6 Destinations Perfect for Traveling from Late December to the End of February in the Off-Season!

1. Gansu - Hexi Corridor In winter, the Hexi Corridor reveals its most authentic and magnificent side. There are no overcrowded ski resorts here, only the stunning sight of snow-covered Danxia landforms and the tranquility of conversing with millennia-old grottoes. Take your time exploring the Mogao Caves; in the crisp air, engage in a gaze across thousands of years with the flying apsaras on the murals. After snowfall, the Crescent Lake at Mingsha Mountain glows in the morning light, half covered in pure white snow and half showing the exposed golden-brown sand ridges, creating an intense visual contrast of cold and warmth. The snowy scene at Jiayuguan Fortress, with fresh snow piled on the battlements, seems to echo the clang of ancient armor and horses in the wind. 2. Yunnan - Southeast Dian Winter daytime temperatures hover around 21°C, with mild weather and dense attractions, and almost all small towns are within an hour’s drive of each other. In Jianshui Ancient Town, visit the Zhu Family Garden, observe daily life at the West Gate ancient well, and taste grilled tofu. Ride the narrow-gauge train through rural fields; the vintage carriages make every photo look great. At Bisezhai, see the century-old French-style train station, a relic of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. The Hani people have spent 1,300 years carving nearly 200,000 acres of “Sky Mirrors” on the Ailao Mountains. Every winter, Honghe and Yuanyang counties flood the terraces, reflecting the sky and clouds, creating dazzling colors at sunrise and sunset. In Guangnan, visit the real-life Peach Blossom Land at Bamei Village, take a boat through karst caves, and experience a secluded pastoral life. At Puzhehei, explore the Yi ethnic Xianren Cave Village, and climb Qinglong Mountain at dusk to overlook the panoramic karst landscape at sunset. 3. Eastern Tibet - Laigu Glacier Laigu Glacier is one of the world’s three major glaciers. Located in Ranwu Town, Baxoi County, Chamdo, Tibet, the best viewing time is from late December to the end of February. The glacial lakes and blue ice caves seem within reach. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forest streams, and blue ice lakes create a surreal landscape. Stay in Laigu Village to enjoy starry skies and sunrises right before your eyes. 4. Inner Mongolia - Ulan Butong A sea of forest and snow just 4-6 hours by car from Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei. Enter the heart of the snowfield through Yudaokou; outside the car window, the Saihanba forest and snowfield are wrapped in silver-white. Depart before sunrise to Nuanshui River to capture the dreamlike “Magic Realm” sunrise. The snowfields and birch forests of Toufenggou form elegant lines. Play freely on the vast snowfields at Baijiawopu, and head to Yingwogou before dusk to watch the snowfield sunset. 5. Guangxi - Chongzuo Winter average temperature is 22°C, no crowds. Green mountains stack up, and winding green waters flow. Ride a bamboo raft into Detian Waterfall, mist everywhere, sipping rice field coffee while watching the waterfall sunset. Check in at the No. 53 Monument and stroll through the China-Vietnam style street. Experience the rural atmosphere at Mingshi Pastoral, far from city noise. At Tongna Yuwan, take a boat tour through the water forest, with karst peaks reflecting in the clear water on both sides. Tianqin Zhuang Village is hidden among karst mountains, perfect for relaxing water activities. Visit the white-headed langur reserve, follow forest rangers, and track the white-headed langurs. 6. Sichuan - Jiuzhaigou Nature is the best palette; every glance at Jiuzhaigou’s waters reveals a different shade of blue. The surface of Changhai Lake is like a mirror, perfectly reflecting snow-capped mountains. Early in the season, Shijiehai has ample water, with aquatic plants swaying in the wind. The morning light at Five-Color Pool is soft, with blue and green layers that are easy on the eyes. At Mirror Lake, the noon windless surface offers clearer reflections than the morning mist. Panda Lake’s gentle water flow and uncrowded paths make walking along the boardwalk and listening to the water sound very healing. Rhinoceros Lake glows with orange-red light, with layered distant mountains and nearby trees. Tiger Lake is quiet and less crowded in the afternoon, with a calm surface reflecting the forests on both banks.