Beijing in winter is an enchanting mix of outdoor fun, cozy indoor activities, and festive traditions. Whether you want to explore icy landscapes, savor hearty meals, or relax in hot springs, here are some top activities you can enjoy every year.
As an expat who has called Beijing home for six years, this list features some of my favorite winter activities that I return to year after year.
It’s a carefully curated mix of classic tourist experiences, traditional Chinese culture, unique local finds, and exciting adventures that showcase the best of what Beijing has to offer during the colder months.
OVERVIEW
What to Expect in Beijing During Winter
Beijing’s winter, stretching from early November to early March, is known for its cold and dry conditions. While temperatures often dip below freezing, the dry air and frequent sunny days make it a great season for sightseeing.
You should prepare for the cold with proper winter gear, including boots, thermal layers, and warm accessories. Layers are your best friend!
Avoid Chinese New Year time! This will be peak travel time in China for people traveling to see their family or taking trips in China. Beijing get’s very busy especially at tourist sites like the Forbidden City, Bell and Drum Towers, Qianmen, and more.
Outside of Chinese New Year time, Beijing during the winter can be more calm and nice for visiting. Just remember warm clothes!
Top Things to Do in Beijing During Winter
1. Ice Bicycling and Skating in Beijing
If there’s one quintessential winter activity in Beijing, it’s ice bicycling across the lakes that freeze during the winter time! Many lakes and parks in Beijing offer a ticket where you can walk across the lake and rent an ice bicycle or skates. There are many indoor rinks as well at places like the China World Summit Mall.
- Shichahai Lake (什刹海): In Xicheng District, offering scenic views of hutongs and local culture.
- Olympic Park (奥林匹克公园): A spacious spot in Chaoyang District, perfect for families.
- Summer Palace (颐和园): Kunming Lake in Haidian District, surrounded by imperial architecture, offers a picturesque backdrop.
2. Skiing and Snowboarding
For the winter sports enthusiasts in China, there are many ski and snowboarding locations on the outskirts of Beijing and in the nearby Hebei Province. Hit the slopes at these top ski resorts near Beijing:
- Nanshan Ski Resort (南山滑雪场): Located in Miyun District, about 1.5 hours from downtown Beijing. It’s great for all skill levels.
- Huaibei International Ski Resort (怀北国际滑雪场): Nestled in the mountains of Huairou District, this resort offers skiing with Great Wall views.
- Chongli (崇礼): Just a high-speed train ride to Hebei Province, this area hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics and offers world-class ski facilities.
I went snowboarding at Chongli in December 2023 – read my guide here.
3. Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival (龙庆峡冰灯节)
The Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival features a Lantern Area (灯笼区) and Ice Lantern Art Area (冰灯艺术区) with stunning displays of lights and ice sculptures. It’s fantastic and a great way to have the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival experience without trekking all the way up to Heilongjiang. The festival also has Glacier Canyon Winter sports activities (冰川峡谷趣味运动会).
- Location: North of Gucheng Village, Jiuxian Town, Yanqing District (北京市延庆区旧县镇古城村北)
- Duration: Early to mid-January to February 28, 2025 (subject to change every year)
4. Hot Springs in Beijing (北京温泉)
Unwind in one of Beijing’s many hot springs, where you can relax in outdoor heated pools or hang out in the indoor hot stone room. These hot springs are really like giant outdoor hot tubs where you can hang out with friends and family. Many of them are even hotels if you wanted to book to stay overnight.
My favorite one in Beijing is the No.9 Hot Spring International Hotel, located in East Beijing. For 398 RMB you can get 18 hours entrance inside, which include the hot springs, hot stone room, change of clothes, a buffet, video games, chill lounge rooms, and more.
- Find it on Trip.com here: No.9 Hot Spring International Hotel.
- Find it on Dianping here: 小程序://大众点评美食电影运动旅游门票/RCRLNNdxDx9T2ii
- Address: 瀚金佰九号温泉国际酒店(惠河南街9号) 北京市北京市朝阳区
There are so many hot springs in Beijing, though, so you have plenty of options! Use Trip.com to search and check out their list of Top 17 Hot Springs in Beijing or you can search in Chinese on Dianping (if you don’t use Chinese, just use a translator to screenshot and search the options).
Here are some of my favorite options:
1. Hanjin Bai Hot Spring International Hotel (瀚金佰九号温泉国际酒店)
📍 Address: No. 9 Huihe South St, Chaoyang District (北京市朝阳区惠河南街9号)
2. Chunhui Garden Hot Spring Resort (春晖园温泉度假酒店)
📍 Location: Shunyi District (顺义区)
3. Haide Hot Spring Bath, Chaoyang Joy City (海德温泉洗浴, 朝阳大悦城店)
📍 Address: 2nd Floor, Building 2, Qingnian Road West (北京市朝阳区青年路西里1号院2号楼)
5. Beijing Lantern Festival: Megalights Wonderland
Experience dazzling lights at Wenyuhe Park (温榆河公园) in Chaoyang District. Read more here: Beijing Lantern Festival 2025: A Bright Start to the Chinese New Year
- Location: No. 1 Gate, Wenyuhe Park, Chaoyang District (北京市朝阳区温榆河公园1号门)
- Duration: December 28, 2024 – March 9, 2025
6. Temple Fairs (庙会)
Celebrate Spring Festival at temple fairs, featuring performances, crafts, and festive food.
- Ditan Temple Fair (地坛庙会): Held in Andingmen, Dongcheng District (东城区安定门).
- Temple of Heaven Fair (天坛庙会): In Dongcheng District (东城区).
7. Old Beijing New Year Goods Fair (老北京年货大集)
This is the go-to spot for many local Beijingers to buy food, gifts, and decorations before Chinese New Year. Spanning 15,000 square meters, this market is held at Beijing’s National Agricultural Exhibition Center in Chaoyang District. You’ll find special products, cultural heritage items, snacks, pastries, clothing, decorations, and more.
- Location: National Agricultural Exhibition Center, Chaoyang District (朝阳区全国农业展览馆)
- Duration: January 13 – February 6, 2025
8. Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium Ice and Snow Festival
Every year the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium transforms into a winter playground with snow slides, bumper cars, and obstacle courses. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, it’s open now through mid-February 2025. This year is the 14th year this event is being held (第14届鸟巢欢乐冰雪季).
- 📍 Location: National Stadium (鸟巢), Northwest Entrance (国家体育场西北入口)
- ⏰ Time: Now – mid-February 2025
- 💰 Tickets: Weekdays: 86 RMB, Weekends: 128 RMB
9. Try Local Winter Foods
Beijing Hot Pot
Warm up with a comforting meal of Beijing-style hot pot (北京火锅), featuring lamb, fresh vegetables, and sesame dipping sauces. Look for hot pot restaurants near Guijie (簋街), Beijing’s famous food street.
Tanghulu
Try a Tanghulu (糖葫芦): These sweet, tangy candied hawthorn sticks are sold at street stalls and are a popular snack during winter in northern China. You’ll find these all over Beijing, especially near tourist attractions and in the hutongs near the Beijing Drum and Bell towers and the Lama Temple.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Eat Roasted Sweet Potatoes (烤红薯): Warm and delicious, these are a winter favorite across Beijing.
Go on a Beijing Food Tour
If you want more delicious food in Beijing with an awesome guide, I recommend taking a Beijing food tour with Lost Plate Food Tours, which take you to local favorites like dumplings, Beijing hot pot, and jianbing (Chinese crepes). Tours are also available in Chengdu, Xi’an, Shanghai, and more.
- Website: Lost Plate Food Tours
- Discount: Use my code RACHELMEETSCHINA for a discount at checkout!
10. Cyber Dance (赛博跳动)
Get out of the cold and try the “Floor is Lava” game or other interactive grid games at Cyber Dance! Beijing also has many other malls and indoor arcade games perfect to escape the cold.
Location: Cyber Dance, Olympic Forest Park Branch (奥森店), Chaoyang District (北京市朝阳区)
11. Acrobatic Performances (杂技表演)
Book through Show Beijing (秀北京) for discounted tickets to breathtaking performances like:
- Beijing Opera (京剧)
- Flying Acrobatics (飞翔杂技)
- Golden Mask Dynasty Show (金面王朝)
Locations: Various theaters such as Chaoyang Theater (朝阳剧场) and Tianqiao Performing Arts Center (天桥艺术中心).
12. Catch a Bejing Snowfall
I’ve included this one last because it’s not a guarantee, but experiencing Beijing in snow is a magical experience! Over the years I’ve been able to catch some incredible sights during snowfall, including the Great Wall. The Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The hutongs are also wonderful for a walk around in snow.
But it only snows 1-3 times a winter season on average, so it’s really hard to predict or plan your trip for snow in Beijing. I’ve been here 6 winters now which is the only way I’ve been lucky enough to see the forecast and plan an activity.
Beijiing Winter Activities
Beijing in winter offers an incredible mix of cultural traditions, outdoor fun, and warm escapes. With activities like skiing, festivals, and hot springs, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check specific dates and locations for annual events!
And of course, there are still all the other traditional things to do in Beijing – the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and more!
Check out my Ultimate 3 Day Beijing Itinerary for 2025
Which Section of the Great Wall Is Best To Visit?
A Guide To Visiting the Forbidden City 2025
