Where to go in December? These places will blow up your social media

1. Harbin December in Harbin is the main stage for an ice and snow feast. The Ice and Snow World builds a fairy-tale maze with millions of ice sculptures, castles, and slides shimmering under the lights; the Russian-style buildings on Central Street are dusted with light snow, and the sweetness of Madieer ice pops and the aroma of red sausage fill the century-old stone-paved road. The winter charm wrapped in exotic romance makes every step feel like entering a Nordic fairy tale, the hottest and most magical winter dream. 2. Sanya When the north is hit by biting cold winds, Sanya warmly embraces travelers with 25°C sunshine. Coconut groves sway like green waves, silver sands shine kissed by the sea, the glassy sea of Wuzhizhou Island is crystal clear, and the waves of Yalong Bay roll with laughter. No need for heavy clothes, just change into swimwear to chase the waves and lie back watching the clouds roll by. Turn the cold winter into a tropical holiday—this gentle warmth is the most healing gift of winter. 3. Dali December in Dali sheds the noise, with Cangshan Mountain covered in light snow and Erhai Lake reflecting the bright moon. The ancient town’s blue tiles carry the scent of milk fan cheese. Rent a bike and slowly ride along the lakeside road, the wind carrying the soft language of the Bai people; or bask in the sun under the corridor drinking three-course tea, watching clouds form peaks and then scatter like mist. The slow pace here is like a poem, soaking December’s thoughts in laziness and poetry. 4. Xiamen December in Xiamen is a warm winter bohemian theater: the old villas on Gulangyu Island echo with piano melodies, and around the corner, bougainvillea burns a patch of red on the walls; beside the wooden boardwalk on Huandao Road, waves crash against the rocks, and cyclists’ clothes flutter in the wind. Stroll through the Shapowei art market, taste a bowl of satay noodles, and the warm sun and lively atmosphere of Minnan turn winter into a gentle poem. 5. Xishuangbanna December in Xishuangbanna is still wrapped in tropical warmth and humidity. Elephant herds in Wild Elephant Valley tread through the rainforest, and the Dai stilt houses carry the scent of glutinous rice. The giant water lilies in the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden hold the sunlight, and the bonfires in Manting Park light up spinning tube skirts. There is no cold winter here, only the brilliant peacock displays, the lingering warmth of the Water Splashing Festival, and the fun of exploring the kingdom of plants and animals—a “hot and spicy” surprise in winter. 6. Changbai Mountain December at Changbai Mountain is a paradise for ice and snow lovers: the Heavenly Lake is frozen into a blue glass mirror, and the powdery snow covers the forest like sugar frosting; the ski slopes at Wanda Ski Resort cascade from the mountaintop, with the wind carrying cheers as you slide down; soak in the volcanic hot springs while snowflakes fall on your shoulders, the hot and cold sensations refreshing to the core. Climb to the top to overlook the snowy forest sea, where the northern winter charm reaches its peak. 7. Tengchong December in Tengchong is a gentle note of warm winter: steam from volcanic hot springs weaves white veils in the valleys, and the boiling water in the big pots bubbles with heat; the golden ginkgo village is nearing the end of its season but still has fallen leaves forming a golden carpet, and coffee brews with aroma under old walls. Soak in a sulfur hot spring and watch the distant mountains tinted with blue; the fireworks and tranquility of this border town turn time into a heartwarming soup. 8. Mohe December in Mohe is China’s northernmost winter poem: the wooden log houses in Arctic Village are covered with thick snow, like mushroom houses sprinkled with sugar; in the early morning, frost decorates the branches, and at night, you might see the aurora dancing like green silk on the dark sky. Follow the Ewenki people to visit reindeer, break the silence of the snowy forest sea, and in the romantic minus 30°C, touch the purity and mystery of the winter’s extreme.