In recent weeks the temperature in Shenzhen has remained stubbornly high, making the idea of seeking winter fun seem remote. But there are places in China where you can experience the kind of weather and scenery that are more readily associated with the holiday season. Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

The ancient capital of Xi’an has been described as “a natural historic museum in the central plain area of China.”

The city, known as Chang’an in ancient times, is more than 3,000 years old. It was the national capital during 13 dynasties, and a total of 73 emperors ruled from there for a combined total of more than 1,000 years. The very ground is infused with history, and the city has an abundance of historical ruins, museums and cultural relics.

The Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses is the most popular and famous tourism attraction in Xi’an. Located in Lintong County and about 1.5 kilometers away from the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor, it has 8,000 life-like terracotta warriors and 30,000 weapons. It was made a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.

Other famous spots include the City Wall of Xi’an, Shaanxi Historic Museum , Forest of Stales, Famen Temple, Banpo Village Ruins, and Huaqing Palace.

Transport: Fly to Xi’an from Shenzhen airport.

Delicacies: Pingwa barbeque, Jiasan steamed bun, crispy beef and fruit beer.

Xinjiang Uygur

Autonomous Region

Lauded variously as a land of song and dance, melons and fruits, precious stones, and carpets, Xinjiang was a key part of the Silk Road and a hub for East-West cultural exchange in ancient times.

Tickets at tourism attractions are much cheaper in winter than summer and travelers can also drive into the deep snow-covered forests.

Tianshan Tianchi National Park is the most famous tourism attraction in Xinjiang. Sprawling on the edge of Mount Bodga and 100 kilometers away from Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, Tianchi Lake is 4.9 square kilometers and 90 meters deep and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and tall dragon spruce fed by thawing snow runoffs.

The Flaming Mountain, as one of the hottest places on earth, has always been a popular tourism attraction with harsh but unique natural conditions and abundant cultural heritage. With strong direct radiation from the sun, the highest temperatures can reach 47.8 degrees Celsius and the earth’s surface temperature can top 70 degrees Celsius.

Other famous places in Xinjiang include Kanas National Nature Reserve, Karakul Lake and Sayram Lake National Park.

Transport: Fly to Urumqi from Shenzhen airport directly or via Changshan in Hunan Province and Lanzhou in Gansu Province and get to the attractions by trains in Urumqi.

Delicacies: Barbequed, grilled and fried lambs, watermelons, grapes, raisin, walnut and wusu beer.

Huangshan Mountain, Anhui Province

Huangshan Mountain in East China’s Anhui Province is one of China’s 10 best-known scenic spots.

It covers an area of 250 square kilometers, of which 154 square kilometers are scenic attractions. Huangshan Mountain boasts 72 peaks more than 1,000 meters above sea level, with its three main peaks rising majestically. The area is well known for its scenery, sunsets, peculiarly shaped granite peaks, Huangshan pine trees, and views of the clouds from above. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Traveling around the mountain in winter can be dangerous due to the low temperature and strong wind. It is better to keep your luggage at the hotels and travel agencies at the foot of the mountain. Thick clothes can be rented at nearly all nearby hotels and hostels. Heating facilities are also provided during winter.

Lotus Peak, the highest peak, and Tiandu Peak are closed in winter due to the extreme climate.

Transport: Fly to Huangshan City from Shenzhen airport or take a train to the city from the Shenzhen Railway Station. Take a coach in the city to Huangshan Mountain.

Delicacies: Sweet glutinous rice wine, tofu, bamboo shoot, guard dumpling, rice sugar and bean source.

(Wang Yuanyuan)