China is one of the countries that attracts a large number of tourists every year, and it owes this to its thousands of years old historical attractions. The rich history and culture are undoubtedly the main reason for attracting a large number of tourists in any country, but to visit these attractions, you need to travel to your desired destination during a time when the weather suits you, allowing you to enjoy and visit the diverse attractions of China in complete comfort.
Many people love the heat, but the problems and troubles in hot weather can bother you, and you are always looking for a place with shade to cool down, whereas in relatively cold locations, you can easily enjoy the outdoor attractions with just a jacket. If you are one of those people who want to get to know the coldest cities in China, make sure to stay with us until the end of this article.
In the following, we will examine the coldest cities in China regarding temperature in each season and the overall average temperature, and introduce several famous and unique attractions in each city. Finally, we will conclude on the best time to travel to China for cold weather lovers. Below, you will see a table that summarizes the topics we will discuss in this article.
- Cold regions (very cold winters)
- Northeast China:
Area: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning
Characteristics: Extremely low average winter temperatures (about -20 to -30 degrees Celsius), heavy snowfall, long periods of snowfall.
Examples: Harbin, Muhe, Mengzhou
- Northeast China:
- Cold and temperate regions
- Northern China:
Area: Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi
Characteristics: Cold winters (about -5 to -15 degrees Celsius) and hot summers (about 25 to 35 degrees Celsius).
Examples: Beijing, Shenyang, Hutu
- Northern China:
- Subtropical regions
- Central and eastern China:
Region: Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Shanghai
Characteristics: Temperatures are milder in winter (about 0 to 5 °C) and hot in summer (about 25 to 35 °C).
Examples: Nanjing, Jiangsu, Shanghai
- Central and eastern China:
- Tropical and subtropical regions
- Southern China:
Region: Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Hainan
Characteristics: Temperatures are warm throughout the year (summers are above 30 °C and winters never fall below zero).
Examples: Quanzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou
- Southern China:
- Mountainous Regions
- Western and Mountainous Regions:
Area: Tibet, Xinjiang, other mountainous provinces such as Sichuan
Characteristics: Fluctuating temperatures, with cold winters and mild summers. Temperatures may drop sharply in some areas.
Examples: Lhasa (Tibet), Urumqi (Xinjiang)
- Western and Mountainous Regions:
Table of Coldest Cities in China
| City | January Avg Temp (°C) | July Avg Temp (°C) | Annual Snowfall (cm) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbin | -16 | 22 | 120 | Famous Ice Festival, Siberian Tiger Park |
| Manzhouli | -22 | 20 | 130 | Border town with Russian influence |
| Mohe city | -24 | 19 | 150 | The northernmost city in China |
| Huhhot | -11 | 26 | 80 | Cultural hub of Inner Mongolia |
| Qiqihar | -16 | 23 | 110 | Known for its rich black earth and agriculture |
| Changchun | -15 | 24 | 90 | The City of Spring with beautiful parks |
| Shenyang | -12 | 27 | 100 | Historical significance and modernity |
Reading Suggestion: 10 Warm Places to Visit in China
7 Coldest Places in China
Harbin
Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province. This city is known as the Ice City due to its very cold winters. It hosts the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, showcasing numerous ice sculptures and attractions. If you enjoy ice festivals, we highly recommend visiting this city.
The coldest month here is January, with an average temperature of about -16 degrees Celsius. During this time, temperatures can drop below -30 degrees Celsius, especially at night. Avoid nighttime outings in Harbin during the winter without a jacket, as you might catch a cold. This city is colder in summer compared to other cities in China, but the average temperature in July is around 22 degrees Celsius, and sometimes heatwaves can raise the temperature higher.
Harbin’s architecture, influenced by Russian style as seen in structures like the Saint Sophia Cathedral, showcases its history. During the ice festival, the city takes on a new life, revealing a different side where visitors can be amazed by impressive ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights.
Top Attractions:
- Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
- Siberian Tiger Park
- Central Street (Zhongyang Dajie)
Manzhouli
Manzhouli is one of the border cities of China, located in Inner Mongolia. This city is a key border town with Russia. Its unique blend of Chinese and Russian cultures adds depth to its cold climate. In winter, January temperatures can drop to -22 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong and cool winds, providing one of the best experiences anyone can have in their lifetime. The cold wind feels like a cool embrace for those who enjoy cold weather.
Manzhouli has warm summers with an average temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius, attracting tourists seeking relief from the heat of the southern regions. Summer is generally a very hot season in China, but cities like Harbin and Manzhouli offer a cooler and more interesting experience compared to other cities.
Manzhouli has many attractions influenced by its proximity to Russia, benefiting from Russian-style architecture and the Holonbuir grasslands.
Top Attractions:
- Manzhouli Border City Museum
- Russia Town for experiencing local cuisine and architecture
- Hulunbeir Grassland for exploration of nature
Mohe City
Mohe is known as the Northernmost city in China. From its title, you can understand that this city is one of the coldest cities in China, and this is what it is famous for. Not only is it the coldest city in China, but it is also known for its stunning Northern Lights.
In January, Mohe experiences an average temperature of about -24 degrees Celsius, and during extreme cold, temperatures can drop to -50 degrees Celsius, which is indeed a very low figure. The warmest month, July, has an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius, providing an attractive contrast to its very cold winters. This city continues to excite its travelers and is famous for its natural beauty and unique environment, with ringed seals and large icy rivers attracting research and tourism.
Top Attractions:
- Mohe Northern Lights Observation Point
- Mohe Ice Festival showcasing local culture
- The Mohe River for winter sports activities
Hohhot
Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia. This city is a great combination of rich history, culture, and cold climate, making it one of the coldest cities in China. It is a central hub for Mongolian culture, showcasing its historical heritage to the world.
January temperatures typically drop to about -11 degrees Celsius, which is quite pleasant compared to its icy counterparts, making it the best city for tourism in suitable weather. The summers in this city are warm, averaging around 26 degrees Celsius, making Hohhot a pleasant destination during the warmer months as well. Hohhot features significant cultural sites, including the Inner Mongolia Museum and the Dazhao Temple. Additionally, the unique night markets of this city attract visitors with delicious local foods.
Top Attractions:
- Inner Mongolia Museum for cultural insights
- Dazhao Temple for historical architecture
- Grassland tours showcasing Mongolian heritage and lifestyle
Qiqihar
Qiqihar, located in Heilongjiang Province, is another one of the coldest cities in China. This city is renowned for its fertile black soil, which plays a significant role in agriculture despite the cold climate. While it experiences cold weather, it is still highly beneficial for farmers, and the people of this city earn a good income from agriculture. The average temperature in January is around -16 degrees Celsius, and heavy snowfall can contribute to the cold atmosphere. In July, the average temperature rises to about 23 degrees Celsius, creating a contrasting mood compared to its winter.
This city is also well-known for its Zhalong Natural Reserve, where countless migratory birds can be observed, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Top Attractions:
- Zhalong Nature Reserve
- Qiqihar People’s Park
- Longsha Park with recreational activities
Changchun
Changchun is another city recognized for its cold winters and as a center for automobile production. In winter, it typically has an average temperature of around -15 degrees Celsius, but summers are quite warm with an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. Changchun is often referred to as the “City of Spring” due to its beautiful parks and gardens.
Top Attractions:
- Jilin Provincial Museum
- Movie City (Film Capital of China)
- Nanhu Eco-city Central Park
Shenyang
Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, is an important industrial hub with a rich history. One of its prominent historical claims is its role as the last capital of the Qing Dynasty, which keeps the history of China alive. In winter, the average temperature is around -12 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures can reach about 27 degrees Celsius. Shenyang showcases a blend of modernity and historical significance, making it a great place to visit for an enriching experience.
Top Attractions:
- Shenyang Imperial Palace
- Zhongjie Pedestrian Street
- Dazhong Temple for historical artifacts
Conclusion
The Coldest Cities in China can be a great trip for those who love the cold weather and want to visit some great attractions in between. Each of these seven cities offers unique attractions that embody China’s identity and heritage.
With stunning winter landscapes and exciting activities awaiting you, travel to these cold cities to experience the beauty and diversity that China has to offer, even in the coldest seasons!
