland landscape of rime island

Temperature: Minimum -18 ℃ • Maximum -8 ℃
Highlights: Wonders of Songhua River rime, Manchu cultural experience, Hantun homestay, Wula Street hotpot, snow horse riding, ice fishing activities
Other recommended travel dates: December and January
Wusong Island is located on the banks of the Songhua River, and January is the best season to enjoy the wonders of rime. The morning mist condenses into crystal clear rime on the branches, like a fairy tale world. The experience of Manchu culture allows people to deeply understand the local history and traditions, and Hantun Homestay provides a warm accommodation experience.
The winter activities on Wusong Island are rich and colorful. Riding a horse in the snow gives people the pleasure of galloping on the snow, while ice fishing activities allow people to experience the fun of fishing on the ice surface. Wulajie hotpot is a local specialty dish, where fresh ingredients are stewed in a steaming pot, leaving a lasting impression.

6. Xiamen

Sunshine Rock on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen

Temperature: Minimum 10 ℃ • Maximum 18 ℃
Highlights: Gulangyu International Architecture, Cycling on Huandao Road, Zengcuoan Art Store, Nanputuo Temple Su Zhai, Sand Tea Noodles, Sea View Cafe
Other recommended travel dates: October, November, and January
Xiamen, as a coastal city, has a pleasant climate in January and is an ideal place for winter vacations. The international architectural complex on Gulangyu Island showcases the history and culture of Xiamen, while cycling around the island allows people to enjoy the beautiful seaside scenery. The art shop in Zengcuo An gathers various creative products and delicacies.
Xiamen's cuisine is also mouth watering. Shacha noodles are a local specialty snack, perfectly blended with rich Shacha sauce and noodles, leaving a lasting impression. The Su Zhai in Nanputuo Temple makes people feel the purity and detachment of Buddhist culture. The Sea View Cafe offers a leisurely afternoon tea experience, allowing people to enjoy delicious coffee and desserts while admiring the sea view.

7. Lijiang

Gazing at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang Ancient City

Temperature: Minimum 0 ℃ • Maximum 12 ℃
Highlights: Naxi Culture in the Old Town of Lijiang, Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier Park, Shuhe Ancient Town Slow Life, Impression Lijiang Performance, Hot Pot with Preserved Ribs, Snow Mountain Hot Spring
Other recommended travel dates: December, January, and February
Lijiang is famous for its ancient city and snow capped mountains, and January is the best season to visit Lijiang. The Naxi cultural experience in the Old Town of Lijiang makes people deeply understand the local history and traditions, while the Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier Park shows a magnificent snow mountain landscape. The slow living atmosphere of Shuhe Ancient Town makes people feel peaceful and comfortable.
Lijiang's performances and cuisine are equally rich. Impression Lijiang performance is set against the backdrop of snow capped mountains, showcasing the culture and history of the Naxi people. Braised pork ribs hotpot is a local specialty dish, perfectly blending the rich aroma of meat with fresh and tender pork ribs, making it irresistible. Snow Mountain Hot Springs allow people to enjoy a warm soaking experience while admiring the beautiful scenery of the snow mountain.

8. Kunming

Seagulls fly in Dianchi Lake, Kunming

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 18 ℃
Highlights: Dianchi Gull, Stone Forest Karst Landform, Dounan Flower Market, Crossing the bridge noodles, Wild Mushroom Hotpot, Hot Spring Resort
Other recommended travel dates: November, December, January
Kunming, as a 'spring city', has a warm climate like spring in January, making it an ideal place for winter vacations. The red billed gulls of Dianchi Lake migrate here in winter, becoming a unique winter landscape in Kunming. The karst topography of Shilin showcases the incredible craftsmanship of nature, leaving people amazed by its wonders and beauty.
The flower market and cuisine in Kunming are equally desirable. Dounan Flower Market is the largest fresh cut flower trading market in Asia, with a dazzling array of flowers that make people feel like they are in a sea of flowers. Crossing the bridge noodles is a special snack in Kunming. The delicious soup base and rich ingredients are perfectly integrated, leaving people with endless aftertaste. Wild mushroom hotpot gathers various wild mushrooms from Yunnan, rich in nutrients and delicious in taste.

9. Guilin

Sailing on the Li River in winter

Temperature: Minimum 8 ℃ • Maximum 15 ℃
Highlights: Lijiang Bamboo Raft Drifting, Yangshuo West Street Night Scene, Yulong River Cycling, Elephant Trunk Hill Sunrise, Beer Fish, Karst Cave Exploration
Other recommended travel dates: September, October, and January
Guilin is famous for its picturesque scenery, and January is the best season to visit Guilin. The bamboo raft drifting on the Li River allows people to appreciate the picturesque landscape, while the night view of Yangshuo West Street showcases a lively nightlife atmosphere. Riding on the Yulong River allows people to enjoy the pleasure of sports while admiring the beautiful scenery.
Exploring karst caves in Guilin is equally exciting. Within the karst caves, stalactites stand tall in various shapes, making one feel as if they are in a fairyland. Beer fish is a unique delicacy in Guilin, where fresh and tender fish perfectly blend with the rich aroma of beer, making it irresistible. The sunrise at Elephant Trunk Mountain makes people feel the magnificence and wonder of nature.

10. Xishuangbanna

Thai style architecture in Xishuangbanna

Temperature: Minimum 15 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
Highlights: Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Rainforest Exploration in Wild Elephant Valley, Water Splashing Festival in Dai Garden, Gaozhuang Night Market, Pineapple Rice, Dai style Barbecue
Other recommended travel dates: November, December, January
Xishuangbanna is renowned for its tropical rainforests and Dai culture, with a warm and pleasant January climate, making it an ideal place for winter vacations. The Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences gathers various tropical plants, making people feel like they are in a green ocean. The rainforest exploration in Wild Elephant Valley allows people to get up close with wild Asian elephants and experience the magic and beauty of nature.
The Dai culture experience in Xishuangbanna is equally rich. The Water Splashing Festival in the Dai Ethnic Garden allows people to feel the enthusiasm and vitality of the Dai people, while the Gaozhuang Night Market gathers various Dai ethnic specialty snacks and handicrafts. Pineapple rice is a local specialty dish, where the sweet pineapple blends perfectly with glutinous rice, leaving a lasting impression. Dai style barbecue has attracted countless diners with its unique seasoning and cooking methods.

11. Beijing

The Forbidden City after the First Snow

Temperature: Minimum -6 ℃ • Maximum 5 ℃
Highlights: the snow scene of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace Ice Rink, Universal Studios New Year, Shicha Sea Ice Lantern, instant boiled mutton, Beijing style cakes, courtyard house
Other recommended travel dates: December, January, and February
As the capital of China, January is the best season to visit Beijing. The snow scenery of the Forbidden City is as picturesque as poetry, making people feel as if they have traveled back to the ancient palace. The ice rink in the Summer Palace allows people to gallop freely on the ice and experience the joy of winter. Universal Studios' New Year activities let people welcome the arrival of the New Year in a happy atmosphere.
The cuisine and accommodation in Beijing are equally desirable. Braised lamb is a unique delicacy in Beijing, where fresh and tender lamb is perfectly blended with rich sesame sauce, making it irresistible. Beijing style pastries have attracted countless diners with their unique taste and production techniques. Courtyard homestays allow people to experience traditional Beijing life while enjoying a comfortable accommodation environment.

12. Urumqi

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in the Snow

Temperature: Minimum -12 ℃ • Maximum -2 ℃
Highlights: Tianshan Tianchi Winter Scenery, International Grand Bazaar, Silk Road Ski Resort, Xinjiang Lamb Skewer, Hand pulled Rice, Snow Ranch Experience
Other recommended travel dates: December, January, and February
As the capital of Xinjiang, January is the best season to visit Urumqi. The winter scenery of Tianchi in Tianshan is like poetry and picturesque, making people feel like they are in a fairyland. The international bazaar gathers various Xinjiang specialty products and cuisine, making people linger and forget to leave. The Silk Road Ski Resort provides professional skiing facilities and coaching guidance, allowing skiing enthusiasts to fully enjoy the fun of skiing.
The cuisine in Urumqi is also mouth watering. Xinjiang lamb skewers have attracted countless diners with their unique seasoning and cooking methods, and hand pulled rice is one of the traditional delicacies in Xinjiang. The sweet rice perfectly blends with fresh and tender lamb, leaving an endless aftertaste. The experience of snow pasture allows people to get up close and personal with the pastoral life and cultural traditions of Xinjiang.

 

13. Chongqing

Hongya Cave is brightly lit at night

Temperature: Minimum 5 ℃ • Maximum 25 ℃
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 January, you can experience the hazy beauty of the misty mountain city in Chongqing. The ancient town of Ciqikou is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, exuding a strong New Year's atmosphere. The Cloud Eye Observation Deck overlooks the night view of the confluence of the two rivers. Paired with Chongqing hotpot, small noodles and other warm food, we recommend the River View Room at the Regent Hotel or the Hot Spring Villa at Nanshan Homestay for high-end accommodation.
There are abundant hot spring resources in winter. Beibei hot spring, South hot spring and other natural bathing pool are the best choice for winter vacation. January is also the season for stargazing, and you can arrange a starry sky photography at a tree observation deck in Nanshan.