Meishan Weather in January

January feels cool and grey

Meishan's winter days are cool, with highs around 11°C and lows near 2°C. The air often feels damp, clouds are common, and you'll get about two hours of sunshine a day. Rain is light overall, but it falls on several days, so a grey spell can hang around. That's why January rates as only a fair month here, with the cold as the main drawback. If your dates are flexible, March and November are the better bets.

You can still enjoy Sansu Shrine, where you can wander through the courtyards and learn about the Song dynasty writers Su Shi, Su Xun and Su Zhe. The short daylight does cut into long outdoor days, though. Save hill walks around the city for clearer weather, and don't plan on a sunny beach-style break.

Holidays and quieter streets

New Year's Day falls in January, and the Spring Festival can too. Its date follows the lunar calendar and shifts each year. Meishan may feel busier around the festival, as people travel to see family. Outside that period, January is usually quieter than March or November.

If crowds bother you, avoid travelling during the Spring Festival rush. Prices can also rise around the holiday, while the rest of the month tends to be calmer and cheaper. Check the year's holiday dates before you pick your travel week.

Plans for a damp day

Travelling with kids? Sansu Shrine's sheltered halls give you a useful break if the gardens feel cold or wet. Give yourself time to read the displays rather than rushing between outdoor sights.

For a local meal, try Dongpo pork, the rich braised dish named for Su Shi. It suits a chilly evening, though it's filling. If you visit the shrine, it's in central Meishan, so you can pair it with lunch nearby rather than building your day around a long trip across the region.