China, Asia

Beijing in January

The quietest, cheapest month. Bitter wind but clear days, and frozen lakes at Houhai and the Summer Palace for skating. Chinese New Year sometimes lands late in the month.

Quiet valueCold and dry, highs near 36F (2C), lows well below freezing

Great Wall Mutianyu, Beijing — BeijingPhoto: Velatrix, CC0

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Beijing. The quietest, cheapest month. Bitter wind but clear days, and frozen lakes at Houhai and the Summer Palace for skating. Chinese New Year sometimes lands late in the month.

Weather: Cold and dry, highs near 36F (2C), lows well below freezing
Crowds: 1 of 5
Prices: 1 of 5

What January is like in Beijing

January is Beijing's quietest and cheapest month. It is cold and dry, with highs near 36F (2C) and nights well below freezing, and the wind can bite. The upside is clear, sunny days, short lines, and frozen lakes at Houhai and the Summer Palace, where locals go skating. Chinese New Year sometimes lands late in the month, bringing temple fairs and heavy travel.

This month suits travelers who want the big sights without the crowds and don't mind bundling up. It is also a good base for a side trip to Harbin's ice city. It is harder for families with small kids who dislike the cold. For comfortable sightseeing weather, April and September are the months to aim for.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Beijing this month.

Skating on frozen lakes

Houhai and the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake freeze over, and locals come out to skate. Rentals are usually available on site.

The Forbidden City in winter calm

Crowds are at their lowest, and snow on the golden roofs is a rare treat. Book tickets online ahead with your passport details.

Harbin Ice and Snow World

A high-speed train north takes you to Harbin's illuminated ice city. It is a big trip, but unlike anything else.

Clear winter views from the Great Wall

Cold, dry air often means sharp views from Mutianyu. Dress warmly for the wind.

What to pack for January

A heavy, windproof down coat
Thermal base layers
Warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or face cover
Lip balm and moisturizer for the dry air

Our timing tip

Check the Chinese New Year date before booking, since travel in and out of Beijing is at its hardest around the holiday.

Book Beijing for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Beijing
Opens a hotel search for Beijing in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Beijing
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Beijing for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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.

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Beijing?

What is the weather like in Beijing in January?

Cold and dry, highs near 36F (2C), lows well below freezing.

Is Beijing crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Beijing; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Beijing in January?

Chinese New Year and temple fairs (late january to mid february, varies by lunar calendar); Harbin Ice and Snow World (side trip) (roughly late december through february, weather permitting).