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Beijing is more than just a capital city in China. It is a popular tourist destination that offers a wealth of activities and attractions to make your trip fun and exciting. While you can visit Beijing any time of the year, there’s something special about winter. During this time, the city turns into a snowland, allowing you to enjoy activities like skiing, skating, and others. Besides that, you have various festivals and events that make winter in Beijing even more special. With the best things to do in Beijing in December, you can turn your trip into a memorable experience.
Top 9 Things To Do In Beijing In December
Knowing about the things to do in Beijing in December helps you save time and explore the city better. Include the top activities and attractions in winter.
1. Witness The Winter Scenery Of The Great Wall Of China
Photo: Max van den Oetelaar / Unsplash
The Great Wall of China is already an iconic landmark, but visiting this attraction in December feels extra special. During this time, the structure remains covered in snow and allows you to enjoy a serene environment. Stretching across the mountains, the Wall looks nothing less than a painting. In comparison to other times of the year, the Wall is less crowded in December. This allows you to enjoy the snow-covered watchtowers and picturesque views without getting rushed. For a more amazing experience, you should visit the Wall at sunrise when the view looks extraordinarily beautiful.
Location: Huairou District, China, 101406
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: CNY 55 per person
2. Enjoy Skating At Shichahai Lake
Photo: Shizhao / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Beijing in December is to enjoy skating at Shichahai Lake. Like many other lakes in the city, Shichahai also turns into a natural ice rink. Here, you can skate and have a great time with locals and other tourists. The good thing is that you will find many skating facilities, including ice cars, and ice skates in the area. These activities are not only enjoyable but also suitable for people of all age groups. While skating at the lake, you can enjoy the historic charm of old Beijing.
Location: Shichahai Subdistrict, Beijing
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: RMB 100 per person
3. Explore The Forbidden City In Snow
When it comes to the best things to see in Beijing in December, you simply cannot overlook the Forbidden City. This historic palace complex which was once home to Chinese emperors looks like a winter wonderland in winter. From the red walls to golden rooftops, everything remains covered in white snow and offers a breathtaking experience to visitors. With fewer tourists in December, you can take your time to explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Nine Dragons Wall, Treasure Gallery, and the Imperial Garden. Just make sure to wear comfortable boots, so you can walk through the snow-covered pathways with ease.
Location: 4 Jingshan Front St, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fees: CNY 40 per person
4. Go Skiing At Huaibei Ski Resort
Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are an adventurer by heart, you should plan a visit to Huaibei Ski Resort and participate in their winter activities. Tourists visit the resort in December to enjoy skiing. From advanced skiers to beginners, everybody can ski on the slopes. Also, the resort is located in a scenic area, so you get to see a lovely view while skiing down the slopes. To make things even more convenient, you can rent the necessary equipment on-site. Besides skiing, you can enjoy other activities like snowboarding and tubing.
Location: Huairou District, China, 101408
Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fees: Starts from RMB 100
5. Attend A Temple Fair
Photo: The Erica Chang / Wikimedia Commons
Temple fairs in Beijing are a must-see in December, especially if you want to experience Chinese culture. During this time, you will find various traditional events taking place at Ditan Park, Dongyue Temple, and other places. These fairs offer a glimpse into Chinese culture and allow you to witness folk performances, local crafts, and more. They also decorate the temples to create a festive atmosphere for everyone. When attending a temple fair, you can watch traditional lion dances, listen to folk music, and also participate in games and activities. Not only that, but you can also shop for unique souvenirs and taste delicious food.
Location: Ditan Park and Dongyue Temple
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: RMB 10
6. Have Fun At Winter Festivals
Photo: Markus Winkler / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are visiting Beijing in December, there’s no way you can miss being a part of the winter festivals. These festivals not only celebrate the season but are also packed with numerous fun activities. Some of the popular winter festivals that you shouldn’t miss include the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year. Besides the traditional things, you can enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks at these festivals. Also, the lively atmosphere of these events gives you the perfect excuse for photography.
Location: Longqing
Timings: 6 AM – 9:30 PM
Entry Fees: Starts from CNY 300
7. Walk Around The Hutongs
For those who don’t know, hutongs in Beijing are narrow alleyways that are perfect for taking walks, especially in winter. Exploring these streets in December allows you to enjoy a serene view and a quiet atmosphere. To make things more exciting, you should explore famous areas like Nanluoguxiang. Many hutongs also have cosy teahouses, cafes, and shops where you can warm up and enjoy a hot drink. These places in Beijing are not only good for spending time but also for photography. So, don’t forget to carry your camera before stepping out of your hotel.
Location: Downtown areas in Dongcheng and Xicheng district
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
8. Marvel At The Frozen Waterfalls Of Taoyuan Xiangu
Photo: Lydia Torrey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Taoyuan Fairy Valley is a must-visit for tourists, especially in December. The main highlight of this place is the Taoyuan Xiangu waterfall which turns into a stunning beauty in winter. The waterfall freezes into beautiful ice formations, creating a breathtaking sight. Besides watching the waterfall, you can walk along the trails and explore the snowy forests and icy cliffs nearby. The valley is peaceful in winter and offers a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Taoyuan Fairy Valley
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: CNY 45 per person
9. Taste The Best Hot Pot
Photo: Antonella Vilardo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you are a foodie and visiting Beijing in December, you must try the traditional hot pot. As the ultimate comfort food in winter, you will find hot pot everywhere in the city. After exploring the attractions when you feel hungry, you can enjoy a hot pot meal to re-energise yourself. For the best taste, you should taste hot pot from the top restaurants, or you can try the local spots for an authentic experience. The good thing about hot pot is that you can customize it as you like.
Location: Anywhere in Beijing
Timings: Varies
Entry Fees: 100 – 200 RMB per person
Things to do in Beijing in December allows you to witness a different side of the city. From snow-covered places to winter-special activities, there are a lot of things to make your trip memorable. So, if you are ready to take on the streets of Beijing this winter, you should plan your journey with TripXL.
Cover Photo: zhang kaiyv / Pexels
