30th November 2015 / 1 comment

Or Where to Enjoy Winter Time in China.

Anders Celsius, astronomer and inventor, well known for designing the scale for measuring temperature, was born in November 1701.  Celsius’ fixed scale goes from 0 to 100 from the temperature at which water freezes to the temperature at which water boils. In honour of Celsius here are the top 5 destinations in China where you can celebrate his birthday in style:

1)  The Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin – you can visit any time from December until the end of February and if the winter is really harsh then well into March. The official opening day of the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin is the 5th January and every year it features a different theme – Russian or French Architecture, along the giant Great Wall and so on – illuminated and with ice-slides. The temperature in Harbin goes down to -26 C and you will need lots of warm clothes but please don’t forget your camera. Wrap it up too in case it freezes.  Do your sightseeing between 11am and 3pm which is the warmest part of the day. To keep warm drink Tibetan tea and eat lots of dumplings, which are the best in the country.

If you like skiing you could visit the Yabuli Skiing Centre which hosted the Asian Winter Games, or if you are looking for wonderful winter scenery then you should drive to the Snowland of Heilongjiang Province, which is around 5 hours away.

2)   The Great Wall of China – it looks wonderful in snow. Most people wouldn’t think about visiting the wall during the winter time but if you’re looking for unique experience and photos then winter is the time to visit. The days are cold but crisp. You need to wear comfortable shoes with a strong grip, and lots of layers.  Bring bottled water and chocolate. Wrap up your camera and try to get there early. You will have the whole Great Wall of China for yourself! Priceless!

3)   Juizhaigou – is beautiful during the winter if you manage to get there! The flights are often delayed or cancelled due to bad weather. Juizhaigou is known for its many colourful lakes ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 metres (6,600 to 14,800 ft) above sea level. And the scenery around the lakes is wonderful not just in the winter but all year around.  If you are very adventurous and manage to get there during winter time it’s the best to stay at low altitudes as the weather can be very harsh.

4)   Mt Emei is an all-season place to visit and the winter’s low temperatures and snow is not an issue. I visited in November 2009 and it was snowing but the cable cars were working impeccably. Once at the summit grey clouds covered the whole area and we couldn’t see the temples let alone any of the spectacular views of Sichuan Province.  Apparently you need to come early at sun rise to catch beautiful views. You need to dress warmly and have waterproof shoes with a good grip.

5)  Yangshuo –  the most beautiful place in China is Guilin, and the most beautiful place in Guilin is Yangshuo. The temperature in this part of China is usually a few degrees higher than in the rest of China as Guilin/Yanghsuo are located in the south. The winter can go without snow but I have visited when heavy snow fell and the scenery was magical! The temperature during the day is nice – bearable – and the day is crisp but during the night the temperature can go down below zero. Make sure you book a hotel which has heating and is open during the winter time. Sometimes hotels close from November to February as there are no clients but if someone makes a reservation the hotel won’t say no! Do not expect to do many of the activities widely available during the summer time (hiking, cycling, and climbing) but walking around is fine.

For more information about travelling in China please email tara@readyclickandgo.com

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Tags: day tours in china ReadyClickAndGo TRAVEL winter in china