Ask a QuestionUpdated: 2025-07-11
Best Places to Visit in China in February here has listed the most suitable places to visit in February. Each of them has different special features. Staying in crowded urban full of people and vehicle, it is better to go to a trip for April, for those mountains, water and other charm of the branches. The following will recommend Mount Huang in Anhui Province, flower of Wuxi Plum Garden in Jiangsu and special icy scenery in Heilongjiang Province.
Yuanyang, Yunnan
Yuanyang is a county located in southern Yunnan, lying down on the southern back of Red River. Although it is a county in Yunnan, it enjoys fame outside the door because there are seven minorities living there.
Ranking as one of the top terraced fields in the world, the Yuanyang Terraced Field is famous for the magnificent scenes and boundless area. When in the sunrise, the field will be immersed in the fog which is a fairy land on the ground; when in the sunset, all the fields are covered by golden silk which is more like a masterpiece by a master. For thousands of years of arduous working, people here cultivated 360 thousands mu terrace field which can be seen as unique scenery and it is also called “the most magic sculpture in the land”.
There are seven scenery spot in Yuanyang rice terrance, distributed in the different villages. If you want to see sunrise and sunset, you must to choose a right place to watch. Every October to March in the next year is a right time for you to see rice terrace because at this time the lines of terrace is very beautiful due to irrigation.
Recommended Yunnan Tour with Yuanyang: 7 Days Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour
Why Visit:
Guilin’s dramatic karst mountains and winding rivers create some of the most iconic landscapes in China. In February, morning mists often blanket the peaks, adding an ethereal quality perfect for photography. Take a bamboo raft along the Li River to admire reflections of the limestone hills, or hike through the Longji Rice Terraces for panoramic views of stepped paddies shrouded in clouds.
Lijiang & Lugu Lake, Yunnan
Weather in February: 2°C to 15°C (36°F to 59°F), crisp and sunny with clear skies.
Must-See Attractions: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lugu Lake
Best Time to Visit: February for bright blue skies and colorful lake reflections.
Why Visit:
Lijiang blends cultural charm with natural beauty, making it an ideal winter escape. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy snow-capped views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Further north, Lugu Lake offers a serene setting with its crystal-clear waters and traditional Mosuo culture. February’s crisp air and clear weather make it perfect for photography.
Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan
Weather in February: -3°C to 8°C (27°F to 46°F), cold but serene with occasional snow.
Must-See Attractions: Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Mirror Lake
Best Time to Visit: February for snow-dusted scenery and fewer crowds.
Why Visit:
Jiuzhaigou in winter is a tranquil wonderland, with its turquoise lakes partially frozen and waterfalls adorned with icicles. The snow-dusted forests and quiet valleys offer a peaceful contrast to the vibrant colors of spring and autumn. For travelers seeking natural beauty without the summer crowds, February is a perfect time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sanya, Hainan
Weather in February: 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), warm and pleasant with plenty of sunshine.
Must-See Attractions: Yalong Bay, Wuzhizhou Island, Tianya Haijiao
Best Time to Visit: February is peak season with perfect beach weather.
Why Visit:
Sanya is often called the “Hawaii of China” for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Visitors can sunbathe on white sandy shores, dive among colorful coral reefs, and explore coconut palm forests. February offers the ideal conditions for water sports and relaxation, though it’s also the busiest time of year. Booking accommodations and flights well in advance is highly recommended, especially around Chinese New Year.
Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
Weather in February: 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F), pleasantly warm and dry.
Must-See Attractions: Tropical Botanical Garden, Wild Elephant Valley, Manting Park
Best Time to Visit: February for comfortable weather and vibrant tropical scenery.
Why Visit:
Xishuangbanna is a hidden gem with lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and rich Dai minority culture. It’s the perfect winter escape for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike. Stroll through exotic botanical gardens, spot wild elephants in their natural habitat, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of night markets under starlit skies. The region’s mild climate makes it one of China’s best places to avoid the cold in February.
Weizhou Island, Beihai, Guangxi
Weather in February: 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), mild and breezy.
Must-See Attractions: Crocodile Hill, Catholic Church, Colorful Beach
Best Time to Visit: February for calm seas and fewer tourists.
Why Visit:
Weizhou Island is a volcanic island paradise known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, unique lava landscapes, and quiet beaches. Unlike Sanya, it remains relatively undiscovered, offering a peaceful retreat for cycling, beachcombing, and even whale watching (February to March is prime season for spotting whales). It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Wuxi Plum Garden (Jiangsu Province)
Wuxi Plum Garden was founded in 1912; it was built by famous national industry and commerce businessmen of Rong zongjing and Rong deshengl in modern times. In splendid Taihu Lake, the ornament on a cloud of plum blossom, which is actually "the icing on the cake" winning the reputation of best place for appreciating plum blossom in the south of Yangtze River. Wuxi wintersweet flower bloom in January to February, and Wuxi is a good place for enjoying plum in winter.
Although Jilin rime, with Guilin landscape, Yunnan Stone Forest, and the Three Gorges of Yangtze River are known as the four wonders of nature in China, the rime island here is more beautiful and more famous. Terrain of the Songhua River was lower than those of Jilin downtown area, and surrounded by river. Especially in February of each year, hot and cold empty meet here, almost every day there rimes in winter; sometimes the ice don't fall off the tree for days. Zengtong village is the best place to appreciate the rime in this island, and there is a saying that "to appreciate rime, go to Zengtong".
• Heihe City
Every winter, February is the month with the thickest ice, thickness of ice is more than two or three meters, which becomes a natural ice arena, you can not only skate above the ice surface, you can also ride in a sleigh or iceboating. Especially in the winter you can go to Heilongjiang to make a hole in the ice in order to catch a salmon. Salmon is a specialty of Heilongjiang River and Wusuli River and the place to catch Salmon is in Heihe city, with its north of Heilongjiang province, with a river across to Russia, with its south near the most prosperous commercial street in Heihe city. It is in the Ethnic minority's folk custom villages along the river, under the guidance of enthusiastic villagers; you can go to Heilongjiang to make a hole in the ice to experience the joy of catching salmon.
Reason to go:
Known as the “Ice City” of China, Harbin transforms into a spectacular frozen world every winter. Visitors can marvel at enormous ice castles that glow in vibrant colors at night, wander among intricate snow sculptures, and soak up the European-style charm of its historic streets. Harbin’s winter scene is not only visually stunning but also filled with fun activities, from skating on frozen rivers to tasting hot local delicacies that warm you up in the icy air.
Reason to go:
Changbai Mountain is a paradise for nature lovers in winter. The snow-blanketed peaks surrounding the stunning Heavenly Lake create a surreal and tranquil scene. While the outside air is icy, visitors can relax in natural hot springs amidst the snow, making for a truly unique experience. It’s also a great place for skiing without the crowds you might find at other resorts.
Reason to go:
Altay is often called the “cradle of skiing” and offers some of China’s most untouched winter landscapes. Here, you can experience nomadic culture in cozy wooden cabins, marvel at the vast snowfields, and even try traditional wooden skiing. Its remote location means fewer tourists, giving you a peaceful and authentic winter experience.
Rime Island (Wusong Island), Jilin
Reason to go:
Jilin Rime Island is famous for its stunning natural frost phenomenon, where trees are covered in sparkling white rime ice. This enchanting scene only lasts a few hours each morning, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for photographers and travelers seeking quiet beauty away from the crowds.
Since China is a country with large scale, there are big different scenery and climate between north and south. If you are an ice and snow lover, northeast of China is paradise to you. If you want to go some warm place in February, you’d better choose south of China.
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