Winter to Spring in China: Seasonal Travel Guide Including Chinese New Year
Winter to Spring in China: Seasonal Travel Guide Including Chinese New Year
Winter to Spring in China: Seasonal Travel Guide Including Chinese New Year — if you want to experience China’s dramatic seasonal change and the Lunar New Year atmosphere, plan around Lunar New Year (Feb 17, 2026) and the Lantern Festival (around Mar 3, 2026); Singapore passport holders can enter China visa-free for short stays (up to 30 days) under the mutual arrangement that began in February 2024. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/30/heres-the-date-for-chinese-new-year-2026---and-what-animal-you-are/?utm_source=openai))
Why travel from winter to spring? (What to expect)
- Late winter (Jan–Feb): snowy scenery in the north, crisp dry air in Beijing, mild but wet days in the Yangtze and southern cities.
- Early spring (Mar): blossoms and warmer weather — cherry and plum blooms in southern and central China; longer daylight and festival events continue into early March. ([chinahighlights.com](https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/weather.htm?utm_source=openai))
- Spring festival atmosphere: the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) is the biggest holiday — expect parades, temple fairs, and heavy domestic travel (Chunyun) before and after the date. ([yellowbirdtour.com](https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/chinese-new-year-2026-travel-in-china-spring-festival-guide-tips-and-best-tours-year-of-the-horse/?utm_source=openai))
Timing & key dates
- Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) 2026: February 17, 2026. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/30/heres-the-date-for-chinese-new-year-2026---and-what-animal-you-are/?utm_source=openai))
- Lantern Festival (15th day of Lunar New Year): early March (Mar 3, 2026 for 2026 calendar). ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/30/heres-the-date-for-chinese-new-year-2026---and-what-animal-you-are/?utm_source=openai))
- Chunyun (Spring Festival travel rush): roughly ~40 days around the festival — book trains/flights early. ([yellowbirdtour.com](https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/chinese-new-year-2026-travel-in-china-spring-festival-guide-tips-and-best-tours-year-of-the-horse/?utm_source=openai))
Practical visa info for Singapore travellers (short answer)
Singapore passport holders: mutual 30-day visa-exemption arrangement with China took effect on February 9, 2024 — for tourism, family visits or business trips under 30 days you generally do not need to apply for a visa in advance. Always check entry rules before you travel and carry proof of onward/return travel and hotel bookings. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Hong-Kong/Announcements/Mutual-30-Day-Visa-Exemption-Arrangement?utm_source=openai))
Where to go: regional suggestions (short & simple)
North (Beijing, Great Wall): winter chill → early-spring clear skies
- Why: historic sites framed by low-humidity skies and fewer crowds in late winter; spring brings comfortable walking weather. (Temperature: Feb daytime ~4°C, March daytime ~11°C). ([weather2visit.com](https://www.weather2visit.com/asia/china/beijing-february.htm?utm_source=openai))
East (Shanghai, Suzhou): damp winter → mild spring blooms
- Why: city culture, gardens and early-spring flowers; pack a warm jacket and light layers. (Shanghai Feb highs ~10°C → March highs ~13–14°C). ([weather-atlas.com](https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/china/shanghai-weather-february?utm_source=openai))
South (Guangzhou, Guilin): mild winter → flowering spring
- Why: warmer, humid climate, great food and spring flower displays from late Feb–Mar. (March temps often 20–24°C in Guangzhou). ([chinahighlights.com](https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/weather.htm?utm_source=openai))
West (Chengdu): mild, slightly cool → comfortable spring
- Why: panda centres, spicy cuisine and blossoms; Feb–Mar transition is pleasant (Feb highs ~13°C → Mar highs ~18°C). ([weather-atlas.com](https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/china/chengdu-weather-february?utm_source=openai))
How to plan: step-by-step (booking & timing)
- Decide cities and dates: avoid the 3–5 days immediately before and after Lunar New Year if you don’t want the Chun-yun crowds. ([yellowbirdtour.com](https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/chinese-new-year-2026-travel-in-china-spring-festival-guide-tips-and-best-tours-year-of-the-horse/?utm_source=openai))
- Book flights and high-speed train tickets early (book at least 6–8 weeks before LNY; international flights earlier for best rates).
- Reserve hotels well in advance — popular hotels sell out during the New Year week and weekend lantern fairs.
- Check visa and travel documentation: Singapore passport holders are generally eligible for a 30-day visa-free stay — confirm current rules and entry port requirements before departure. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Hong-Kong/Announcements/Mutual-30-Day-Visa-Exemption-Arrangement?utm_source=openai))
- Buy travel insurance that covers flight/train delays and medical care.
Sample itineraries (easy to adapt)
5-day Beijing & Great Wall (winter → spring)
- Day 1: Fly in, Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
- Day 2: Summer Palace morning, hutong tour in afternoon
- Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall (half-day) + relax at a teahouse
- Day 4: Temple of Heaven & shopping (Wangfujing)
- Day 5: Fly out
5-day Shanghai & Suzhou (city + gardens)
- Day 1: Arrive Shanghai — the Bund at sunset
- Day 2: Yuyuan Garden, Old City & Nanjing Road
- Day 3: Day trip Suzhou classical gardens
- Day 4: Museums, Jing’an temple & Xintiandi
- Day 5: Fly out
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) travel tips
- Book early: flights, trains and hotels sell out fast during Chun-yun (Spring Festival travel rush). ([yellowbirdtour.com](https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/chinese-new-year-2026-travel-in-china-spring-festival-guide-tips-and-best-tours-year-of-the-horse/?utm_source=openai))
- Expect closures: some smaller attractions, shops or restaurants in non-tourist towns close for family reunions during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Join a festival: city temple fairs and lantern displays are public highlights — plan to arrive early for best views and food stalls.
- Cash & payments: major cities accept cards and mobile pay (WeChat Pay/Alipay) widely — bring some cash for small stalls and rural markets.
Transport: trains, flights and high-speed rail
- High-speed rail is the fastest way to travel between major cities and is reliable; book via official suppliers or commonly used apps (e.g., Trip.com/Ctrip).
- Domestic flights are frequent but expect higher fares around the New Year; trains often sell out during Chun-yun, so set travel-alerts and book early.
- Airport & station transfers: allow extra time during peak travel days and weekends.
Health, safety & practical tips
- Travel insurance: get coverage for delays, medical care and trip cancellations during holiday peaks.
- Air quality: northern cities can be hazy in winter; check AQI and carry a mask if you’re sensitive to pollution.
- Language: English is common in major hotels and big attractions, but learning a few Mandarin phrases helps in smaller towns.
- Power plugs & currency: China uses 220V, plug types A/C/I; currency is Chinese yuan (CNY) — notify your bank before travel.
Quick FAQs (long-tail keywords included)
Do I need a visa for China? (visa info for Singapore travellers)
under the mutual 30-day visa-exemption arrangement (effective Feb 9, 2024) Singapore passport holders can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, family or business. Always confirm current rules before booking. ([mfa.gov.sg](https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Hong-Kong/Announcements/Mutual-30-Day-Visa-Exemption-Arrangement?utm_source=openai))
When is Chinese New Year in 2026?
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) for 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/12/30/heres-the-date-for-chinese-new-year-2026---and-what-animal-you-are/?utm_source=openai))
How busy is travel during the Spring Festival (Chunyun)?
Very busy — the Spring Festival travel period lasts about 40 days with peak demand in the days immediately before and after Lunar New Year. Book transport early. ([yellowbirdtour.com](https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/chinese-new-year-2026-travel-in-china-spring-festival-guide-tips-and-best-tours-year-of-the-horse/?utm_source=openai))
What ferry schedule or packages are good if I want a short break instead of China during CNY?
If you prefer a short island escape or nearby resort during the CNY period, consider quick alternatives from Singapore like Batam or Bintan (ferry schedules vary by operator — check ferry operators and book early). Popular packages we offer include:
- Batam | Montigo Resort + Ferry! Asia's Top 5-Star Resort with Private Infinity Pool
- Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
- Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99!
Related guides & further reading
- First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Chinese New Year Travel Planning: When to Go, Where to Go
- Chinese New Year in China: Where Tradition Feels Most Alive
- Why Cruises Are the Smartest Way to Travel During Chinese New Year
Packing checklist (simple)
- Layered clothing (thermal base for northern China), waterproof light jacket for Shanghai and the Yangtze area.
- Universal power adapter, small first-aid kit, face masks (for AQI), and hand sanitizer.
- Printed or offline copies of hotel bookings and train/flight tickets.
Final quick comparisons (winter vs spring)
| Feature | Winter (Jan–Feb) | Spring (Mar) |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Lower except during Chinese New Year | Increasing (blossom season), easier after Lantern Festival |
| Weather | Cold north, mild south | Warmer, flowers bloom |
| Costs | Lower outside New Year week | Moderate to higher during festival-related events |
Want help comparing China trips with quick island escapes? See our Batam & Bintan packages above (fast to reach, great for short breaks) or read our in-depth guides linked earlier.
👉 Check our latest China packages and WhatsApp us to book now.
