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Beijing in winter is unforgettable because of its incredibly impressive beauty. It's considered the coldest season of the year, with average temperatures ranging from -4°C to 5°C. Notably, the sky is crystal clear, the air is cold but fresh, and occasionally there's a snowfall.
In fact, Beijing is located in a cold climate zone, but snow doesn't fall as frequently as in many places at the same latitude. This is because the climate here is very dry with low humidity, so snowfalls are quite infrequent. Therefore, tourists who want to catch a snowfall need a bit of luck.
Beijing in winter evokes fond memories with its incredibly impressive beauty.
A picture of Beijing in the snow.
This December, Beijing experienced its first major snowfall of the season. The snow was quite heavy, covering all the roads and ancient sites. The pristine white snowflakes blanketing the palaces evoked images from classic Chinese television dramas such as *Zhen Huan's Story*, *Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace*, and *Scarlet Heart*.
The recent heavy snowfall blanketed the entire city in pristine white, turning it into a fairytale-like destination. Beijing became bustling with activities such as building snowmen, participating in snowball fights, and checking in at famous tourist attractions…
White snowflakes fell, covering the palaces.
The recent heavy snowfall has blanketed the entire city in a pristine white blanket.
The Forbidden City, blanketed in white snow, creates a romantic scene.
Watching the snow fall at the Forbidden City is one of the experiences many tourists dream of. The romantic scene of the Forbidden City covered in white snow is especially attractive to both locals and tourists.
As a student living and studying in China, Nguyen Thi Van Anh didn't miss the opportunity to capture the moment of snowfall in Beijing. “This is the second time this year I've witnessed snowfall in Beijing. I've long heard people talk about the Forbidden City in the snow – it's an indescribable sight, and if you have the chance, you shouldn't miss it. I've always wanted to come here to see the snow, but initially I didn't intend to wear Hanfu. However, my friends advised me that this is a rare sight, not only for foreigners but also for Beijing residents. So, in the end, I decided to wear Hanfu to capture this moment.”
As a student living and studying in China, Nguyen Thi Van Anh also didn't miss the opportunity to capture the moment of hunting for white snow in Beijing.
Beijing experiences snowfall a few times every year, but it's rare to see a snowfall as beautiful as the recent one. The snow here is beautiful because it falls thickly, with snowflakes, without rain, and is incredibly romantic.
According to Van Anh, many people came to the Forbidden City to take photos in period costumes. She had to wake up early at 7 a.m. to go to the makeup shop and change clothes. “When I left the shop to change clothes, it started snowing, and then it gradually got heavier. The sight of the Forbidden City completely covered in white snow filled my eyes, making me very happy. I never thought the scenery in real life would be even more beautiful than in the movies.”
The old tiled roofs were covered with a thick layer of snow.
Tourists visiting the Forbidden City take photos in traditional costumes.
In winter, the Forbidden City is breathtakingly beautiful, with its serene and melancholic atmosphere. Snowflakes fall upon the opulent palace, covering the ancient tiled roofs with a thick layer of snow. The red walls and wide pathways become even more majestic and tranquil under the white blanket of snow. The winter beauty of the Forbidden City is unforgettable for anyone who has had the chance to witness it.
A serene picture of the Forbidden City on a winter day.
The red walls are majestic and serene.
A guide to snow hunting in Beijing.
From Van Anh's perspective, Beijing is not an ideal place to see snow. Snow in Beijing usually falls around January and February, but heavy snowfall is rare. Most snow falls in the evening and melts by the next morning.
"This year, winter arrived early and seems colder than usual, so the recent snowfall is considered the heaviest in about five years. If you really want to see snow in Beijing, you need to regularly monitor the weather in the area and also consider the actual snowfall patterns throughout the year," Van Anh shared.
If you really want to see snow in Beijing, you need to regularly monitor the weather in the area and consider the actual snowfall patterns throughout the year.
Beijing is located in a cold climate zone, but snow doesn't fall very often.
Offering advice to those passionate about capturing the "dream of white snow," Van Anh shared: "For those living in southern countries like Vietnam, sub-zero temperatures are truly difficult to adapt to. Temperatures in Beijing when it snows often fall between -2 and -5 degrees Celsius, and can drop even further to -10 to -13 degrees Celsius. Therefore, everyone should bring warm clothing, including sweaters and down jackets. Avoid wearing thin or short-sleeved shirts as this can easily cause thermal shock or frostbite."
