Beijing
Temple fairs at Ditan and Longtan parks; traditional performances and snack stalls under red lanterns.
When to Go · February
China in February
Fireworks at midnight, temple fairs in snow, and red lanterns everywhere.
Weather across regions
Still cold across most regions but starting to thaw. Beijing -5 to 8°C; Shanghai 5-12°C; southern cities warm slightly. The entire country transforms during Spring Festival week — streets empty, then explode with celebration.
Best regions to visit this month
Rural villages (Guizhou, Yunnan)
Authentic New Year celebrations; dragon dances, ancestral rituals, firecracker marathons.
Shanghai
Yu Garden Lantern Festival; modern city meets traditional celebration.
Pingyao
Ancient walled city draped in decorations; one of China's most photogenic New Year settings.
What's happening
- Spring Festival / Chinese New Year (date varies, typically late Jan to mid-Feb) — week-long national holiday with family reunions, temple visits, and feasting
- Lantern Festival (15 days after CNY) — riddles, tangyuan (sweet rice balls), and elaborate lantern displays
What to pack
- Warm layers (still winter across most regions)
- Red clothing (considered lucky during CNY)
- Portable phone charger (you'll be taking a lot of photos)
- Patience and flexibility (transport and services disrupted during holiday week)
Routes that work best in February
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