10 days in January ...where?

Question

Hi I am planning my next Christmas holiday family trip,

I would love to see first visitors must ( Bejing ,xi'an, Shangai) but I am afraid that freezing temperatures will limit out experience...what can you suggest?

We are a family of four (2 teens 15 years and 12years) and Will travel with anorher family

Unfurtunatly we will have limited days (1st January -11th January)

We like to travel by ourselves not groups.

I also considered Hong Kong area but not sure what can I add after 4-5 days in that city

Thank you!

Answer

Visiting China in early January can be cold, especially in northern cities like Beijing and Xi’an, but it is manageable with proper preparation. Here’s a detailed plan and advice for your 10-day family trip:

Option 1: Classic Northern Highlights

If you still want to cover Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai:

Beijing (3–4 days): Visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, and a day trip to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section is good for families and less crowded in winter).
Xi’an (2 days): Explore the Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, and the Muslim Quarter for local food. Temperatures are cold but dry, so sightseeing is comfortable if you layer clothing.
Shanghai (2–3 days): Warmer than Beijing/Xi’an; visit The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and consider a day trip to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao if weather permits.

This leaves 1–2 days for travel between cities and buffer time for rest. High-speed trains are convenient between Beijing–Xi’an (~5.5–6 hours) and Shanghai–Xi’an (~6.5 hours).

Option 2: Southern China / Warmer Winter

If you prefer milder weather:

Hong Kong (4–5 days): Explore Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Disneyland, Ocean Park, and local markets. Weather is mild and comfortable.
Nearby options after Hong Kong:

Shenzhen: Modern city, shopping, and theme parks (Window of the World, OCT Loft).
Guangzhou: Canton Tower, museums, and local cuisine.
Macau: Half-day trip from Hong Kong; casinos, historical center, and the Maritime Museum.

Tips for traveling in January:

Bring warm clothing for northern cities: coats, hats, gloves, and layers.
Plan indoor activities in Beijing and Xi’an in case of very cold or windy days.
Book high-speed train tickets in advance as the New Year period is busy.
Consider flying between distant cities to save time, e.g., Beijing to Hong Kong or Shanghai to Hong Kong.

For a family-friendly trip with teens, Option 2 (Hong Kong + nearby southern cities) offers more comfortable weather and a variety of activities, while Option 1 covers classic cultural highlights but will require coping with cold winter conditions.