As autumn departs and winter arrives, Beijing time 6:20 a.m. on November 7, marks the Beginning of Winter (Lidong), the start of winter in traditional solar terms. In the poem “Layers of dusky clouds against a jade sky, with distant trees ranging from light to fiery red”, autumn slowly transitions into winter. 

The Beginning of Winter, or Lidong, is the 19th of the 24 solar terms and the first solar term of winter, signifying the seasonal beginning of winter. In ancient times, people traditionally regarded Lidong as the start of winter.

In terms of weather patterns, during the Lidong period, daylight hours continue to shorten. However, with residual ground warmth, it’s generally not too cold yet. That said, due to China’s vast north-south span, the climate varies across regions. 

For example, at the Beginning of Winter, southern regions often experience mild spring-like weather. In the north, most areas see the first snowfall. At the same time, the climate transitions from the dry, low-rainfall autumn towards the colder, wetter winter with more overcast and rainy days. 

As the leaves fall and winter arrives, the weather gradually turns colder. How can we embrace the final season of the year with a sense of ceremony and comfort? Yunnan has prepared the perfect answers for numerous ways to experience winter. 

Meri Snow Mountain, Haba Snow Mountain, Baima Snow Mountain in Diqing, Biluo Snow Mountain in Nujiang, Jiaozi Snow Mountain in Kunming, Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Cangshan Mountain in Dali... In winter, the joy of holding a handful of snow in your hands, Yunnan has it all prepared for you.

Dulong River Gorge in Nujiang, Dianchi Lake in Kunming, Haifeng Wetland in Zhanyi, Qujing, Puzhehei in Wenshan, Pudacuo in Shangri-La, Diqing, and Daheishan in Kaiyuan, Honghe... As the mountains turn golden and the forests are dyed in vibrant hues, Yunnan’s colorful autumn and winter landscapes are ready for you. 

The fragrance of plum blossoms drifts in Black Dragon Pool, Kunming, the winter cherry blossoms bloom in full splendor on Wuliang Mountain, Dali, the thousand-year-old magnolia flowers bloom in Fengqing, Lincang, and the vast camellia japonica in Changning, Baoshan, begin to bud. Pink trumpet trees bloom in Shiping, Honghe, and in Xishuangbanna, flowers bloom in vibrant abundance... With mountain flowers in full bloom and the charm of the passing years. Winter, blooming with life along the way, Yunnan has it all prepared for you.

Dashanbao in Zhaotong, Napa Lake in Diqing, Dianchi Lake in Kunming, Yingjiang in Dehong, Huize in Qujing, Eryuan in Dali, Lashi Lake in Lijiang, Changqiao Lake in Honghe, Xingyun Lake in Yuxi... Vibrant, graceful, and free, the migratory birds sing joyfully on the winter plateau, Yunnan has it all prepared for you. 

The breeze of Fuxian Lake in Yuxi, the moon over Erhai Lake in Dali, the gulls of Cuihu Lake in Kunming, the tea of Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er, the waters of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Honghe, the stars over Yulong in Lijiang... With breathtaking mountains and rivers, and ever-changing beauty, Yunnan has the natural wonders you long for, all ready for you.

The Tianma Ham Chicken from Zhaotong, the Hotpot with Pickled Vegetable and Trotters from Qujing, Lijiang’s Preserved Ribs Hotpot, the BBQ feast in Xishuangbanna, the steaming small-pot rice noodles in Kunming, the hot and savory Xizhou Baba in Dali... With smoke rising and loved ones gathered around, a table full of delicious food brings both satisfaction and happiness, Yunnan has it all prepared for you.

The passionate skiing on Dahaicao Mountain in Huize, Qujing, hiking in the secret realms of Gaoligong Mountain in Baoshan, wind-surfing around Erhai Lake in Dali, sailing through the waves on Fuxian Lake in Yuxi... Climbing mountains, wading through waters, bouncing with joy, and having a winter of intimate contact with nature, Yunnan has it all prepared for you.

Tengchong, Longling, and Changning in Baoshan, Eryuan, Jianchuan, and Xiangyun in Dali, Mile in Honghe, Anning in Kunming, and Xiangbi in Huaning, Yuxi... Breathe deeply with pores wide open in the mist, enjoying the comfort of hot spring stays, Yunnan has it all prepared for you.

Xishuangbanna, Kunming, Lincang, Pu'er, Mangshi in Dehong, Yuanmou in Chuxiong, Binchuan in Dali, Yuanjiang in Yuxi, Mile in Honghe... Leave the heavy coats behind, and find warmth and lightness in Yunnan's winter wonderland, Yunnan has it all prepared for you.

A wonderful life in Yunnan, and more ways to experience the Colorful Yunnan, waiting for you to explore.

Click here to view the Chinese report 

(Editors: Amy, Jennifer)