Click this article to discover the best places in China to experience the magic of the Chinese New Year!
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most important and time-honored celebrations in China. For thousands of years, families across the country have welcomed the new year with unique traditions that vary from region to region. It's the most festive and meaningful time of the year for Chinese people everywhere.
In 2025, the Chinese New Year holiday runs from February 16th to February 23rd, giving everyone a week to reunite with loved ones, enjoy feasts, and take part in joyful celebrations. Keep scrolling to discover the best places in China to experience the magic of the Chinese New Year!
Yunnan
Yunnan is the most diverse province in all China, both in its extraordinary mix of people and in the splendor of its landscapes. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna are the top five cities you can visit. Especially, we would like to suggest traveling to a rainforest destination - Xishuangbanna. The annual average temperature is 21 ℃, where you can escape the cold winter with many fun activities for all ages.
Length of the trip: 4-7 days
Destination Type: Natural, History, Old town, Lake, Mountain, Rainforest, Animals, Ethnic Minorities, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Guilin, Guizhou, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Sanya
What can you experience?
* Explore the Stone Forest in Kunming
* Wander in a leisurely Ancient Town and Erhai Lake in Dali
* Stroll in magical Lijiang Ancient Town while hiking the amazing Jade Dragon Sno Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge in Lijiang
* Experience Tibetan Culture at Songzanlin Lamasery in Shangri-La
* Immerse in the tropical paradise in Xishuangbanna
* Click the article "Visit Warm Xishuangbanna to Escape the Cold Winter" and " A ultimate Yunnan travel guide for you!" to get more details.
Changbai Mountain
This winter wonderland is widely regarded as one of the country's top ski destinations. This place offers you nearly 7 square kilometers of skiable terrain spread across 43 trails, including 9 advanced ski trails, 14 intermediate ski trails, and 20 primary ski trails. It is a great spot for both novice and expert skiers. Off the skiing, there's also plenty more to do like enjoy the hot springs and hike to Heaven Lake on Changbai Mountain.
Length of the trip: 3-5 days
Destination Type: Ski, Hike, Hot-spring, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Harbin, Beijing
What can you experience?
* Relax in hot springs.
* Enjoy skiing fun in Changbaishan International Resort.
* Explore one of the most beautiful lakes in China - Tian Chi.
Sichuan
There is a wide range of activities you can do in Sichuan. If you visit Chengdu, you can see adorable pandas in Chengdu Research Base, hike one of the World Heritage Sites named Leshan Giant Buddha and enjoy the inspiring snowscape on the top of Mount Emei. Besides, Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort is the largest natural ski resort, perfect for a family ski vacation.
Chongqing is the urban cradle of nature and Sichuan cuisine. Suitable for people who seek a different destination in Sichuan apart from Chengdu. From the vivid city itself to the magical natural scenery of Wulong Karst Geological Park, it has you all covered on the trip.
Length of the trip: 4-7 days
Destination Type: Natural, Cruise, Hiking, Biking, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Beijing, Xian, Yunnan, Sanya, Xiamen, Chengdu, Guizhou
What can you experience?
* Meet the pandas in Chengdu Panda Base
* Hike the Mount Emei and admire its winter scenery
* Explore Chengdu city's famous sites such as Thatched Cottage of Du Fu, Old Jinli Street and Sanxingdui Museum
* Trek in Wulong Karst Geological Park while enjoy the show of Impression Wulong
* Click the article "Sichuan - A land of many guises" and "Explore Chongqing City" to get more details.
Fujian
If you prefer beautiful port cities with the perfect mix of urban energy and laid-back vibes, then come to visit Fujian. It is famous for its landmarks such as Tulou, pure, Gulangyu Island, and the breathtaking Wuyi Mountain. Besides, you can meet the renowned Hakka cultural people who still live there with a great history of hundreds of years.
Length of the trip: 5-7 days
Destination Type: Natural, Culture, Sea, Hakka Building, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Beijing, Xian, Yunnan, Guilin, Sanya
What can you experience?
* Discover the Fujian Tulou Clusters
* Enjoy the view of Xiamen from above on Zhonggu Cableway
* Take a walk and visit the colonial buildings and also the beach on Gulangyu Island
* Climb the Wuyi Mountains and enjoy the bamboo raft along the Nine-Bend Creek.
* Click the article "Fujian - A pearl on southeastern coast of China" to get more details.
Sanya
A veritable paradise of sugar white sand, crystal clear waters, and dramatic scenery, Sanya's tropical beaches are renowned around China for their beauty. From the family-friendly beaches on the Yalong Bay to the gorgeous beaches for the rich and beautiful on the incredibly spectacular Haitang Bay, you're sure to find a stretch of sand that suits your fancy. Apart from the beach, you can hike the lush and old-growth rainforest, as well as obsessive a vast array of wildlife.
Length of the trip: 3-5 days
Destination Type: Beach, Forest, Hike, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Yunnan, Guilin, Guizhou, Chengdu
What can you experience?
* Enjoy a variety of beach activities.
* Hike on the top of Tropical Paradise Forest Park.
* Fun dive in Wuzhizhou Island.
* See thousands of marine life species in The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
* Click the article "What can I experience in SANYA except the beach?" to get more details.
* Click the article "What bay should you choose to stay in Sanya, China?" to get more details.
Jilin
If you have been to Harbin and would prefer to visit some new place for a skiing vacation, then Jilin province can be one of your choices. For nature lovers, Jilin is an increasingly popular ski destination and boasts China's largest nature reserve at Changbai Mountain. Inside the reserve, there is a deep-blue volcanic crater named Heaven Lake. It is one of China's most mesmerizing natural wonders.
Length of the trip: 5-7 days
Destination Type: Mountain, Snow, Skiing, Winter activities, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Harbin
What can you experience?
* Hike the Changbai Mountain
* Enjoy hot spring in the resort
* Ski fun time in Changbaishan International Resort
* View abundant and beautiful rime in Wusong Island
Harbin
For snow galore with a touch of adrenaline, Harbin's best-known resort is the perfect destination. The Ice & Snow Festival and Saint Sophia Cathedral are two highlights in your Harbin city tour.
Yabuli Ski Resort is a favorite destination in Harbin for skiers because snowfall is reliable, the views are stunning, and there are plenty of difficult scenic runs that are often deserted. With a 2-hour drive from Yabuli Ski Resort, you will find Bimodal Forest Farm (China Snow Town). It is a picturesque snow-covered village surrounded by towering mountains.
Length of the trip: 5-7 days
Destination Type: Culture, Snow, Skiing, Winter activities, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province
What can you experience?
* Ski fun time in Yabuli Ski Resort
* Learn some history at the Unit 731 Museum
* Admire the fluffy snow in China Snow Town
* View the famous Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
* Enjoy the Russian style of building and the pastoral scene
* The annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival normally opens on the 5th of January and lasts for one month.
* Click the article "Wonder in Harbin's Ice and Snow Wonderland" to get more details.
Yellow Mountain
Yellow Mountain is a destination that can be easily accessed from other parts of China via the nearby airports and high-speed trains. As magnificent as the peculiar pine formations in Yellow Mountain are in summer, they're even more beautiful against the contrast of deep powdery snow.
After you visit the Yellow Mountain, visiting some Huizhou-style villages during your trip is a must! Hongcun Village surrounded by mountains with white walls and gray tiles, is the best place for taking some amazing pictures or enjoying a leisurely walk.
Length of the trip: 3-5 days
Destination Type: Hike, Snow, Nature, Ancient town, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Hangzhou, Suzhou, Fujian, and Guilin
What can you experience?
* Visit Hongcun Village and Xidi Village
* Hike the Yellow Mountain
* Enjoy the snow scenery at the top of the mountain
* Click the article "5 special experiences in Yellow Mountain" to get more details.
Zhangjiajie
If you've watched the movie "Avatar" before, then you'll definitely find the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain familiar, and yet this is the reason why Zhangjiajie is loved by visitors. Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town are two other attractions you need to add to your itinerary.
We are sure you will not want to miss the Furong Ancient Town that hangs on a waterfall and the Diaojiaolou perched on the cliffs. The riverside town of Fenghuang is a historic gem where you can explore traditional shops, temples, and ancestral halls along the alley while tasting famous sweet ginger candy in your hand.
Length of the trip: 3-5 days
Destination Type: Natural, Hiking, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Guizhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Fujian, Yunnan
What can you experience?
* Hike Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area.
* Experience the 326-meter-high Bailong elevator in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
* Meet wild monkeys in Tianzi Mountain.
* Enjoy the glass walkway on top of Taimen Mountain.
* Click the article " Incredible "AVATAR" world at Zhangjiajie" to get more details.
Guilin
If you needed to describe Guilin as a destination with only one word, it would be "Family". It is a place suitable for all ages of children. If your family likes to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, then go hike the Xianggong Mountain and Longji Rice Terraces, enjoy bamboo rafting on the Yulong River or join a countryside biking tour.
Length of the trip: 3-7 days
Destination Type: Natural, Cruise, Hiking, Biking, Family-friendly
Destinations you can combine: Beijing, Xian, Yunnan, Sanya, Xiamen, Chengdu, Guizhou
What can you experience?
* Discover the Yangshou countryside by bike.
* Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River in Yangshuo.
* Visit the Longji Rice Terraces and minority Villages.
* Explore Guilin city's famous sites such as Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
* Click the article "Guilin, a place for the whole family!" to get more detail.
Pingyao
For the history buff, you might want to spend the Chinese New Year in Pingyao. With its over 2700 years of history, it still keeps its authentic layout and style intact: long ancient city walls, elegant residences and courtyards, vertical and horizontal streets and alleys, scattered banks and escorts, which all marked a prosperous county during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Length of the trip: 3-4 days
Destination Type: History, Architecture, Museum
Destinations you can combine: Beijing, Xian
What can you experience?
* Walk along the Pingyao Ancient City Wall
* Enjoy the Impression Show of Encore Pingyao
* Learn some history about ancient Chinese banking in Rishengchang Draft Bank
* Click the article "Pingyao - One of China's best-preserved ancient walled towns!" to get more details.
Travel Tips
1. Train tickets might be very hard to book during the beginning and end of the Chinese New Year. Most Chinese people prefer to book a train ticket to return home, so we would recommend traveling by plain or booking the train in the middle of the holiday.
2. Beach resorts and skiing resorts are popular not only among expats but also Chinese people. If you would like to enjoy a smoother trip experience, we recommend you to confirmed the booking while you make the final decision.
Our experienced travel consultants are here to help you craft a tailor-made itinerary for an unforgettable holiday. Whether you're looking for family-friendly adventures, cultural experiences, or relaxing getaways, we'll design a trip that perfectly fits your needs. Reach out to us at [email protected] or on WeChat (ID: Expatsholiday).
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