Snow in China: Harbin Ice Festival and the Best Winter Trips (2026–27)

For many families from the Gulf, the first real snowfall is the highlight of a lifetime. China delivers it on a grand scale: whole castles carved from ice, the Great Wall under fresh snow and ski slopes a short drive from Beijing.

Harbin Ice and Snow World

Harbin, in China's far north-east, hosts the biggest ice festival in the world. Every winter, workers cut blocks of ice from the frozen Songhua River and build a city of palaces, towers and slides, lit up in colour at night.

• When: usually from late December to late February. The sculptures are at their best in January.
• How cold: daytime temperatures of around -15 to -25°C. Evenings are colder.
• Don't miss: the ice slides, the Sun Island snow sculptures, Central Street's Russian-style buildings and a walk on the frozen river.
• Getting there: fly from Beijing or Shanghai (about 2 to 3 hours). Most Gulf travellers combine Harbin with Beijing.

A snowy Great Wall and Forbidden City

Beijing gets light snow a few times each winter, usually between December and February. The Forbidden City and the Great Wall under snow are unforgettable, and the crowds are small. Snow is never guaranteed, so we keep your plan flexible and move the Great Wall day if snow is forecast. Read which Great Wall section to visit.

Ski and snow play near Beijing

Several ski resorts within two hours of Beijing have beginner slopes, ski schools with instructors, sledging and snow parks for children. You can rent everything on site, so there is no need to pack ski gear.

Zhangjiajie and Yunnan in white

• Zhangjiajie: in cold spells, the sandstone pillars turn white. It is rare and magical. See our Zhangjiajie guide.
• Yunnan: the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above Lijiang has snow all year, even when the town below is mild. See our Yunnan guide.

What to wear

• A long down coat, thermal base layers and fleece.
• Waterproof, insulated boots with good grip.
• A hat that covers your ears, gloves (two pairs) and a scarf or neck warmer.
• Hand and foot warmers, which you can buy cheaply in China.
• Phone batteries drain fast in the cold: keep your phone in an inside pocket.

A sample winter plan

1. Days 1 to 3, Beijing: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and a ski or snow-park day.
2. Days 4 to 6, Harbin: the Ice and Snow World, Sun Island and Central Street.
3. Day 7: fly home via Beijing.

Want more cities? Start from our 7-day Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai route and add Harbin.

How we help

We plan the warm hotels, the timing, the clothes and the indoor breaks so your family enjoys the snow without getting too cold. Tell us your dates on WhatsApp for a free plan within 24 hours.

← All travel guides