Snowscape Escapes – Cold Winter Travel Destinations

Article by XIANEASE

As the end of the year arrives, ice and snow begin appearing on the weather reports and the time for travel rapidly approaches as the largest block of time most have off comes in the form of Spring Festival. But with current restrictions in place, it is difficult to travel outside of the country, at least until things settle down a bit further. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to stop traveling all together, as there are still plenty of place for you to explore within China. If you’re a fan of Winter wonderland escapes, then China has a plethora of destinations that are perfect to get that holiday vibe.

Harbin
Heilongjiang Province

No article on winter destinations would be complete without mentioning one of China’s most famous winter festivals – the Harbin Ice Festival. During this festival, which kicks off in early January, is a fantasy land of different ice sculptures, interactive exhibits, and winter wonder. There is also a nearby areas known as Yabuli, that host alpine skiing and a host of other winter activities. The weather in Harbin is much colder than what we find in Xi’an, with the low temperatures dropping below -20C, and daytime temperatures rarely going above -12C, so pack appropriately. There are direct flights to Harbin from Xi’an, though expect ticket prices and hotel prices to soar during the Ice Festival.

Mohe
Heilongjiang Province

A second Heilongjiang entry is almost guaranteed on a list like this, as it is one of the coldest provinces in China. Mohe, which rests on the border between China and Russia, has become the hottest cold-weather destination in China. As one of the only cities in China to feature a sub-arctic climate, you can experience sights unseen in other parts of China, including the Aurora Borealis, and a Christmas Village located near Beiji Village outside of Mohe. Pack warm if you’re heading to Mohe, as it currently holds the record for the coldest temperature recorded in China at -52.3C, and averages highs of -18C to lows of -35C in winter!

Kanas
Xinjiang Autonomous Region

If you’re looking for more of an icy wilderness, then the area near Kanas in Xinjiang Autonomous Region is what you’ve been looking for. This area is one of the most beautiful that you can find, with snowy landscapes, frost covered trees, and rivers that flow even in the cold temperatures. The area around Kanas Lake is home to the Tuwa people, and you can try some of the unique cuisine and activities in this area, including skiing and ice fishing. The local government has been supportive of places that open in the winter, so you’re likely to find good deals as well for your holiday. It’s also said that this area is a paradise for photographers, though they should come prepared for harsher winter conditions. Temperatures in this area range from -7C to -20C in winter, so bring a full set of winter gear.

Xilamuren
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Inner Mongolia is a place that is most often visited in summer or fall, as the grasslands tend to be nicer at these times, but it’s also possible to visit these places during the colder months, to go out and stay in an endless snowscape, with nomadic people who are very proud of their ability to live in such a tough environment. The temperature ranges between -5C and -16C, and can feel significantly colder due to wind. Xilamuren is easily accessible from the capital city of Hohhot.

Beijing

Beijing might not be the first place that people consider when it comes to winter destinations, but it can be a nice place to visit if you want to experience the city without the crowds. While Beijing itself doesn’t receive much in the way of snow, when snow does come, many of the city’s most famous sites are visually transformed. This is especially true of the Great Wall, which will not only become more striking in the snow, but also is less likely to have many people visiting at the same time. You can also dig in to Beijing’s own version of hotpot while traversing the streets of China’s capital. The average temperatures range from 3C to -7C, so jackets are recommended.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this article. If you have a chance to travel to any of these locations, or if you have recommendations for places to see snow in China, let us known by contacting us at our official WeChat account or via email at info@xianease.com