Ask a QuestionUpdated: 2025-05-13
Although December is the low season for traveling, there are plenty of places worthy of being visited in China. Best Places to Visit in China in December here has listed the most suitable places to visit in December. Each of them has its own features. After one-year busy working, you may want to find some best places to relax and enjoy your holiday in December.
If you are from cold area, you should not miss Yunnan with mild temperature and sunny weather. While if you are from warm area, you may have a look at some northern cities like Beijing, Xian and Harbin to see the snow world. If you are fond of shopping, you are highly recommened to visit Hong Kong, known as the shopping paradise of China. December is the Christmas month and also near the New Year, there are year-end discounts in the shopping malls of Hong Kong.
Though Dunhuang in December is cold, there are fewer tourists in Dunhuang in December.
In December, the landmarks of Dunhuang like Mogao Caves, Crescent Lake and Singing Sands Dunes(Mingsha Mountain) are less crowded, while you can enjoy the ancient caves and murals slowly and carefully.
The Singing Sands Dunes and Crescent Lake may be covered by snow in December(which will depend on the actual weather), and cold weather makes it comfortable to walk on the desert. The combination of white snow and the golden sands is really a rare and impressive scene. Riding the camel in December is a special experience at the Singing Sands Dunes, and the sunset on the sand dunes is still stunning. The Gobi desert in winter is vaster, starker and more enchanting.
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Visiting Xiamen in December is a pleasantly warm winter escape. During this time, Xiamen is neither too hot nor too cold, which is comfortable and cool for outdoor activities. With the mild temperature, you can experience the breeze blowing and waves crashing on the beaches.
With the ideal and perfect weather, you can cycle around the Huandao Road, walk on the soft beaches and taste the seafood. In December, Gulangyu Island will be less crowded, and you can admire the architectures, take photos of the landmark of Xiamen and feel the waves at the beach at your own pace. At the Sunlight Rock, you can have a panoramic view of the Gulangyu Island.
In Xiamen, you can spend a day to visit the tulou near Xiamen, and there are many typical tulou in Fujian.
Recommended Tour: 5 Days Xiamen and Hakka Tulou Tour
Visiting Xinjiang in December is suitable for people pursuing epic winter landscapes, unique culture and fewer crowds. Xinjiang in December is very cold, and you need to take thick clothes to keep warm in Xinjiang.
Altay region in Xinjiang in December is a pristine wonderland with snows. Kanas Lake will be frozen in December, which is differently beautiful with summer. The Moon Bay is frozen and the forests surrounded the Moon Bay will be covered by the snow, which are impressive.
The wooden houses of Hemu Village will be covered by snow, which are breathtaking and beautiful. Xinjiang in December is like a painting. December in Xinjiang also offers skiing and snowboarding experiences. If you are interested in skiing and snowboarding, you can choose ski resorts you like in Xinjiang.
Recommended Tour: 7 Days Picturesque Xinjiang Tour to Kanas Lake
December is a good time to visit Chaoshan with mild temperature and less crowds. Visiting Chaozhou and Shantou, you should not miss the delicious Chaoshan cuisines and snacks. Hot pot with fresh beef is perfect for evenings. The seafood is also fresh in December. If you have time, you can taste the Gongfu tea in Chaoshan.
Visiting Chaozhou in December, the Chaozhou Ancient City is less crowded. At Chaozhou Ancient City, you can walk around the ancient city wall and the Guangji Bridge, which is one of the most famous ancient bridges in China.
Nanao Island in Shantou is still picturesque in December, where you can enjoy the wonderful scenery of the sea, enjoy the stunning view of sunrise and sunset and pass through the Nanao Bridge.
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Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou
As the northernmost place in China, Mohe is known for its winter experience and chance to catch aurora borealis. In December, Mohe is freezing and cold, providing extreme winter and polar beauty. Visiting Mohe in December, you will feel like you are at the edge of the world.
Mohe is the only place in China where you might catch the aurora borealis. The Arctic Village(Beiji Village) in Mohe is the best viewing point of aurora borealis, constant daylight and total darkness. Visiting Arctic Village during November to February, it is more possible to see the aurora borealis. Kindly reminder, sunny and clear sky is the key to observe the aurora broealis. And it is recommended that you check the weather forecast in advance. The Arctic Village is also the best place to find north. Here you can find northernmost village, northernmost post, northernmost stone tablet, northernmost post office, northern most house, etc.
In Mohe, you can experience dog sledding, ice fishing and bonfire celebrations. You can also stay in traditional heated beds(which is called kang in Chinese) in northeastern China.
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To overcome the altitude and coldness, December is a good time to visit Lhasa and Namtso Lake with less crowds. During this time, there are many sunny days and blue skies, which make the landscapes surrounding the Namtso Lake more enchanting.
Lhasa is more than 3,650 above sea level and Namtso Lake is 4,718 meters above sea level, please acclimatize the environment slowly and watch for signs of altitude sickness.
With less crowds, you can experience Tibetan Buddhism quietly. You can visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. And you may meet the local pilgrims who make kora in winter. At this time, you will see Tibetan life closer.
Namtso Lake, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, which is like stepping into another world. And part of the Namtso Lake may be frozen in December, which is particularly beautiful.
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Hong Kong is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations which combines the Oriental tradition and Western cultures and attracts tourists from all over the world to visit. Hong Kong belongs to subtropical climate with annual average temperature up to 22.8 degrees. Winter here is warm and suits for a December tour. As one of best places to visit in China in December, Hongkong is the world-famous shopping paradise. There is a Big Selling Season around Christmas holiday in December : Hong Kong Christmas holiday is a golden time for shopping lovers. The big selling season with lots of discount in many brands is the most attractive thing for tourists who are crazy about shopping. Except for shopping, Hong Kong is also famous for the Disneyland, Ocean Park and Victoria Peak. It is a place that suits all the families.
► Recommended Hongkong Tour: 4 Days Hong Kong Classic Bus Tour
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