A Month-by-Month China Travel Guide: Where to Travel in China in February
A year-round guide to discovering China’s most beautiful, culturally rich, and seasonally perfect destinations.
February sits on the cusp of change — still winter in the north, but down south, plum blossoms begin to bloom and lanterns flicker to life as Lunar New Year approaches. It’s a month defined by celebration: family reunions, red envelopes, fireworks, and food. But if you time it right, it’s also one of the most peaceful times to explore China, with early spring warmth and flower-filled landscapes arriving in the south and southwest.
February
Early Blossoms, Lanterns & Southern Springlight
Xi’an, Shaanxi
Ancient walls, winter mists, and a Lunar New Year steeped in dynastic grandeur
The former capital of 13 dynasties, Xi’an is a city of stone walls, steaming buns, and subterranean armies. In February, the cold air sharpens the skyline and wraps the ancient city walls in mist — while inside, the city hums with festive rituals and the scent of spices.
Top things to do:
Visit the Terracotta Warriors — fewer crowds and atmospheric fog make it even more epic.
Walk or bike the ancient city wall as fireworks echo in the distance.
Explore the Muslim Quarter during Chinese New Year for lanterns, sizzling street food, and sweet glutinous cakes.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and drum tower lit up at night.
What to eat: Roujiamo (Chinese burger), biangbiang noodles, cumin lamb skewers, and jujube-stuffed tangyuan during the Lantern Festival.
Travel tips:
February temps are cold (–2°C to 8°C) but manageable.
Many museums and parks stay open during Spring Festival — check timings in advance.
Xi’an Railway Station transforms during Lunar New Year—book high-speed train tickets early if traveling during the holiday.
Luoping, Yunnan
Canola goldfields and spring fog rolling over karst peaks
By late February, Luoping’s countryside bursts into color — endless yellow rapeseed flowers blanket the hills and valleys, contrasting against dark limestone peaks. It’s one of China’s most photogenic natural events, drawing photographers and nature lovers for a preview of spring’s full arrival.
Top things to do:
Climb Golden Rooster Hill at sunrise for sweeping views of yellow fields and rolling mist.
Visit the Nine Dragon Waterfalls, still flowing strong from winter melt.
Wander country paths between tiny villages like Niujie or Duoyi.
Join a local flower-picking or folk performance event during blossom season.
What to eat: Flower pancakes (made with rapeseed blossoms), wild mushroom stir-fries, and Yunnan ham hotpot.
Travel tips:
The bloom usually peaks in the last two weeks of February through early March.
Stay in Luoping town or nearby guesthouses for early-morning access to fields.
Bring a drone or camera — the symmetry and scale are remarkable.
Guangzhou, Guangdong
Subtropical warmth, flower markets, and Cantonese feasts
Down in the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou offers one of the warmest and most festive February experiences in the country. Known for its extravagant flower markets and culinary richness, the city is a perfect Spring Festival destination — warm, colorful, and absolutely delicious.
Top things to do:
Visit Haixinsha or Liwan Flower Markets before Lunar New Year for riotous colors and plum blossom stalks.
Climb Baiyun Mountain or take a Pearl River night cruise in mild weather.
Eat your way through dim sum palaces, then try local Lunar New Year dishes like poon choi (layered hotpot) and dried oyster with black moss.
Head to Shamian Island for European architecture and peaceful walks under banyan trees.
What to eat: Dim sum (har gow, siu mai), roast goose, sugarcane juice, almond milk soup, and crispy egg tarts.
Travel tips:
Lunar New Year is peak season here — book trains, hotels, and restaurants in advance.
Evenings are mild (15–20°C), but bring a light jacket for cooler mornings.
Cantonese New Year customs are everywhere — join a family-run tea house for the full experience.
Xiamen, Fujian
Coastal calm, colonial charm, and early spring strolls
While too cool for a beach holiday, Xiamen in February is perfect for quiet café life, art walks, and temple visits in light jackets. Flowering trees begin to bloom, and the city feels calm and pleasant after the New Year rush. Gulangyu Island, a car-free colonial-era enclave, is especially peaceful in early February.
Top things to do:
Take a ferry to Gulangyu Island and explore old villas, piano museums, and coastal lanes.
Walk along Huandao Road’s seaside promenade with local snacks in hand.
Visit Nanputuo Temple for incense-filled mornings and a panoramic city view from Wulao Peak.
Browse Shapowei Art Zone for indie cafés, galleries, and Fujian seafood spots.
What to eat: Peanut soup, spring rolls, oyster omelets, noodles with satay sauce, and fish ball soup.
Travel tips:
Weather is mild (12–20°C) and perfect for walking.
Avoid travel during Spring Festival if you dislike crowds — Gulangyu gets busy.
Xiamen is a great base for Tulou day trips if you're extending your journey.
Sanya, Hainan
China’s tropical escape, still shining before the holiday crowds
February is the final sweet spot for warm, dry days in Sanya before humidity creeps in. It’s also popular with domestic travelers fleeing the cold north. While busy, early February (pre-holiday) still offers relaxing beach time, especially in smaller bays and boutique hotels.
Top things to do:
Swim or snorkel at Wuzhizhou Island.
Explore the sculpture-filled grounds of Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone.
Relax at a beachside hot spring or spa.
Enjoy sunset seafood BBQ and tropical fruit stands in Dadonghai.
What to eat: Grilled fish with garlic, mango juice, coconut chicken soup, and glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo.
Travel tips:
Flights get expensive around Chinese New Year — book early.
For more privacy, stay in Haitang Bay or lesser-known areas like Lingshui.
Pack sunscreen — the UV index is strong even in winter.
February is a quiet beauty — a season of gentle change, warm southern skies, and lanterns lighting the way. It's when spring tiptoes in, yellow flowers bloom across hidden valleys, and dumplings steam in red-lit alleyways. From ancient capitals dusted with snow to palm-lined boulevards where incense curls through temples, the month is full of contrast and celebration. Whether you're chasing plum blossoms or dragon dances, February invites you to explore at your own rhythm — and taste the year’s first flavors of renewal.
✨ Ready for spring with fewer crowds? Book that train, pack your scarf (or your sandals), and let the month unfold.