Skip to content
T
Tripozi
man in black jacket walking on sidewalk during daytime

China · January

Beijing in January

January in Beijing offers a crisp, unique winter experience, often overlooked by summery itineraries. Witness the stark beauty of the Great Wall dusted with snow at Mutianyu, a less crowded section than Badaling, and experience the quieter grandeur of the Forbidden City under a winter sky.

Photo by Rafik Wahba on Unsplash

Is January a good time to visit Beijing?

January is one of the tougher months to visit Beijing. -10-0°C, dry and very cold with occasional snow — Extreme cold can limit outdoor activities. Many businesses close for Lunar New Year.

Overall: Skip this month
Crowds: Light
Prices: Light

What makes January worth visiting

  • •Winter Palace views
  • •Ice skating on Houhai Lake

Events in Beijing this January

January/February
Lunar New Year (Spring Festival)

The most important traditional festival, with temple fairs, family gatherings, and fireworks. Many businesses close.

What to pack for Beijing in January

Winter-specific items.

Clothing

  • ●Heavy Parka or Down Jacket
  • ●Thermal Base Layers
  • ●Waterproof and Windproof Outerwear
  • ●Warm Hat, Gloves, and Scarf
  • ●Insulated, Waterproof Boots

Electronics

  • ●Universal Travel Adapter
  • ●Portable Power Bank

Health & Safety

  • ●Face Masks
  • ●Lip Balm with SPF
  • ●Moisturizer
  • ●Personal Medications

Documents & Money

  • ●Physical Copies of Important Documents
  • ●Cash (Chinese Yuan - CNY)
  • ●Credit/Debit Cards

Miscellaneous

  • ●Reusable Water Bottle
  • ●Small Backpack
Full packing list →