Visiting China in January

Elsewhere, January tends to be cold and damp, so while it’s a quiet time of year for a holiday to China, it’s not the best weather to enjoy it. Xi’an is also relatively dry, though with temperatures dropping below zero at night and snow on occasion, but it’s often hazy so visibility is poor.

If you’d like to enjoy Hong Kong without the heat and humidity that follows later in the year, January can be a good month to consider. The temperature normally hovers around 15C or slightly higher and it’s dry, even if it’s not the classic Hong Kong experience.

One exception to the lack of crowds 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 early February) 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 Harbin Ice Festival also takes place in January, the world’s largest ice and snow sculpture festival, with carnivals, winter sports, and intricate ice sculptures on display. It often starts in late December and runs to mid-February, depending on the weather if you’re visiting slightly earlier or later.

Best for: Skiing, Harbin Ice Festival, Beijing without the crowds