Lincang Travel Weather and Climate in December

Nestled in the southwest of Yunnan, bordering Myanmar, Lincang is known as one of China’s most important tea-producing regions and the ancestral home of ancient tea trees. In December, Lincang enjoys a pleasant subtropical winter with sunshine, quiet tea mountains, and peaceful ethnic villages—making it a great destination for slow travel and cultural immersion.

Weather & Climate

Category Details
Average Temp. 8°C – 20°C (46°F – 68°F)
Sunshine Hours 6–8 hours/day ☀️
Climate Mild, dry, and comfortable
Elevation ~1,450 meters (4,760 feet)

Tip: Lincang’s highland location means sunny days and cool nights. It’s one of the warmest parts of Yunnan in winter—ideal for outdoor tea trail explorations.

What to Wear

Daytime: Long sleeves, a sweater, or a light jacket

Morning/Evening: Medium-weight coat or fleece

Tea Mountain Visits: Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing

Cultural Villages: Modest attire when visiting minority communities

Festivals & Traditions in December

Winter Tea Harvest (select areas): Some high-mountain areas continue small-scale winter tea picking—join locals in tea roasting and tasting

Wa and Lahu Villages: Winter is a peaceful time to visit ethnic communities with rich traditions, including wooden drum dances and fire rituals

End-of-Year Temple Ceremonies: Local Buddhist temples may hold quiet year-end blessings and incense ceremonies

Top Attractions

🔸 Ancient Tea Tree Forest in Bingdao

Visit thousand-year-old tea trees, walk ancient trade trails, and taste raw Pu’er straight from the source.

🔸 Cangyuan Cliff Paintings

Mysterious rock art dating back over 3,000 years. December’s dry air and clear skies offer excellent visibility.

🔸 Wengding Wa Village

One of the last remaining traditional Wa-style villages, with thatched bamboo houses and animist totems.

🔸 Lincang Tea Culture Park

Learn about tea history, fermentation, and taste various types of Lincang Pu’er in a tranquil garden setting.

Local Delicacies to Try

Handmade Pu’er Noodles (普洱茶面): Infused with local tea flavor, light and refreshing

Bamboo Tube Rice (竹筒饭): Sticky rice steamed inside bamboo, often with peanuts or mushrooms

Wa Grilled Pork (瓦族烤肉): Smoky, crispy, and served with mountain herbs

Sticky Corn Cakes and Tea Eggs: Simple snacks commonly sold at markets or roadside stands

🍴 Tip: Enjoy a tea-paired meal in a tea garden restaurant—tea isn’t just a drink here, it’s part of every course.

Getting There & Around

From Kunming:

Direct flights to Lincang Boshang Airport (~1 hour)

By high-speed rail (under development; check current schedule)

Long-distance bus: ~8 hours

Within Lincang:

Taxis available in Lincang city

Private cars or guided tours are best for exploring tea mountains and remote villages

Suggested Duration: 3–5 days for a cultural and tea-focused journey


In December, Lincang is serene, sunny, and full of quiet beauty. Whether you’re sipping wild Pu’er beneath ancient trees, wandering through timeless villages, or exploring prehistoric rock art, this corner of Yunnan offers a different kind of winter—one rooted in tea, nature, and tradition.

Plan your December escape to Lincang with Yasotrip—where culture, tea, and tranquility come together.