A December journey works best when you choose winter cities or a milder coastal stay on purpose. Avoid building a summer-style outdoor schedule and simply moving it to winter dates.
Weather and regional differences
Northern China is cold in December. Southern destinations are milder, with Sanya offering a coastal alternative. Weather conditions can differ substantially across a multi-region itinerary.
Where to go
Shanghai–Sanya offers a city stop followed by the coast. The Modern China and Great Wall route suits travellers who actively want northern heritage sights and are comfortable planning for winter conditions.
How to plan your days
Use shorter outdoor visits with indoor breaks between them. When combining north and south, organise luggage so warm clothing can be reached easily on arrival rather than packed at the bottom of a case.
What to pack and check
Take warm outerwear and closed shoes for northern stops, plus lighter clothing for Hainan. Check year-end opening arrangements and allow a comfortable buffer before your flight home.
