Beijing’s Winter

Beijing’s winter looks a little dry but is filled with unexpected things.

(Source: Beijing Tourism)
 

Located in north China, Beijing is a city with a protruding character in winter: dry coldness, but mostly because no so much water makes the air moist. You may feel uncomfortable if you have been living in the south; and you will still feel a little bit different if you have been living in central China such as Xi’an.

(Source: Beijing Tourism)

In very ancient times, Beijing had been regarded as a tough and cold place among all the kingdoms across the then territory of China. During that time Beijing looked pale and unfriendly. This history only happened between 2,200 - 2,800 years ago during China’s Spring and Autumn and Warring States period. Since then, Beijing has begun to develop and prosper.

Although the cold air has never swerved its way to other directions far away from Beijing, the city has transformed dramatically in the 2,800 years. The Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace have been erected, the initial outlay of today’s Beijing has formed, and numerous winter activities have been developed to welcome tourists. This is what Beijing can show you in winter today.

(Source: Beijing Tourism)

Beijing’s winter is rather cold, especially when wind blows. In central and south China, you may not usually experience strong winds; but in Beijing, this often happens. Some Chinese think Beijing has the characteristic of a tough young man, but south China feels more like a graceful lady. In winter, it snowed heavily in the past and still snows heavily sometimes. The trees, roads, villages, hills and even more mountains can be capped by heavy snow, but this won’t usually occur in south and central China. To some extent, it looks like a tough man.

Today’s Beijing seems to be threatened by smog, but its beauty still exists and shows its face.

Nearly everyone loves the open clear sky, and this happens in Beijing too during the winter. If wind comes, the sky will open and turn crystal clear. If you walk out of your home or lodge, you will feel the strong pulse of the bitterly cold winter. You may feel like being slammed in the face by a sharp knife named strong wind if you advance against it.

People residing or working in Beijing won’t be threatened by the cold weather, for an outdoor stroll or exciting ice activities are very attractive lures. You can join the laughing people, you can chat with them in the warm activity, and you can share stories and happiness they want to share with you. You can also feel the greatness of the world when you stand under the cloudless sky. If you feel tired, you may stop for a while, drinking a cup of hot beverage and then continue your happiness. Or if you have no interest in the outdoor ice activities, you may enter a restaurant, chatting over the tea or the boiling hotpot between you and your friend or beloved one.

But I favor the snowed and iced trees on the streets of the city in the morning during the cold season, because their crystal loveliness and purity still warm the heart of a young man lodging a city far away from his hometown.