Winter travel deals unveiled across China

As winter sets in, it marks the perfect time to explore off-peak travel opportunities. A wave of discounts and special promotions have been announced by numerous scenic spots nationwide, enticing travelers to embark on winter adventures. From half-price deals to limited-time free admissions, here’s a rundown of the enticing winter travel offerings awaiting you.

Huangshan Mountain, Jiuzhaigou

Huangshan Mountain and Jiuzhaigou stand out among China’s majestic natural landscapes as the proverb suggests, “There is no need to see any mountains after you visit Huangshan, and there is also no need to see any water attractions after you visit Jiuzhaigou.”

These two iconic national parks in China, Huangshan in Anhui Province and Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province, are offering special winter promotions to entice visitors.

Huangshan Mountain. Photos by Xinhua

Huangshan, renowned for inspiring countless paintings and poems throughout history, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its modest elevation of 1,864 meters, the mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views that tower above the surrounding landscape.

Some visitors would say the most captivating experience at Huangshan is witnessing the awe-inspiring sunrise, where the sun emerges majestically from a sea of clouds.

Meanwhile, the Xihai Grand Canyon within Huangshan promises an unforgettable adventure, often described by visitors as “amazing, breathtaking, fabulous, and dramatic hiking” according to reviews on tripadvisor.com. Yet, many agree that no mere words can capture the true essence of the canyon’s beauty, which offers a stark contrast to the expansive horizons seen elsewhere on the mountain, providing a more intimate and dramatic experience as visitors traverse the stone pathways clinging to cliff edges, offering up-close views of majestic peaks, pine forests, and ancient stone formations.

To further enhance visitor experiences, Huangshan has launched its “Crazy Wednesday” campaign, granting free entry to visitors on Wednesdays throughout the fourth quarter of 2024. Each Wednesday is designated as a “Huangshan City Scenic Area Ticket-free Open Day,” allowing pre-registered tourists complimentary access to all A-level tourist attractions within the city (excluding additional services like cable cars, cruises, and other secondary expenses within the park).

An aerial view of the Wuhua Lake in Jiuzhaigou.

Jiuzhaigou, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates visitors with its stunning iridescent pools and pristine mountain forests. The trails winding through ancient forests teeming with lichen, moss, ferns, and rhododendrons offer a serene journey amidst abundant lakes and cascading waterfalls. Fed by springs and streams flowing from the surrounding Karst mountains, the lakes display mesmerizing shades of turquoise and blue due to the high calcium carbonate content in the water, creating a surreal underwater landscape.

Embracing off-peak tourism, the Jiuzhaigou national park is offering entrance tickets at a special rate of 80 yuan (US$11) per person until March 31, 2025, compared to the peak season price of 190 yuan.

Dunhuang attractions

Tourists enjoy a camel ride in Dunhuang.

For those eager to immerse themselves in the romance of Northwest China, a visit to Dunhuang is a must this winter. From Dec. 1 to Feb. 28, 2025, Dunhuang City in Gansu Province offers complimentary entry to iconic attractions such as the Mingsha Mountain, Crescent Spring, Yumen Pass, and Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark. Moreover, the famous Mogao Grottoes will be available at a 50% discounted rate during this period, with an increased number of open caves and specialized guides to enrich your visit.

Touristis visit Mogao Grottoes.

Other notable attractions

Many other attractions across the country are also rolling out discount specials:

Thousand-Island Lake, also known as Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang Province, offers a 50% ticket discount until Dec. 31, with an option for free admission on Thursdays for early-bird visitors.

Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province has extended free entry to its main scenic area until Dec. 31, welcoming guests with valid IDs.

Wuyi Mountain

All A-level scenic spots in Xizang Autonomous Region have waived admission fees until March 15, 2025, encompassing popular sites such as the Potala Palace and Norbulingka.

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region boasts 80 attractions offering complimentary first-tier tickets until Dec. 31, including locales like the Saihantala Grassland Tourism Area and the Hulunbuir Ancient City Tourism Area.

These exciting winter travel offerings promise a season filled with adventure and exploration across some of China’s most scenic destinations.