Is China too cold for a Christmas and New Year holiday?

No, provided you pack proper winter layers. Shanghai is cool and can feel damp; Beijing and Xi’an are colder and drier; Chongqing and Guangzhou are milder. The itinerary combines outdoor landmarks with private transport, high-speed rail, included meals and comfortable 4-star hotels, so you are not outside all day.

What happens on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

On 24 December the group explores Shanghai Old Town, Yu Garden, Xintiandi and Tianzifang, visits the Oriental Pearl Tower and Bund Source Christmas market, then takes an evening Huangpu River cruise. Christmas Day is spent in Zhujiajiao, an ancient canal town outside Shanghai.

Where does the tour spend New Year’s Eve?

The group spends 31 December in Xi’an. After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, the evening centres on the Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, with performances, lights and festive crowds. The itinerary also identifies the Bell and Drum Tower area, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an City Wall as notable celebration settings.

What should I pack for winter in China?

Bring a warm insulated coat, thermal base layers, a jumper or fleece, gloves, a hat, warm socks and comfortable shoes with good grip. Add a compact wind-resistant or water-resistant outer layer for Shanghai. Pack lighter layers too, as Chongqing and Guangzhou are milder and hotels, coaches and trains are heated.

Can I depart from Christchurch instead of Auckland?

Yes. Both journeys depart on 22 December 2026. The Auckland itinerary is 16 days from NZD $7,188 per person. The Christchurch itinerary is 15 days from NZD $6,188 per person and flies from Christchurch via Guangzhou, avoiding an Auckland connection.

Departing 22 December 2026

Christmas and New Year, the China way.

Shanghai lights on Christmas Eve. A water town on Christmas Day. The Great Wall in clear winter air. Then New Year's Eve in ancient Xi'an.

From Auckland

$7,188

16 days · per person

From Christchurch

$6,188

15 days · per person

Check availability See the journey

Return flights · 4-star hotels · guides · listed meals · sightseeing included

Shanghai Nanjing Road illuminated at night during the festive season

24 December

Christmas Eve · Shanghai

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The quick answer

China is cold in late December, but this is a planned winter journey — not two weeks standing outside.

Pack a proper coat and layers for Beijing and Xi'an. The itinerary alternates landmark visits with private transport, high-speed rail, included meals and 4-star hotels, before finishing in milder Chongqing and Guangzhou.

Winter, city by city

What the cold actually feels like.

The route moves from east to north, then west and south. You need real winter clothing, but you will not carry the same combination of layers every day.

23–25 December

Shanghai

Cool and sometimes damp

Warm layers plus a wind-resistant outer jacket work best for evening lights and the river cruise.

26–29 December

Beijing

Cold, dry and often clear

A proper winter coat, gloves and hat make the Great Wall and imperial landmarks comfortable.

30 December–1 January

Xi’an

Cold and dry

Dress warmly for the outdoor New Year celebrations, then remove layers inside restaurants and venues.

2–5 January

Chongqing & Guangzhou

Noticeably milder

Keep lighter layers handy for the warmer final stage of the journey.

The festive route

A date-by-date journey, not a generic winter tour.

Both departures follow the same festive core. These dates come directly from the published itinerary.

22 Dec · New Zealand

The journey begins

Depart from Auckland or Christchurch, with international airfares included in the published tour price.

24 Dec · Shanghai

Christmas Eve under the city lights

Yu Garden, Xintiandi, the Bund Source Christmas market, Oriental Pearl Tower and a Huangpu River cruise.

Explore Shanghai before you go

25 Dec · Zhujiajiao

Christmas Day on the water

A slower day among arched bridges, canals and Ming and Qing dynasty streets in an ancient water town.

28 Dec · Beijing

The Great Wall in quiet season

Visit the restored Mutianyu section during a less crowded time of year, with crisp winter views.

31 Dec · Xi’an

A New Year’s Eve with 2,000 years of history

See the Terracotta Warriors by day, then welcome 2027 amid the lights and performances of Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City.

Explore Xi'an before you go

2–5 Jan · Chongqing & Guangzhou

A milder finish

Neon Chongqing, Hongyadong and a Cantonese Yum Cha finale bring the journey into warmer southern China.

The value is in what is arranged

The big pieces are already taken care of.

Land in China knowing the flights, hotels, guides, transport and headline sights have been organised. You can spend the festive season enjoying the journey instead of managing logistics.

Ask what is included

✓

International & domestic flights

Return airfares from your selected New Zealand departure city.

✓

Comfortable 4-star hotels

Accommodation is arranged throughout the China itinerary.

✓

English-speaking local guides

Local support and context in each destination.

✓

Private sightseeing transport

Coach and transfer logistics are handled between included visits.

✓

Major entrance fees

Admission for the attractions listed in the itinerary.

✓

High-speed rail in China

Second-class train tickets for the scheduled intercity journeys.

✓

Meals shown in the itinerary

Daily breakfasts plus the listed lunches and dinners.

✓

Airport transfers

Private transfers are included as specified in the itinerary.

Canals and traditional buildings in Zhujiajiao water town

Big Wild Goose Pagoda illuminated at night in Xi'an

Pack once, layer well

The winter packing list that matters.

You do not need specialist expedition gear. You do need warm, comfortable clothing that can be added or removed as the day moves between outdoor sights, coaches, trains, hotels and restaurants.

✓Insulated winter coat
✓Thermal base layers
✓Jumper or fleece
✓Gloves, hat and warm socks
✓Comfortable shoes with grip
✓Compact wind-resistant layer

Practical tip: keep hat and gloves in your day bag rather than your suitcase. Beijing and Xi'an evenings feel colder after sunset, while indoor spaces are warm.

One date · two departure cities

Choose the flight that starts closer to home.

Both tours depart on 22 December 2026 and share the same Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve experiences.

Depart Auckland · 22 December 2026

Auckland departure

16 days · from NZD $7,188 per person

Includes the Guangzhou Yum Cha finale before returning to Auckland.

Check availability View the full Auckland itinerary

Depart Christchurch · 22 December 2026

Christchurch departure

15 days · from NZD $6,188 per person

Depart from Christchurch via Guangzhou, with no Auckland connection.

Check availability View the full Christchurch itinerary

One published departure date

Could this be your Christmas story?

Tell us whether Auckland or Christchurch suits you. A CTS China specialist will confirm current availability, answer your questions and explain the next step. Enquiring does not commit you to book.

✓A real reply from our Auckland-based China team
✓Ask about rooms, mobility and dietary requirements
✓TAANZ-bonded and IATA-accredited travel agency
✓No payment is taken through this form

Prefer to talk?

0800 CTS 888

Plan with context

Read the places behind the itinerary.

Shanghai travel guide Yu Garden guide Great Wall guide Forbidden City guide Terracotta Warriors guide Big Wild Goose Pagoda guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about winter weather, festive dates, packing and departure options.

Have more questions?

Contact Our Specialists