Visiting China in February

February in China is similar to January with cold, damp weather across most of the country which makes travel less pleasant, although it’s also a quieter time of year if you’re prepared to wrap up warm against the chilly temperatures. Beijing is dry and you’ll often find clear blue skies.

It’s cold and snowy in the far north around Harbin and in some of China’s other 700+ kilometres of ski slopes, if you’re planning to go skiing. It’s also another comparatively cool, dry month in Hong Kong if you want to explore without the usual scorching temperatures.

Elsewhere, the conditions aren’t great for visiting, whether you’re hoping to get outdoors, into the mountains or exploring other major cities like Shanghai and Xi’an, so it’s best to postpone your trip for spring.

One exception to the lack of crowds at this time of year is during Chinese New Year, with the lunar new year starting in late January or early February, so you can expect transport and attractions to be extremely busy with domestic travel.

Festivals: Chinese New Year is celebrated nationwide this month (or late January) with fireworks, time with family, parades, lanterns and an exchange of gifts. One of the biggest festivals of the year, you’ll find it marked everywhere, although expect the country to be extremely busy.

The Lantern Festival, or Yuan Xiao Jie, takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month, usually in February (sometimes early March), with streets decorate with lanterns, tangyuan rice balls eaten, plus dragon and lion dances and fireworks to celebrate.

Best for: Skiing, festivals, Beijing without the crowds