What is the weather like in China during December?

China's December weather varies significantly by region. Beijing sees temperatures between -8°C to 4°C (18-39°F) with dry conditions and some snow. Shanghai stays milder with temperatures from 3-12°C (37-54°F). A TourRadar traveler notes "Yunnan province offers the most pleasant winter weather with daytime temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F)." Cities like Chengdu maintain mild temperatures but frequent fog which works well for visiting attractions like the Giant Panda Breeding Center.

What are the top attractions to visit in China during December?

December visitors can explore major sites with fewer crowds than peak season. The Forbidden City in Beijing and Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an are less crowded. Snow often covers the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall creating unique photo opportunities. The Yunnan region draws visitors with its winter charm. A TourRadar reviewer shares "the weather was perfect for exploring ancient towns like Lijiang and Dali." Hotels such as the Sunworld Hotel in Beijing and Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel in Xi'an put travelers close to key sites.

Are there any special festivals or events in China during December?

December brings distinct cultural celebrations across China. The Harbin Ice Festival starts its preparations though the main events begin in January. Shanghai's Bund area comes alive with Christmas markets and winter lights with one TourRadar traveler noting "the evening lights along the Bund were spectacular in winter." The Dongzhi Festival marks winter solstice with traditional foods and family gatherings. Many hotels including the Sunworld Hotel Beijing organize cultural shows and seasonal activities.

How much should I budget for a trip to China in December?

December travel costs run lower than peak season rates. Tours range from 1099 USD for 10 days to 4797 USD for longer trips. Hotels like the Dorsett Chengdu typically cost between 100-200 USD per night based on TourRadar data. According to travelers daily expenses for food and local transport average 30-50 USD while entrance fees to major attractions cost 15-40 USD.

What are the best cities to visit in China during December?

Winter brings different charms to China's cities. Beijing's imperial sites take on a stark beauty against winter skies. Shanghai offers modern winter activities and shopping along Nanjing Road. One TourRadar traveler suggests "Lijiang and Dali in Yunnan province for their pleasant winter weather and cultural experiences." Xi'an's Muslim Quarter and city walls create a special atmosphere with winter markets and local traditions.

What kind of accommodation is available in China during December?

Winter travelers find comfort in four-star and higher rated properties. The Sunworld Hotel Beijing and Sunrise on The Bund Shanghai feature well-heated rooms and indoor amenities. A TourRadar guest reports "the accommodations were excellent with proper heating systems and winter amenities." Hotels typically provide enhanced winter comforts like adjustable heat modern bedding and hot water bottles. Traditional properties in places like Pingyao often feature heated kang beds ideal for cold nights.

China Tours in December 2026

Aug '26
Dec '26

10 best China trips in December 2026

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Festival & Events
5 days China Snow Town Winter Journey (Private Guide and Driver)-Family Tour Customizable
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Harbin
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
State
Heilongjiang
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $3,218
US$2,414per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Festival & Events
7 days Northern China Winter Family Tour (Private Guide and Driver)- Customizable
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Harbin
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
State
Heilongjiang
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $4,618
US$3,464per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Winter Wonderland, Private Tour
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Beijing, Harbin
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
State
Heilongjiang
Operated in
English
Operator
TUI China
15% Off
From $4,725
US$4,016per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Festival & Events
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival 3-Day Tour
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Harbin
Age Range
Ages 18+
State
Heilongjiang
Operated in
English
Operator
Silk Road Trips
15% Off
From
US$999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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China: Winter Wonderland
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, Harbin
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Wendy Wu Tours
15% Off
From
US$6,985per person
Price based on Private Double Room
24 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Festival & Events
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and Skiing in Yabuli 4-Day Tour
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Harbin
Age Range
Ages 18+
State
Heilongjiang
Operated in
English
Operator
Silk Road Trips
15% Off
From
US$1,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
China Golden Triangle
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Everything was very well organized and exactly as agreed and informed beforehand. Highly recommended."
PABLO, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Tomato Travel
15% Off
From
US$786per person
+$36 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Essence of China (Private Customize)
5.0 (17 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic trip to China with Odynovo! Our experience with Odynovo was more than I could have ever expected."
Tanya, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Odynovo
10% Off
From $3,665
US$3,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
12 Days China - Private Tour (Beijing/Xian/Chengdu/Guilin & Shanghai)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The natural beauty of Guilin and Yangshuo left us speechless. The Li River cruise was simply stunning."
Loree, traveled in December
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
5% Off
From $3,496
US$3,321per person
+$450 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
China Best Scenery Tour 14D Small Group
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Top China Travel
50% Off
From $5,710
US$2,855per person
Price based on Private Double Room
9 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
A Journey China With Yangtze River Cruise in 11 days- Private Tour
5.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"The accommodations were comfortable and clean, and the meals were delicious and varied."
Sara, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Qutang Gorge,Maopingzhen,Three Gorges,Yichang,Shanghai+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
50% Off
From $4,419
US$2,210per person
+$559 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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$China Golden Triangle 8D Group Tour: Beijing, Xi\'an, Shanghai Tour$
$China Golden Triangle 8D Group Tour: Beijing, Xi\'an, Shanghai - 5 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
China Golden Triangle 8D Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"The 8 Days/7 Nights Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai tour was fantastic! The itinerary was very well planned."
Lakisha, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Zhujiajiao
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Top China Travel
50% Off
From
US$1,451per person
Price based on Private Double Room
9 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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$8-Day Private China Tour to Beijing, Xi\'an, and Shanghai Tour$
$8-Day Private China Tour to Beijing, Xi\'an, and Shanghai - 3 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
8-Day Private China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"The weather was comfortable. Autumn temperatures with the sun still shining. Not so crowded which was a bonus."
GILBERT, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
50% Off
From $3,452
US$1,726per person
+$330 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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$6 Days Beijing Xi\'an Group Tour Tour$
$6 Days Beijing Xi\'an Group Tour - 2 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
6 Days Beijing Xi'an Group Tour
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Awesome hospitality at both cities with lots of great memories on the places that we have visited."
Cindy, traveled in May
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Top China Travel
50% Off
From
US$917per person
Price based on Private Double Room
9 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Classic 8-Day Best of China Tour: Luxury Group & Quality Hotel, All Inclusive
4.9 (27 traveler reviews) award winner
"The tour itself was great...beautiful hotels in good city locations with excellent breakfasts included."
Beth, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel China Guide
50% Off
From
US$1,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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