Beijing Winter Bucket List: 8 Icy Adventures to Check Off

Winter in Beijing, while very cold, can be an enchanting experience with its own local traditions. From ice skating across the frozen Houhai Lake or following the aroma of roasted sweet potatoes wafting through hutong alleys—there’s no shortage of delightful things to do and delicious foods to try during the Beijing wintertime.

Having called Beijing home for the past five years, I’ve had many winter seasons to explore Beijing and experience many of its traditions. So even if you’re like me and not a cold lover, you’ll still find plenty do! From the icy landscapes to the warmth of a hot pot dinner, Beijing’s winter offers a tapestry of cultural delights waiting to be explored.

1. Ice Skating on Houhai and Shichahai Lake 后海溜冰

If there’s one quintessential winter activity in Beijing, it’s skating across the hutong lakes that freeze during the winter time! The icy expanse transforms into a winter wonderland, surrounded by traditional hutongs and the distant silhouette of the Drum and Bell Towers. For an authentic experience, rent skates or a sled from the vendors along the lakeshore. In the past, there have been separate sections where you can ice skate, one being at Shichahai Lake, and the other further back on Houhai Lake.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes 烤地瓜

Craving a warm, toasty treat to combat the winter chill? Head to the street corners and metro station exits, especially around the Gulou Hutongs or Qianmen areas, to find vendors roasting sweet potatoes. Follow the irresistible aroma, and you’ll discover these vendors with their coal-filled barrels. Grab a piping hot sweet potato and and savor the delightful contrast of crispy skin and soft, sweet insides. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack (and hand warmer!) while exploring the city’s winter charms.

3. Hike the Great Wall (on a snowy day if you’re lucky!)

For a unique winter adventure, embark on a Great Wall hike during the snowy season. Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections are particularly scenic in winter. Capture the awe-inspiring sight of the Great Wall adorned in a delicate layer of snow, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Plan your trip with a reputable tour company, or hire your own driver to take you for a day trip.

I went to Jinshanling in 2019 on a snowy morning and it was honestly one of the most magical days I’ve ever had in Beijing. See more photos of it here: Snowy Sunrise at Jinshanling Great Wall

4. Longqing Gorge Ice Festival 北京龙庆峡冰灯节

You don’t need to go all the way to Harbin for an Ice Festival! 80 kilometers outside of the Beijing City Center is Longqing Gorge, where an Ice Festival is hosted every winter. Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures, illuminated by vibrant lights, transforming the gorge into a fairy-tale spectacle. You can take a bus from Dongzhimen Long-Distance Bus Station, or join a tour group organized by CET Trip or Laowai Tour Group. The festival usually starts in January and lasts until February, providing a magical experience amidst natural beauty.

5. Bing Tang Hulu 冰糖葫芦

Indulge your sweet tooth with a classic northern China winter treat – Bing Tang Hulu. These candied hawthorn skewers strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Wander through the lively streets of Wangfujing Snack Street, and you’ll find vendors dipping the hawthorns and other fruits into hot sugar, creating a crunchy shell.

6. Hot Springs 北京温泉

Unwind in one of Beijing’s many hot springs, where you can relax in outdoor heated pools or hang out in the indoor hot stone room. These hot springs are really like giant outdoor hot tubs where you can hang out with friends and family. Many of them are even hotels if you wanted to book to stay overnight.

My favorite one in Beijing is the No.9 Hot Spring International Hotel, located in East Beijing. For 398 RMB you can get 18 hours entrance inside, which include the hot springs, hot stone room, change of clothes, a buffet, video games, chill lounge rooms, and more.

There are so many hot springs in Beijing, though, so you have plenty of options! Use Trip.com to search and check out their list of Top 17 Hot Springs in Beijing – 2023 or you can search in Chinese on Dianping (if you don’t use Chinese, just use a translator to screenshot and search the options).

7. Hot Pot 火锅

Embrace the warmth of a traditional Chinese hot pot during the winter months. Head to Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞) for a classic experience, or one of the many hot pot restaurants on Ghost Street in Beijing. Choose from a variety of broths and an array of fresh ingredients to cook at your table. With multiple locations across Beijing, you can easily find one near you.

8. Christmas Markets 北京圣诞集市

Celebrate the festive season at Beijing’s Christmas markets. Every year many country embassy’s in Beijing will host Christmas markets, such as the UK embassy and the German embassy. These do tend to sell out quickly, though, but don’t worry! There are plenty of other Christmas Markets happening in the winter time every year.

For the best and most updated lists every year, I recommend checking The Beijinger and their sister site, Jing Kids. They will post updated lists throughout the holiday season: 2023 Beijing Christmas Market List

Happy Wintering in Beijing!

I’ll be sharing more updates and recommendations for how to spend your winter in Beijing in the coming weeks! What else do you like to do during winter in Beijing? And what would you like to know more about?