Does It Snow in China? Snowiest Places and Average Amounts

Yes, it snows in China! This Asian country covers a vast area with diverse landscapes and varying elevations. Snow is expected in China’s northern, western, and mountainous regions, especially towns and cities near Siberia. China’s snowy winter months fall between mid-December and mid-March, with the most snowfall occurring in January and February.

If you’re curious about the country’s snowiest places, keep reading to discover where you can participate in winter activities and visit snow festivals!

Average Snowfall Amounts in China

Before we dive into some of the best places to see snow in China, let’s discuss the average annual snowfall. 

According to the China Meteorology Agency, central China receives between 0.04 inches and 6 inches of snow annually, while northeast and western China varies between 4 and 60 inches. Places like Hong Kong may only get a light dusting of less than 0.04 inches for the whole year, while Beijing can get as much as 8 inches or more.

Snowiest Places in China

Urumqi

The remote city of Urumqi is the largest in western China and the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur region. It sits in the far northwest of China and sees an average annual snowfall of 40 inches, making it one of the snowiest places in the country. It’s generally a dry region, but its proximity to the mountains brings frequent snowfall. However, don’t expect feet of snow accumulation. Urumqi is more likely to get light dustings throughout the winter months. The climate can be frigid, but there are many cold-weather activities for visitors, like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Also, check out the city’s annual Silk Road Ice and Snow Festival!

Changchun

Sitting in northeast China in the Songliao Plain, Changchun is the capital city of Jilin Province. Changchun is a famous tourist city home to more than seven million people. The average annual snowfall in the town is around 20 inches, but it can receive as much as 50 or more. Winter is long in the area, from November to March, featuring primarily cold and windy days. Residents and visitors take advantage of the snow and participate in dog sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling. Changchun has become a winter paradise perfect for viewing ice sculptures, attending snow festivals, and sliding down ice slides! 

Harbin

This city is in China’s northernmost province and is the capital of Heilongjiang. Harbin features Russian-influenced architecture and a park dedicated to year-round ice sculptures. It is notable for its annual ice sculpture festival and bitterly cold winters. Harbin has an average yearly snowfall of 18 inches but can get as much as 70 inches. The city is a premier destination for winter-related festivities and recreation, including Snow World, one of the largest snow-themed parks in the world.

Shenyang

Featuring a blend of Manchurian and Tibetan cultures, Shenyang is the capital and largest city of Liaoning Province in northeast China. With more than 2,000 years of history, this city has abundant historical sites and things to see. Shenyang receives 16 inches of snowfall annually and can see as much as 20 inches. The area is frigid and harsh during the winter, with January dipping into the single digits. Like other northeastern cities, Shenyang has winter festivals and nearby ski resorts. 

Luoyang

The industrial city of Luoyang is in central China’s Henan Province, where it is a Buddhist center and the previous capital of multiple ruling dynasties. Luoyang receives around 8 inches of snow yearly but can see as much as 12 inches. Winters are cold but mostly clear, with temperatures hovering in the 40s during the day and in the 20s at night. Visitors to Luoyang can visit breathtaking temples atop mountain peaks or the many cultural attractions in the city’s center.

Beijing

As the sprawling capital of China, Beijing contains something for everyone, from modern amenities to sites dating back three millennia. Beijing averages five inches of snowfall yearly but can get as much as 20 inches in higher elevations. The city experiences frigid temperatures and cold winds from the deserts during the winter, providing temperatures only a few degrees above zero. Visitors can see snowy scenery in places like the Great Wall without dealing with large crowds. There are also nearby places for skiing and snow trekking.