Things to Do in China in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
December Weather in China
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
37°F (3°C)
High Temp
12°F (-11°C)
Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Frostbite and hypothermia are real risks on the Wall or any high-altitude site when temperatures plunge.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Crowds vanish at the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. You can finally see the architecture. No herding. Space to breathe. Winter light sharpens every detail.
- + December air in Beijing and Xi'an stays crisp and clear. Long-distance visibility peaks. Photographers love it. The Summer Palace and the Terracotta Army pits look their sharpest.
- + Winter means hotpot. Steam rises. Friends lean in. Sichuan or Beijing style, the communal pot restores you after a day in the cold.
- + Accommodation prices drop. High-end hotels in Shanghai or Beijing cost far less than autumn. Luxury becomes affordable. Book the suite.
Considerations
- − North of the Yangtze, the cold is bone-deep and dry. At Mutianyu or Jinshanling, sub-zero temperatures demand serious thermal gear. Wind finds every gap.
- − Suzhou and Hangzhou gardens shed leaves. The famous borrowed scenery turns skeletal. Stark beauty replaces postcard green. Some visitors prefer it.
- − Daylight shrinks to just over 9 hours in Beijing. Sightseeing compresses. Dinner ends in darkness. Plan early starts.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December in China is a month of sharp contrasts. The air turns crisp. The light takes on a pale, clear quality. Days are short, with temperatures often hovering just above freezing in northern plains and dipping far below in the high western plateaus. The humidity hangs steady, giving the cold a penetrating edge. The rhythm of life turns inward. You will see steam rising from noodle shop doorways. You will hear the crunch of frost underfoot on ancient stone paths. A quietude settles over even the most monumental sites without the thick crowds of warmer months. This is a time for layered exploration. The experience of place is defined by the feel of winter sun on your face at a quiet courtyard and the taste of hearty, warming dishes from regional kitchens. For the traveler, December has a distinct perspective on China's vast geography. The climatic data shows this is the driest month alongside January and November, with minimal rainfall, making it a viable window for journeys to the arid heights of Tibet where clear skies can reveal impressive mountain vistas. In historical capitals like Xi'an, the chill in the air makes the warmth of a steaming bowl of lamb soup or the enclosed, spice-scented air of a morning market all the more vivid. There are no major festivals noted for this period. This allows the authentic daily patterns of cities and landscapes to emerge unobscured, from the echoing halls of imperial palaces to the silent, wind-swept expanses of the Himalayan frontier.
Tibet Tour 8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour
guided_experienceThis eight-day journey begins in Lhasa, where the scent of juniper incense hangs in the thin air, and travels across the Tibetan Plateau to the gravelly moraine at Everest Base Camp. You will see prayer flags snapping in the relentless wind against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks and feel the profound stillness of high-altitude deserts under a deep blue sky.
It condenses the essence of the Tibetan landscape, from golden-roofed monasteries to the planet's highest mountain, into a single, profound overland adventure.
Insider tip: Acclimatization is critical. Plan for at least two full, gentle days in Lhasa before departing, spending time in the Barkhor circuit to slowly adjust.
Tibet Tour 15 Days Lhasa to Kailash Trekking Small Group via EBC
adventureA fifteen-day pilgrimage on foot and by vehicle, this trekking tour goes beyond Everest to the sacred slopes of Mount Kailash, a site where you will hear the chants of pilgrims and see the flawless pyramidal peak mirrored in the frigid waters of Lake Manasarovar. The physical challenge is met with sensory rewards: the feel of rough cairn stones under your hand and the taste of salty butter tea in a nomad's tent.
It is one of the few commercial tours that facilitates the classic three-day Kailash kora, a transformative circuit venerated by multiple faiths.
Insider tip: The trek is strenuous. Break in your hiking boots thoroughly and bring insulated, wind-proof layers for the unpredictable mountain weather.
Xi'an Morning Food & Market Tour by TukTuk
foodExamine the backstreets of Xi'an from the open cabin of a tuk-tuk, moving from sizzling griddles where flatbreads are baked to good spots where the tangy, vinegary scent of Liangpi cold skin noodles fills the air. This tour focuses on the morning markets, where you can hear the rhythmic chopping of vendors and taste the smoky heat of Roujiamo, the Chinese hamburger, straight from the clay oven.
It offers an intimate, mobile feast through the living culinary layers of a former capital, far from the standard tourist restaurants.
Insider tip: Go with an empty stomach and be ready to eat standing up, leaning over small counters where the most authentic flavors are found.
13 Day Lhasa, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash to Kathmandu Adventure
otherThis thirteen-day adventure traverses from Lhasa, past the north face of Everest, to the holy site of Mount Kailash, and concludes with a descent into the lush, oxygen-rich valleys of Nepal. You will feel the temperature shift from the dry cold of the Tibetan plateau to the milder air of Kathmandu, and see landscapes transform from stark, mineral-colored ranges to terraced green hills.
It combines the two great Himalayan landmarks with a complete cultural and geographical transition from Tibet to Nepal.
Insider tip: The border crossing details can change. Ensure your tour operator has confirmed the latest requirements for permits and transportation on the Nepal side.
7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tibet Tour via EBC
guided_experienceA week-long overland route from Lhasa to Kathmandu, this tour takes the Friendship Highway, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas where you can see the white plume of wind blowing off Everest's summit. The journey includes stops at medieval monasteries where you can hear the low drone of monks in prayer and feel the cool, still air inside ancient chapels.
It is the most direct and scenic overland connection between Tibet and Nepal, packing immense mountain scenery into a compact itinerary.
Insider tip: The descent from the high plateau to the lower elevations of Nepal can be rapid. Be prepared for ear popping and a noticeable change in climate and density of air.
Private Full-Day Xi'an Highlights Tour with Pickup and Lunch
day_tripA private tour of Xi'an's essential sites, from the silent, earth-scented trenches of the Terracotta Army to the echoing expanse of the ancient city walls where you can feel the coarse texture of the Ming-era bricks. The day includes a lunch of local specialties, likely featuring the soft, steaming dumplings known as Jiaozi or the rich, broth-filled flavors of Yangrou Paomo.
It provides efficient, personalized access to Xi'an's large historical highlights with the context of a knowledgeable guide.
Insider tip: Request to visit the Terracotta Army in the late afternoon, when many large tour groups have begun to depart, allowing for a less crowded viewing of the pits.
Where to Stay in China in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
★★★★
Mid-Range
Mercure Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street Hotel
From $91 / night
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December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Late December (around December 21-23)
Winter Solstice Festival (Dongzhi)
Winter solstice is family time. Around Dec 21-23, southerners eat tangyuan, northerners eat jiaozi. Both foods promise frostbite protection. Restaurants hum. Markets stock ingredients. You witness a quiet, domestic celebration.
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View China Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Locals layer a slim 羽绒背心 under the coat. Core stays warm, arms stay free on packed metros.
Shoot between 10am and 2pm. Light is soft and golden. Hit monuments then. Save museums for dusk.
Forbidden City tickets drop online 7 days ahead at 8pm Beijing time. Set an alarm. Winter afternoon slots are easier and the light is prettier.
Grab the hotel deals. A Bund view room in Shanghai or a Beijing courtyard suite can cost half October prices.
Avoid These Mistakes
City centers feel mild. The Great Wall runs 5-10°C colder and windier than downtown Beijing. Pack accordingly.
Bulky sweaters trap heat indoors and leave you cold outside. Swap them for layered technical thermals.
Short days plus cold equal slow travel. Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai in one week equals exhaustion. Pick two.
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