Recommended Scenic Spots to Visit in January

The year is drawing to a close, and since the announcement of the 2022 statutory holiday leave, many people have been asking where to go for a trip in January. There are so many famous scenic spots in China, making it difficult for everyone to decide. Should you head south where it’s warm and spring-like all year round, or visit the world of ice and snow – the north? Today, let’s talk about which of China’s many scenic spots are best for winter travel.

I. Aba Bipenggou

Bipenggou, in the core area of Miyaluo, boasts the most captivating autumn scenery. However, it is no less impressive in winter, with glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and icefalls, creating a scene straight out of a white fairy tale kingdom. The opening of the Ice and Snow Hot Spring Festival has also added much fun to winter tourism, especially the hot springs in Gurgou, with water temperatures reaching 62℃ without any sulfur smell, relieving fatigue and refreshing the body and mind.

1. Transportation

Buy a ticket to Li County at Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station. After arriving at Li County, you can take a private car or share a car to Bipenggou. Every Saturday at 08:30, there is a bus to Gurgou from the New South Gate Tourism Distribution Center in Chengdu. Every day at 07:30, there is a direct bus to Bipenggou from the Wu Hou Temple Scenic Spot Parking Lot in Chengdu.

2. Ticket

40 yuan, 40 yuan for the sightseeing bus.

3. Opening Hours

09:00-15:00. The last bus back from the scenic area is at 18:00.

4. Recommended Scenic Spots

Dragon King Sea, Tranquil Sea, Qingquan Lake, Primitive Forest, Ice and Snow Entertainment Area, Crescent Moon Snow Mountain, Red Stone, Icefall.

5. Recommended Cuisine

Tibetan hotpot, stirred dough, butter tea, etc.

II. Shenzhen, Guangdong

When you hear Shenzhen, you might think it’s not a place suitable for tourism, but this is not true. Shenzhen boasts mountains and sea, clean and beautiful surroundings, a spring-like climate all year round, and abundant natural, cultural, entertainment resources and facilities. It is an absolute paradise for theme parks and beach vacations. Shenzhen also possesses a culture of inclusiveness. Tradition and modernity merge here, with various cuisines from all over the world and different culinary schools converging. Cultural activities and industries are thriving. Winter in Shenzhen has less rainfall, making it the peak season for tourism. It is easier to travel and enjoy yourself. Why not come here to find some leisure time in a bustling metropolis?

1. Transportation

Shenzhen has a highly developed system of planes, trains, and buses, with buses, subways, and public transportation available to reach various popular areas. Several areas are close to the border with Hong Kong, allowing easy access to the northern New Territories of Hong Kong by boat.

2. Recommended Scenic Spots

Dameisha, Xiaomeisha, Window of the World, East Coast Overseas Chinese Town, Diwang Sightseeing, Dongmen, Mangrove Forest, Happy Valley.

3. Recommended Cuisine

Roast goose, Shajing fresh oysters, rice noodle rolls, Xili mangoes, double-skin milk, seafood stalls.

4. Recommended Shopping

Sand pears, Shajing oysters, Nanshan litchi, Nanshan abalone.

III. Huangshan, Anhui

Huangshan, which encompasses the beauty of China’s major mountains, is a marvel of nature, renowned for its four wonders – unique pines, strange rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs. It is known as the saying, “After returning from the Five Great Mountains, one does not look at other mountains, and after returning from Huangshan, one does not look at other mountains.” In winter, Huangshan presents a rare northern beauty. Witnessing the icy snow flowers and misty pines fills many southerners with excitement. The vast peaks are all ice mountains, and the trees are like clusters of coral. As far as the eye can see, Huangshan has shed its former lush greenery, with the sky and earth blending together, as if entering a dreamlike fairyland. If you encounter extremely cold weather, you can also admire the spectacular icefall, a truly awe-inspiring sight, deserving its reputation as one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world.

1. Transportation

Take a plane, train, or bus to Huangshan Tangkou Bus Station and then transfer to a scenic area bus to the entrance.

2. Ticket

150 yuan for the off-season, 230 yuan for the peak season.

3. Opening Hours

06:30-16:30

4. Recommended Cuisine

Hairy tofu, smelly mandarin fish, one-pan pot, Huangshan double stones.

5. Recommended Shopping

Huangshan Maofeng tea, wild mushrooms, kiwifruit, Huangshan flatbread.

IV. Chongli, Hebei

With the approaching Beijing-Zhangjiakou Winter Olympics in 2022, more and more people are becoming passionate about snow sports. Chongli, Zhangjiakou, as the competition venue, is now considered one of the hottest skiing destinations. Backed by the vast Inner Mongolia grassland, it boasts abundant and beautiful natural scenery, with an average annual snowfall of 63.5 centimeters. The snow quality is excellent, with the hardness, viscosity, and other snow quality parameters meeting skiing standards, making it home to numerous high-quality ski resorts for you to choose from. During the Winter Olympics, Chongli will host competitions in ski jumping, snowboarding, freestyle skiing, Nordic combined, biathlon, and cross-country skiing. If you are a skiing enthusiast, why not come here in advance to experience the perfect facilities of the Winter Olympics venue!

1. Transportation

For those from Beijing and surrounding areas, self-driving is recommended, with a journey time of about 2 hours. Most ski resorts offer direct buses from Beijing during the snow season. Specific details can be found on the respective ski resort websites.

2. Recommended Scenic Spots

Wanlong Ski Resort, Miyun Cloud Top Ski Resort, Great Wall Ridge Ski Resort, Taiwu Ski Town, China Chongli Snow and Ice Culture Museum.

3. Recommended Cuisine

Peasant food, iron pot stewed fish, Inner Mongolian flavors, etc.

4. Recommended Shopping

Free-range eggs, broad beans, oat noodles.

V. Xishuangbanna, Yunnan

Yunnan is a magical land, and besides the always popular Lijiang and Dali, there is also Xishuangbanna, a paradise where folk customs and nature blend perfectly. Located in a tropical rainforest climate, Xishuangbanna experiences no extreme heat in summer and no harsh cold in winter, making it comfortably warm all year round. Even in January, a light jacket is sufficient. The unique natural conditions here have given rise to a diverse range of flora and fauna, earning it the title of “Kingdom of Tropical Animals.” Many rare, ancient, peculiar, and endangered animals and plants are unique to Xishuangbanna, delighting nature enthusiasts. The colorful ethnic culture and customs further enhance the experience, making winter travel as vibrant and colorful as summer.

1. Transportation

Direct flights or connecting flights via Kunming are available from major cities across China. Domestic flights are also plentiful. Buses to the city center are available from the airport. Xishuangbanna does not have a railway. Besides flying, long-distance buses are available from Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, etc., but tickets are expensive and the journey is very long, not recommended as the first choice.

2. Recommended Scenic Spots

Wannian Tree, Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, Man Ting Park, Ganlanba, Wild Elephant Valley, Mengler Grand Buddha Temple, Jingpo Mountain Village.

3. Recommended Cuisine

Lemongrass grilled fish, pineapple rice, fragrant bamboo rice, sour bamboo shoots stewed chicken, bamboo worms.

4. Recommended Shopping

Tea, tropical fruits, handicrafts.