Beijing’s winter lasts approximately 100 days, spanning from late November to the end of February. During this season, the days are shorter, with darkness falling around 5 PM. Ticket sales for major attractions typically close by 4:30 PM, but the sites remain open year-round. One significant advantage of visiting Beijing in winter is the reduced number of tourists, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful experience and capture stunning photos without the crowds.
For foreign tourists planning a trip to Beijing, the winter season offers a range of activities, from exploring cultural heritage sites to enjoying unique winter festivals. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your visit to Beijing in winter, this guide will walk you through the top 15 things to do and winter activities you can’t miss.
1. Explore the Forbidden City Winter Tour
First on the list of things to do in Beijing winter is the Forbidden City. Winter is a great time to visit the Forbidden City, especially after the first snowfall, when the sight of red walls and white snow is particularly beautiful.
Check out: How to Visit Forbidden City for more travel information.
This iconic historical palace complex is one of Beijing’s most famous landmarks. In winter, the crowds thin out, meaning you can enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site without the usual crowds. You’ll feel like you have the palace to yourself, making the experience even more magical. The snow-covered rooftops create a picturesque backdrop as you wander through its courtyards and halls.
To reach it, take the subway to Tiananmen East or West stations. An entrance fee of CNY 60 applies during peak season (April to October) and CNY 40 during the off-peak season (November to March). Witness the grandeur of Chinese architecture and delve into the rich history of China’s emperors.
2. Experience the Great Wall in Winter
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China, and winter is one of the best times to see it. The snow at the Great Wall of China creates a stunning contrast against the rugged, ancient wall and surrounding mountains. While the winter temperatures can be chilly, the clear skies and fewer tourists make it a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience.
Check out the following Great Wall travel information:
How to Visit the Great Wall in winter Beijing
How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall
How to Get to Badaling Great Wall
How to Get to Juyongguan Great Wall
How to Get to Simatai Great Wall
How to Get to Gubeikou Great Wall
How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall
The Beijing Great Wall winter tour is perfect for those who want to avoid the summer crowds and still enjoy the Wall’s grandeur. For those who want a bit of adventure, some sections of the Wall, like Mutianyu and Badaling, offer cable cars to take the edge off the cold.
3. Ice Skating in Beijing Winter
If you’re a fan of winter activities, ice skating in Beijing is a must-do. The city is home to several ice rinks, and many outdoor venues open up during the winter months. Three of the best places to enjoy ice skating in Beijing winter are the Shichahai Lake, Kunming Lake in Summer Palalce and Beihai Park. These scenic areas are transformed into large outdoor ice rinks.
Check out Ice Skating in Beijing Winter Travel for more Beijing skating information.
Ice skating on Shichahai Lake ( Houhai Lake and Qianhai Lake) is a most popular and beloved winter activity in Beijing. This historic area, known for its old hutongs and lively atmosphere, transforms into a bustling ice rink.
4. Skiing Near Beijing
For those who love winter sports, skiing near Beijing is an exciting option. Beijing is home to several ski resorts where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The Nanshan Ski Resort and Jundu Mountain ski resort are both located a few hours from the city and offer everything from beginner slopes to advanced trails.
For more information on ski resorts in Beijing, check out Best Ski Resorts in Beijing for more information.
If you’re looking for an active winter vacation, skiing near Beijing can be a fantastic addition to your itinerary. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the surrounding mountains and get your adrenaline fix while visiting China in the winter.
5. Discover Winter Food and Hot Pot
One of the best ways to warm up during your winter trip is by diving into Beijing’s food scene. Beijing’s winter food is hearty and rich, perfect for combating the cold. The most popular dish to try is hot pot, a bubbling, spicy soup served with an array of meats, vegetables, and tofu.
Check out: What to Eat in Beijing – A Visitor’s Guide
You’ll find Beijing winter hot pot in many local restaurants. It’s a communal meal where you cook your food at the table in a steaming broth, making it both fun and warming. If you want a more traditional Beijing experience, don’t miss Peking duck, a classic dish that is often enjoyed with friends or family.
6. Enjoy Winter Festivals in Beijing
Winter in Beijing is also a time for celebration. During your visit, you may be able to catch one of the city’s winter festivals. The Chinese New Year 2025 (which falls on the period from January 28 or February 04, 2025) is one of the biggest celebrations in Beijing. During this time, the city is filled with colorful parades, street performances, and traditional activities. You’ll also see beautiful decorations and lights throughout the city, especially around Qianmen and Wangfujing.
Check out: Things to Do in Beijing during Chinese New Year 2025
Other festivals like the Yanqing Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival add a unique touch to the winter tourism scene. Visitors can enjoy viewing incredible ice sculptures and even participate in winter sports like ice sledding and snowball fights.
7. Visit the Temple of Heaven in Winter
The Temple of Heaven is another must-see destination during your Beijing winter vacation. This beautiful historical site, which is known for its architectural beauty and cultural significance, is much quieter in the winter months. The serene atmosphere and crisp winter air make it the perfect place for reflection and exploration.
Check out: How to Visit Temple of Heaven
Winter is also the best time to see the Temple of Heaven winter landscape. The large open areas are less crowded, allowing you to appreciate the peacefulness of the park surrounding the temple. If you visit in the early morning, you may even see locals practicing tai chi, a common sight in Beijing’s public parks.
8. Visit the Summer Palace in Winter
The Summer Palace, famous for its stunning lakes and gardens, takes on a peaceful, almost magical quality in winter. While the name suggests a summer destination, Winter in Beijing for tourists offers a unique chance to visit this tranquil spot without the usual crowds. The snow-covered gardens and icy lake make for a strikingly different experience than in warmer months.
Check out: How to Visit Summer Palace
This sprawling royal park, once a summer retreat for emperors, offers tranquility and stunning views of frozen lakes and ancient structures. It turns into a huge ice-skating rank. Stroll through the Long Corridor, admire the Marble Boat, and experience the peaceful ambiance that winter brings to this imperial garden.
9. Take a Day Trip to the Ming Tombs
Located just outside Beijing, the Ming Tombs are an important historical site that’s less crowded in winter. These tombs house the remains of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty.
Check out: How to get to Ming Tombs
The area’s peaceful environment and scenic views make it a great destination for history lovers. The winter months offer a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for exploring the tombs and nearby temples.
10. Visit the National Museum of China
A trip to the National Museum of China provides a fascinating cultural experience. Located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, the museum is one of the largest in the world and is home to numerous exhibitions about China’s rich history. In winter, the museum’s less crowded halls make it a great indoor activity for those seeking warmth and culture.
Check out: How to Visit the National Museum of China
The museum has exhibitions ranging from ancient Chinese art to the country’s more recent history. Whether you’re interested in Chinese culture or modern history, this museum offers something for everyone.
11. Relax in Beijing’s Winter Hot Springs
Beijing may not be the first place that comes to mind for hot springs, but it’s actually home to several luxurious resorts that offer hot spring baths. Beijing hot springs in winter are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Many of these resorts are located on the outskirts of the city and offer spa treatments along with hot spring facilities.
For a relaxing day, consider visiting the Beijing Jiuhua Hot Spring Resort, Chunhuiyuan Hot Spring or Hot Spring Bathing at Gubei Water Town . The warm water, surrounded by snowy landscapes, offers a truly soothing experience that will help you recharge for more winter adventures.
12. Discover Traditional Beijing Hutongs
Exploring Beijing’s hutongs offers a glimpse into the city’s historical heart. These narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard homes are especially charming in winter, with a quieter, more introspective ambiance.
Check out the following hutong related travel guide:
How to Visit Yandai Xiejie Street
How to Visit Shichahai
How to Visit Drum Tower
How to Visit Nanluoguxiang Hutong
Areas like Shichahai, Yandai Xiejie and Nanluoguxiang are easily accessible by public transportation. Strolling through these neighborhoods reveals the everyday life of Beijing residents, small shops, and cafes. It’s a chance to see a different side of the city, away from the hustle of modern Beijing.
13. Museums and Art Galleries
Beijing’s rich cultural scene is evident in its numerous museums and art galleries, which remain open in winter. From the historical treasures in the National Art Gallery China to contemporary art in the 798 Art Zone, there’s something for every interest.
Check out: How to Visit 798 Art Zone
Many of these venues are free or have a nominal entrance fee, providing an affordable way to explore China’s artistic and historical heritage. Indoor activities like museum visits are a great option for colder days, allowing visitors to engage with Beijing’s cultural richness in a comfortable setting.
14. Go Shopping at Winter Markets
If you’re visiting Beijing in winter, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city’s winter markets. These markets are an excellent place to pick up souvenirs, enjoy winter snacks, and get a glimpse of local culture. The Daliushu Market and Panjiayuan Antique Market are two popular spots where you can buy everything from traditional Chinese crafts to warm clothes.
For a more festive shopping experience, visit the Wangfujing Street and Silk Street Market during the winter months. The streets are adorned with Christmas lights, and you can enjoy window shopping as well as outdoor markets selling everything from scarves to hand-crafted trinkets.
15. Experience Beijing’s Winter Nightlife
While the city may be chilly, Beijing has a vibrant nightlife scene even in winter. Many bars and restaurants in areas like Sanlitun and Houhai ( Shichahai ) offer cozy atmospheres, warm drinks, and live music. The Beijing winter nightlife scene includes hot cocktail bars, local jazz venues, and even places that offer traditional Chinese performances.
For something uniquely Beijing, consider visiting a traditional tea house for a warm cup of Chinese tea, or explore the Hutongs for a more authentic experience of Beijing’s local nightlife.
The cold weather brings out a quieter, more reflective side of Beijing, offering a chance to see its famous landmarks without the crowds, engage with local traditions, and enjoy the cozy hospitality that defines winter in the capital. The city’s blend of ancient history, rich cultural activities, and natural beauty ensures that there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.
