Best travel destinations from December to January, these 6 places will warm your heart in the next two months!
Every December, I start to miss the warmth! Are friends in the north already bundled up in thermal pants? Meanwhile, these hidden gems in the south are currently at their most comfortable.
Today, I’m sharing my top secret favorites with you! Just imagine, while others are shivering in the cold wind, you can leisurely sip tea and watch the sea in 20-plus degree sunshine... that feeling is absolutely amazing!
1⃣ Sanya, Hainan: The eternal summer girl
When it comes to winter escapes, Sanya is truly the chosen place. In December, the temperature in Sanya stays around 25°C, and you can stroll around in skirts and slippers. That warmth that seeps from the bones really makes you reluctant to leave.
The sand on Yalong Bay’s beach is as fine as flour, soft and fluffy under bare feet. Every time I go, I spend a long time daydreaming here, watching the coconut trees sway in the distance and listening to the gentle waves lapping the shore. Wuzhizhou Island is a photo paradise! That glassy sea is breathtakingly beautiful.
Remember to visit before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for the best light and fewer crowds.
💰 Cost reference: Book flights early; December to January is a small peak season. Hotels range from 200-800 RMB, and seafood feasts cost about 150 RMB per person for a satisfying meal.
2⃣ Xishuangbanna, Yunnan: Slow time in the tropical rainforest
Xishuangbanna is seriously an underrated treasure destination! December is just right, no rainy season humidity, with temperatures between 20-25°C, dry and comfortable.
Don’t miss the night market at Gozhuang Xishuangjing. It has a mysterious Southeast Asian vibe, like a quick trip to Thailand. Handicrafts, local snacks, and girls in Dai ethnic costumes make every snapshot a masterpiece. If you’re lucky, you might see elephants in Wild Elephant Valley! Last time I went, I saw a baby elephant bathing, so adorable it melted my heart.
⚠️ Friendly reminder: Bring mosquito repellent, as tropical areas have quite a few mosquitoes. The peacock display at Manting Park is also fantastic, held daily at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., don’t miss it!
📍 Staying in Jinghong city is very convenient, with guesthouses and B&Bs costing 150-400 RMB. Local food is cheap and delicious, with a full meal around 50 RMB.
3⃣ Xiamen, Fujian: The gentle sea breeze of a literary bohemian
Xiamen’s winter is really comfortable! Temperatures between 15-20°C, with a gentle breeze, walking along Huandao Road feels like melting into this softness. Gulangyu Island must be planned for a whole day! The international architectural styles are amazing, each building has its own story.
I recommend buying a pass that covers several main attractions for great value. Although Zengcuoan is a bit commercialized, it’s still worth a visit.
Many interesting shops hide in the alleys, selling handicrafts, postcards, and various trendy snacks. You must try the satay noodles! I recommend the old-established shops; the broth is rich, the toppings plentiful, and a bowl warms both your stomach and heart.
🚗 Transportation is super convenient, with BRT directly reaching all attractions and a well-developed metro. For accommodation, choose near Zhongshan Road or Zengcuoan, where you can find good places for 200-500 RMB.
4⃣ Beihai, Guangxi: A low-key seaside little happiness
Beihai is truly the king of cost performance! Compared to the bustling Sanya, it’s quieter and purer here. The sand on Silver Beach is as fine as pearl powder, soft underfoot, and the best part is fewer people, so you can play freely.
Weizhou Island is definitely the highlight! The volcanic island’s landscape is unique, with the sunrise at Colorful Beach and sunset at Dripping Red Screen, every moment breathtakingly beautiful. Renting a small electric scooter to tour the island is especially enjoyable, with the sea breeze blowing through your hair, a feeling of freedom that words can’t describe.
✅ Strongly recommend staying overnight on the island to fully experience the sunrise and sunset. The arcade buildings on Old Street are quite charming, though a bit worn, the sense of historical accumulation is very attractive.
💰 Weizhou Island round-trip ferry ticket is 120 RMB, island accommodation 100-300 RMB, seafood is super fresh and very affordable.
5⃣ Guangzhou, Guangdong: The warm embrace of a food paradise
December in Guangzhou is a paradise for food lovers! The temperature is just right, neither cold nor hot, perfect for food hunting all over the streets. You must experience the morning tea culture—shrimp dumplings, siu mai, barbecue pork buns... each one a work of art.
The Lingnan architectural art at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is truly stunning, with exquisite wood and stone carvings, every detail showing the craftsman’s dedication. Shamian Island’s European style is also great; walking under the French plane trees feels like being in a European town. Don’t miss the Pearl River night cruise!
The night view of Guangzhou at dusk, seen from the river, is especially dreamy. The Canton Tower sparkles in the night, beautifully intoxicating.
🍜 Food recommendation: On Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, various old brands offer authentic Cantonese cuisine for 50-100 RMB per person.
6⃣ Tengchong, Yunnan: The healing warm winter of volcanic hot springs
Tengchong is definitely the dark horse in this list! Although it’s a bit cool in the mornings and evenings, the daytime sunshine is especially warm.
The key is the hot springs here are incredibly healing! The spectacular scene of the boiling hot sea is breathtaking, with steam rising like nature’s masterpiece.
The peaceful atmosphere of Heshun Ancient Town is perfect for daydreaming. Rustic houses, babbling streams, and a slow pace of life instantly calm a restless heart. Soaking in natural hot springs under the starry sky is an amazing experience! The temperature of the springs is just right, warming your body and relaxing your mood.
✅ Remember to book hot spring hotels in advance, especially those with outdoor pools for a better experience.
🌡️ Hot spring tickets range from 80-200 RMB, hotels with hot springs 300-800 RMB, offering great value.
Each of these 6 places has its own unique charm.
Some are perfect for vacation and relaxation, some for cultural exploration, and some for food journeys... Honestly, December to January is the most comfortable season in the south, neither cold nor hot, just right.
If you miss this time frame, you’ll have to wait until next year to find such a perfect weather combination! If you want to escape the cold and treat yourself to a warm-hearted trip, these places are definitely worth considering~ Remember to tell me in the comments which one you want to visit the most!
Disclaimer: Images are sourced from the internet. If there is any infringement, please contact for removal.