December to February, 6 destinations perfect for off-season travel, serene mountains and waters, gathering wind and energy

1. Yunnan - Lijiang From December to March of the following year, the snow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain thickens, making it the peak beauty season for this snowy mountain town. In towns like Baisha and Ganhaizi at the foot of the snow mountain, you can almost see the golden sunlight on the mountain every day. The snow amount on the mountain is just right, with thick snow occasionally covering the plank roads. In winter, take the earliest cable car to Glacier Park; at seven or eight in the morning, you stand completely within the golden sunlight on the mountain. Off-season Lijiang is free from crowds, and Dayan Ancient Town offers the tranquility of a highland water town. Hidden beneath the snow mountain, Wenhai Village is primitive and simple. The alpine lakes, reflected by blue skies, white clouds, and snow mountains, look exceptionally beautiful. 2. Shandong - Weihai After heavy snow, Weihai loses the summer hustle and gains a sense of tranquility and grandeur. This street leading straight to the sea feels fresher in winter, with a slight blue tone atmosphere at 7 a.m. and fewer people. The lighthouse and thatched cottages in Yuehai Park have a fairy-tale feel, perfect for a photo with the large picture frame. The Brewis shipwreck lies quietly on the icy snowy coast. Yandunjiao Swan Lake and Rongcheng Swan Lake are close to each other, and countless swans rest on the water surface in winter. 3. Gansu - Longnan In the narrow Gansu Province, Longnan City is the area with the most gentle natural scenery. The Guan'egou ice waterfall group looks like a frozen Milky Way. Hanging between cliffs, it glows blue under sunlight. From the Leigu Snow Mountain viewing platform, you can see the continuous snow mountains and rolling sea of clouds. Eman Valley’s rime wonderland has tree branches covered with sparkling frost. The mountain and water of Tianchi in Wen County gather wind and energy. Walking along the scenic trail and the lakeside, you feel refreshed in the magnetic field of the mountains and waters. 4. Guizhou - Qiandongnan Enjoy mountains and waters in summer, explore ancient villages in winter. The ancient villages in Qiandongnan have rich ethnic customs. Return to simplicity and nature. Winter is the least commercialized season at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, with no crowded tourist photoshoots. Walking into the alleys and up to the viewing platforms, you find many quiet spots. Zhaoxing Dong Village’s drum towers, flower bridges, and opera stages carry on Dong ethnic traditions and culture. In the early morning, watch golden light spread over the village with smoke curling up. Hike the 5-kilometer classic Tang’an Ancient Trail, where the layered, winding stone terrace fields make you admire the hard work and wisdom of the Dong people. 5. Xinjiang - Altay The birthplace of human skiing, offering both quality ski resorts and pure, vast Kanas snow scenery like a fairyland. The morning mist over Kanas’s three bays looks like white silk wrapped around falling snowflakes, with wooden house peaks buried in fluffy snow. The rime is so complete you can see the ice crystals; Kanas Lake is pure and pristine. Stay in Hemu Village, where the window opens to snowy mountains and forests. At night, cozy up in a guesthouse by the fire drinking tea, with a sky full of stars overhead. 6. Yunnan - Lugu Lake Morning glow, red-billed gulls, sunrise, morning mist—winter at Lugu Lake is as beautiful as an ink painting. Driving around the lake or relaxing for a few days at a lakeside guesthouse is a great way to unwind. The Lugu Lake viewing platform offers a close-up view of the entire lake, especially charming at dusk. Walk the Marriage Bridge to experience Mosuo culture and appreciate the beauty of Caohai. Take a pig trough boat on Lugu Lake, choosing routes like Caohai or Ninghai, surrounded by flocks of seagulls in winter. At every dock, you can row out and feed the seagulls. Lover’s Beach has the most seagulls. Take the cable car up to Goddess Gem Mountain for a panoramic view of Lugu Lake. The Lige Peninsula viewing platform offers shots extending to the peninsula in the lake.