Visiting China in December

It’s cold to end the year across China, with snow in the north, sometimes including Beijing and Xi’an. It’s crisp and dry so if you’re happy to brave the lower temperatures, you’ll find you often have the main sights to yourself. Pingyao is similarly chilly and quiet this month, for another taste of China’s history but it’s too cold to make a visit to Datong pleasant. If you’re hoping to ski, resorts will be opening this month in the north as well.

Further south, Chengdu rarely sees snow, and November is less rainy than October with plenty of clear blue skies if you’re hoping to see pandas (perfectly happy in their furry coats) or warm up over tea in one of the teahouses. You won’t get the best experience around Guilin and Yangshuo with mist covering much of the rice terraces, and the damp atmosphere making it feel even cooler around the Li River. Shanghai also feels cold and damp this month.

Western China is also extremely cold this month, falling below zero in the hills and mountains of Yunnan, as well as the areas closer to Tibet, so it’s a bad time for trekking or discovering local culture here.

For some guaranteed warmth, the temperatures in Hong Kong are still around 20C, although it gets very busy this month as plenty of tourists are making the most of the dryer, less humid days.

Festivals: China marks the winter solstice with the Dongzhi Festival, with ceremonies to honour ancestors and at temples, plus eating dumplings, ginger rice and making rice wine.

Although Christmas isn’t a traditional festival in China, you’re likely to see lights and decorations around in bigger cities, and Christmas music in hotels and department stores, and younger generations often exchanging gifts with friends.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, skiing, Hong Kong