The 850 years of capital history has endowed Beijing with magnificent imperial buildings and ancient wonders. It is the most popular destination for tourism in China and also one of the best places to visit in the winter. The city experiences its snow season from December to February. Beijing weather in the winter usually has temperatures between -8ºC (17.6ºF) and 6ºC (42.8ºF).
If you’re planning a winter trip to China, come see Beijing snow cover the ancient capital in white. You’ll see Chinese history, the local life and culture in a different light. Here’re the 10 best places to see and experience Beijing snow.
1. The Forbidden City: A Snowy Imperial Majesty
The No. 1 place to see Beijing snow is the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties. White snowflakes slowly fall against the bright red palace walls and onto the golden roofs. The ancient complex is distilled with a sense of time and wonder.
Winter is a good time to visit Beijing, especially the Forbidden City, because there won’t be as many visitors as other seasons. You can take your time pacing around the massive palace and have an unobstructed view of the marvelous architecture.
2. Jingshan Park: A Panoramic View of Snow-Kissed Beijing
Jingshan Park is one of the best places to appreciate the Beijing skyline. On Jingshan Hill, you can overlook the Forbidden City and other attractions blanketed in snow. You’ll see the massive complex and the long history of the ancient capital unfold below you. The park is also the ideal setting for winter stroll in Beijing snow.
3. The Summer Palace: A Beijing Winter Wonderland
The Summer Palace is definitely one of the best places to admire Beijing snow. It was once the imperial garden of Qing Dynasty. The entire garden is centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill and is dotted with elegant pavilions, corridors, bridges, and rock formations. As an essential stop on Beijing tours, it becomes even more magical in the winter.
See the slender tree branches made heavy by the thick white snow. The lake will be completely frozen. The pavilions and bridges are blanketed in white. Take a walk along the lake like the emperors once did and take in the tranquility. The Summer Palace has the largest natural ice rink of Beijing. The locals love to go sledding there in Beijing winters.
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4. Longqing Gorge: Marvelous Ice and Snow Sculptures
Longqing Gorge is about 2 hours from the city downtown. It would not disappoint you with its scene of Beijing snow. Its gorgeous mountains and clear brooks attract many visitors all year around. In the winter, stunning waterfalls freeze up, and the trees are blanketed in white. You can hop on a boat on the frozen river by icy cliffs.
Every year from around January 15th to February 28th, Longqing Gorge hosts its Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, where there’ll be many impressive ice and snow sculptures among the spectacular Beijing snow landscape. It’s a popular event for families and locals of Beijing. It is the best alternative to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival if you can’t make it to Harbin. There’ll be colorful lanterns lighting up the night.
5. Snow World Ski Resort: Thrills and Chills on the Slopes
Snow World Ski Resort is Beijing’s largest and closest natural ski resort. It’s the perfect place to see and play with Beijing snow for adventure seekers. As a professional skiing facility, it sits among the mountains. You can go skiing and snowboarding. There’re even lessons for beginners.
If you only want to see the mountain views of Beijing in the winter, there’re sightseeing cable cars and other winter activities. It’s almost like an amusement park with activities like snowmen building, horse-drawn sleighs, and ice carving, an ideal destination for families with kids traveling to Beijing.
6. Tao Yuan Xian Valley: A Snowy Hike in Beijing Winter
Experience tranquility of Tao Yuan Xian Valley about 2 hours from Beijing. It is a popular day trip destination to see Beijing snow and take winter hikes. The valley has ice waterfalls, snow-laden forests, and cozy wooden cottages.
Taoyuan Xian Valley is Beijing’s best-developed site for ice climbing. When the waterfall freezes up, it forms an ice screen on the surface which you can climb up. The site provides you with professional clothes and equipment, and you will be protected by a rope. It’s one of the best activities for adventurers in Beijing winter.
7. The Southeast Corner Watchtower: Snowy Remnants of History
The Southeast Corner Watchtower was originally built in Qing Dynasty as an addition to the Ming city wall. It’s an ancient, fortified stone structure that has withstood and witnessed much of important Chinese history. Today, many find it a wonderful viewing platform for admiring the Beijing snow in the winter.
8. Houhai: Local Beijing Life in the Winter
Houhai Lake turns into a fun playground in Beijing winter. Many locals, kids and elders alike come here to ice skate on the frozen lake water. If you want to observe and experience the local life, Houhai is the best place to do it. Around it, there’re many hutongs you can walk down. In Beijing snow, the best feeling is to have a hot cup of tea of coffee in one of the charming lakeside cafes.
9. Nanshan Ski Resort: A Snowy Paradise for Skiers
Compared to Snow World Ski Resort, Nanshan Ski Resort is more professional for dedicated skiers. There’re more trails with better facilities. After a thrilling day of adventures, sit down in the cozy lodges and enjoy the beautiful Beijing snow landscapes with delicious meals.
10. Badaling Ski Resort: Snowy Thrills Near the Great Wall
Next to Badaling Great Wall, the Badaling Ski Resort is a great place to participate in winter activities while taking in the magnificent view of the Great Wall. See the ancient bricks and stones covered in new snow.
