China, Asia

Beijing in February

Chinese New Year often falls now: temple fairs are wonderful, but trains and flights are jammed and some small shops and restaurants close for several days.

TradeoffsCold, highs near 41F (5C), dry

Great Wall Mutianyu, Beijing — BeijingPhoto: Velatrix, CC0

The straight answer

February is a month of real tradeoffs in Beijing. Chinese New Year often falls now: temple fairs are wonderful, but trains and flights are jammed and some small shops and restaurants close for several days.

Weather: Cold, highs near 41F (5C), dry
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What February is like in Beijing

February is cold, with highs near 41F (5C), and dry. Chinese New Year often falls this month, and it changes everything. Temple fairs at Ditan Park and other parks are full of food stalls and performances, but trains and flights are jammed, and some small shops and restaurants close for several days. The Lantern Festival follows fifteen days after New Year.

This month suits travelers who want to see China's biggest festival and are happy to plan around the crowds. Big sights, hotels, and malls stay open. It is a poor choice if you want a calm, simple trip. For that, pick a quieter month like March or November.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Beijing this month.

Chinese New Year temple fairs

Ditan Park and other parks host fairs with food stalls, performances, and games. They are lively and fun for kids.

The Lantern Festival

Fifteen days after New Year, lanterns light up the city and families eat sweet rice dumplings called yuanxiao.

The Lama Temple at New Year

The active Tibetan Buddhist temple is busy with worshippers. Go early to see the incense and the giant sandalwood Buddha.

What to pack for February

A warm down coat
Thermal layers
Hat, gloves, and a scarf
Comfortable, warm shoes for long walks

Our timing tip

Arrive in Beijing before the New Year travel rush starts, and avoid booking train trips during the holiday week.

Book Beijing for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Beijing
Opens a hotel search for Beijing in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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Vacation rentals in Beijing
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Beijing
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Beijing for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Chinese New Year and temple fairs

Late January to mid February, varies by lunar calendar

Temple fairs at Ditan Park and other parks bring food stalls, performances, and crowds. Travel into and out of Beijing is at its hardest around this holiday.

Lantern Festival

Fifteen days after Chinese New Year, February or early March

The last day of New Year celebrations, marked with lanterns and sweet rice dumplings (yuanxiao).

Harbin Ice and Snow World (side trip)

Roughly late December through February, weather permitting

A high-speed train ride north of Beijing, Harbin builds entire illuminated cities from ice each winter.

Things to do in Beijing

Full guide

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

Tickets are sold online in advance with real-name registration and a daily cap; it is closed most Mondays. Book early for holiday weeks.

Tickets and tours →

Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling

Mutianyu has a cable car and toboggan; Jinshanling is farther but wilder. Leave early to beat tour buses.

Tickets and tours →

Temple of Heaven

Go in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing cards in the park.

Tickets and tours →

Summer Palace

A vast imperial garden around Kunming Lake. Spring blossoms and fall color are best; winter brings skating on the lake.

Tickets and tours →

Jingshan Park

The short climb gives the classic view straight down over the Forbidden City's golden roofs.

Tickets and tours →

Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

An active Tibetan Buddhist temple with a giant sandalwood Buddha. Busy during Chinese New Year.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Never plan big sights for October 1 to 7, the first days of May, or the week around Chinese New Year. Shift the whole trip a week either way.
Book Palace Museum tickets the moment they open, and enter at the first time slot through the Meridian Gate. Walk straight to the back courtyards and work forward.
Skip Badaling, the closest Great Wall section and the most crowded. Mutianyu or Jinshanling on a weekday morning is a very different experience.
Midweek is noticeably quieter than weekends at every major site because domestic tourism dominates.

Know before you go

The Palace Museum and many other museums close on Mondays, except during national holidays. Check before you plan the day.
During the first days of Chinese New Year, many small restaurants and family businesses close; big sights, hotels, and malls stay open.
Many sites now require advance online booking with passport details, and daily visitor caps can sell out on weekends and holidays.
Outdoor sites like the Great Wall run shorter hours in winter. Some remote sections close in heavy snow or high wind.

Beijing in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Beijing?

What is the weather like in Beijing in February?

Cold, highs near 41F (5C), dry.

Is Beijing crowded in February?

Crowds in Beijing are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Beijing in February?

Chinese New Year and temple fairs (late january to mid february, varies by lunar calendar); Lantern Festival (fifteen days after chinese new year, february or early march); Harbin Ice and Snow World (side trip) (roughly late december through february, weather permitting).