December is coming, but forget the long-haul flights to Switzerland or Canada to experience a white winter. You can catch real snow and frozen lakes at several super chio winter destinations in China, and the best part is, the entire journey will take you less than 10 hours from Singapore.
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Snow season in China usually runs from November to March, with the thickest snowfall being in December and January. Most of the action is concentrated in northern regions, but that doesn’t mean you have to endure a connecting flight and long journeys to Harbin just to see snow.
And as winter is considered off-peak season in China, you can expect reduced prices for flights, hotels, and sometimes even admission tickets.
If you’ve ever watched Avatar, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park may look familiar – it’s the real-life inspo for the iconic Hallelujah Mountains in the movie. These towering sandstone formations look entirely unreal, and even more so when dusted with snow.
It’s also China’s first national forest park and part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and home to countless scenic viewpoints, lakes, and valleys that are connected by the famously long Tianmen Cable Car.
Admission tickets to Zhangjiajie National Park start from RMB147/pax (~S$26.95) in winter. If you’d like to ascend the mountains, we recommend getting a cableway or elevator package for easy transport. Tickets for the Bailong Elevator and Tianzishan Cableway start from S$11.93/pax and S$13.21/pax, respectively, and can be purchased via Trip.com.
Book tickets for the Zhangjiajie National Park cableway and elevator.
Light snow usually falls between late January and February, and since winter is off-peak season, you’ll find fewer crowds and cheaper prices all around. Admission and cable car tickets drop in price, and many nearby hotels and restaurants slash their rates. Take advantage of the discounts and spend at least 2 days in the area to soak in the fairytale-like atmosphere.
We recommend staying at a nearby hotel such as Muzitang Travel Photography Resort Hotel – an elegant riverside property in Wulingyuan that’s furnished with traditional Chinese decor. A double bedroom starts from only S$108/night.
Book a room at Muzitang Travel Photography Resort Hotel.
How to get to Zhangjiajie National Park: The shortest route is a little complicated but well worth it. Scoot offers direct flights from Changi Airport to Changsha Huanghua International Airport in 5 hours, for around S$278.
From there, take a short train ride on the Changsha Maglev Express to Changsha South Railway Station. Get on the 20-minute high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, before finally taking a 30-minute taxi to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The total trip should take a little over 8 hours.
At 5,596m high, Yulong Mountain is a particularly breathtaking sight in winter, and a standout feature in Lijiang, Yunnan. Fun fact: Yulong translates to Jade Dragon in English, because its 13 snow-capped peaks look just like a dragon at rest.
Image adapted from: @丽江百事通～ via RED
Here, you can take a shuttle bus to admire the crystal-clear waters of Blue Moon Valley, or ride the cable car up to the Glacier Park summit. Take note that the oxygen level up there is pretty low, so we strongly recommend that you purchase a portable oxygen tank at the base before you ascend.
If you’d prefer to keep things chill, just take the cable car to Yak Meadow – a broad grassland with mountain views for a leisurely stroll or a few aesthetic photos. You can book the Yak Plain Cableway tickets from S$11.93/pax online in advance.
Get tickets for Yak Plain Cableway.
Or book a 1-Day Tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain starting from S$74.39/pax, if you’d like a guided journey complete with a driver.
Book a 1-Day Tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
How to get to Yulong Mountain: For the fastest way, you’ll have to book your own connecting flights and self-transfer. Take a direct flight on Thai Airways from Singapore to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, then a flight on Ruili Airlines to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. The whole flight journey takes about 7 hours and costs around S$462. And from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, it’s a 1 to 1.5-hour taxi ride to Yulong Mountain.
If Harbin’s world-famous Ice and Snow festival feels too far, Longqing Gorge in Beijing is your next best bet. Every January and February, this scenic area transforms into a massive ice and snow festival featuring over 400 sculptures, ice slides, and a 70m frozen waterfall, all lit up with colourful lights. Yes, you can walk into the ice castles and feel just like Elsa.
It’s not a festival without performances, so expect fireworks and folk dances that will keep the crowd entertained. The mountains around Longqing Gorge will also light up with displays and drone shows, illuminating the whole venue.
Longqing Gorge’s Ice and Snow Festival is smaller, but nearer to the city and less crowded than Harbin’s version, so it’s perfect for a day trip from Beijing. There’s a private day tour you can book on Klook, with prices starting from S$315.05/pax – ideal if you prefer a fuss-free trip and a guided trip.
Book the Beijing Longqing Gorge Ice Private Day Tour.
How to get to Longqing Gorge: Singapore Airlines offers a 6-hour and 5-minute flight from Singapore to Beijing Capital International Airport for around S$241. From there, take a 1.5-hour taxi ride to Longqing Gorge.
Right in the heart of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, which turns from a bustling tourist hotspot to a melancholy palace once the seasons change. This UNESCO site is the world’s largest palace and the setting for many of your favourite Chinese historical dramas. There’s even a replica of the palace at Hengdian World Studios built just for filming, but nothing quite compares to seeing the real thing blanketed in snow.
So if you’d like to catch the most snowfall and the fewest tourists, we recommend visiting in January. Tickets start from S$11.60/pax.
Purchase tickets to the Forbidden City.
The Forbidden City is one of the most beautiful places in Beijing to catch snowfall, with the white snow contrasting against the red walls of the palace. Start your journey at the Meridian Gate and leave from the Gate of Divine Prowess, but don’t forget to stop by Jingshan Park for the best panoramic views of the palace.
If you’re feeling fancy, pop by one of the many hanfu rental boutiques around the area for an imperial-style makeover and snap some drama-worthy pictures. Then wrap up your visit with a Peking Duck treat at Siji Minfu, a beloved chain restaurant nearby that’s both authentic and affordable.
How to get to the Forbidden City: Take a 6-hour and 5-minute flight with Singapore Airlines from Singapore to Beijing Capital International Airport for around S$241, then hop on a half-hour taxi ride to the Forbidden City. The total travel time should take less than 7 hours.
Mount Emei in Sichuan is one of those places that look straight out of an ancient painting. From mid-December to early March, this UNESCO World Heritage Site turns into a snowy paradise accented with gold. It’s also one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China, with 76 monasteries scattered across its slopes and the world’s highest-altitude golden Buddha statue.
Here, you can either hike up the mountain or take a cable car to reach the Golden Summit, where the famed Samantabhandra Bodhisattva statue sits. Be sure to check out all the well-preserved temples along the way, such as Baoguo, Wannian and Fuhu Temple, which all serve vegetarian cuisine. Visitors can try dishes at RMB10 to RMB20 (~S$1.83-S$3.66) per dish.
But speaking of food, do keep your snacks safe from the mountain’s inhabitants – the Tibetan Macaque monkeys may be adorable, but they will rob you without hesitation.
Once you’ve descended the mountain, soak any soreness away at one of the many hot springs around the foot of the mountain, or drop by Mount Emei Ski Resort if you have any energy left.
Consider booking the 1-day tour on Klook that lets you visit Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, and the Golden Summit from just S$81.39/pax.
Book the Leshan Giant Buddha + Mount Emei + Golden Summit One-Day Tour.
How to get to Mount Emei: Sichuan Airlines offers 4-hour 35-minute flights from Singapore to Chengdu Tianfu Airport for around S$244. From Chengdu, you can take a high-speed train to Emeishan Station in less than 3 hours. The total trip should take approximately 8 hours.
Image adapted from: @泡泡在旅行 via RED
You may recognise Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park for its vibrant forests and turquoise waters, but this picturesque park transforms into a whole new wonder in winter. Every December to February, the valleys get dusted with snow, turning the waterfalls, lakes, and foliage into a white fairyland. This icy UNESCO World Heritage site makes for some of the most Instagram-worthy winter shots in China.
Image adapted from: @枫熠旅行（自定路线版) via RED
Start your journey at the mouth of Shuzheng Valley, where you can purchase a park admission ticket for RMB80 (~S$14.66). Pay an extra RMB80 (~S$14.66) and you’ll get to use the park’s shuttle bus system to navigate the many lakes and scenic trails. Main spots include the Five Flower Lake, Panda Lake, and Five-Color Pond – the last one is known to have the most vibrant waters.
Image credit: Claire’s Footsteps
But besides appreciating nature, you can also explore the 9 Tibetan villages located within the park, and immerse yourself in their rich culture by savouring local treats like butter tea mixed with tsampa – a staple food made from roasted flour.
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park is open from 8.30am to 6pm from 16th November 2025 to 31st March 2026. Trip.com has a few packages that include the admission ticket, sightseeing bus ticket, and even private transfer, with prices starting from S$29.36.
Book Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park packages.
How to get to Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park: You can fly from Singapore to Chengdu Tianfu Airport via Sichuan Airlines in 4 hours and 35 minutes for around S$253, Then take a flight to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport via Sichuan Airlines within an hour for around S$118. Finally, hop on a taxi and you’ll reach the national park in 1.5 hours. The whole journey should take around 7 hours.
If you’re craving a real European winter wonderland, Xiling Snow Mountain, that’s dotted with little cottages that look straight out of a storybook, might be the closest one to it. From mid-December to mid-March, this alpine resort will be blanketed in snow – it’s no wonder it is sometimes called the Alps of the Orient.
Warning: temperatures can drop to ‑10°C, so visit one of these winter apparel shops in Singapore to bundle up in style during your trip.
Many view Xiling Snow Mountain less as a ski resort and more as an amusement park, and there’s some truth to it. Besides skiing, you can also rent snowmobiles, ride sledges, take cable cars, and hop onto hot air balloons.
Image adapted from: Trip.com
And if you’d like to fully embrace the wonderland vibes, consider glamping on-site at Deep Breaths Campground, where you’ll get to comfortably hunker down in a heated tent. Breakfasts are included, and rooms start from just S$126/night.
Book a night at Deep Breaths Campground.
How to get to Xiling Snow Mountain: Take a direct 4-hour and 40-minute flight from Singapore to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport with Sichuan Airlines for around S$288, then take a half-hour taxi ride to Chadianzi Bus Station. From there, take a direct bus to Xiling Snow Mountain in 2.5 hours – note that the bus leaves at 9am, 9.30am, and 10.30am every day and the fare costs RMB38 (~S$6.96). The total journey should take around 8 hours.
Beijing may not see much snow, but thanks to snowmakers, you’re guaranteed it every day from late November to early March at Nanshan Ski Village. There are 30 slopes and 220 trainers catering to all skill levels, so beginners and pros alike can hit the runs. You can also rent ski and snowboarding equipment on-site – there’s no need to lug your own to the ski village.
And when you need to fuel up, grab coffee at Teros Western Bar, warm up with hotpot and Chinese specialities at Nanshan Cafeteria, or try hearty Northeastern dishes at Dahua Hall.
Nanshan Ski Village requires an RMB30 (~S$5.50) admission ticket to enter, and a 2-hour session on the slopes starts from RMB200 (~S$36.66) on weekdays.
How to get to Nanshan Ski Village: Take a direct 6-hour and 5-minute flight from Changi Airport to Beijing Capital Airport with Singapore Airlines for around S$237, and then take a 45-minute taxi ride to Nanshan Ski Village.
Much of China is highly urbanised, so getting around can be pretty easy once you know the basics – just remember that your passport is basically your golden ticket. You’ll need to bring it along to purchase train tickets, check into hotels, and enter many of the attractions in this article. Most places in China only accept cashless payments nowadays, so set up your WeChat (App Store | Google Play) and Alipay (App Store | Google Play) ahead of time.
And when it comes to transport, the DiDi (App Store | Google Play) ride-hailing app is a convenient way to get around. In major cities like Beijing and Chengdu, public transport like the subway will help you get to your next destination with ease. But if you’re travelling out of the city to some of the locations on this list, enjoy a fuss-free trip by booking tours or private charters.
Check out our China travel guide for more information.
These winter destinations across China are less than 10 hours away from Singapore, proving that you don’t have to fly all the way to Harbin to experience a proper winter.
More nearby places to experience snow:
Cover image adapted from: @古寒儿, @泡泡在旅行, @余先森 Jackson via RED
A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.
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