寒假一般是一月份至二月份。对于学生而言，由于学业相对较重，因此寒假是一个难得的休息、放松、自我调整的好时机，但是放假并不等于放任自由。对于中学生来说，一般会有一份寒假计划，安排好每天的作息时间，当然时间安排要有科学性，过紧过松都会影响寒假的生活质量。有些学生会积极参加一些社会实践，体验一下生活，这也是同学们接触社会、锻炼自己的好时机，比如，环境污染情况调查、社会卫生状况调查等等；组成一些假日小队，打扫社区卫生，让大家干净过春节；到社区做一些服务性的活动；到敬老院、孤儿院去帮帮忙。如果条件允许的话，还会到农村、工厂学习课外知识。
在寒假，同学们除了学习外，肯定会进行各种各样的活动，比如和好朋友一起逛街、玩耍，陪父母走亲访友；和家人一道快乐出游；体验滑雪、骑马等时髦运动。
另外，寒假中的重头戏就是春节，春节是我国传统节日。在寒假期间，我们会跟亲人团聚，看一看祖父母、外祖父母等等，向他们拜年、问安。平时，同学们忙着上学，家长忙着上班，坐在一起交流的时间很少。在寒假，有了时间，也会多和父母一起做做家务、走亲访友，增进与父母、亲人的沟通交流。坐下来和亲人谈谈心，汇报一下学习，也可以和亲人讨论社会热点，加深对社会的理解。
English Translation
Winter break is usually in January or February. Since students are very hardworking in China, the winter break offers a rare chance for rest and relaxation. This does not mean however students chose to do nothing. Students for example still may have a general vacation plan, that remains loose enough that they still are able to enjoy themselves, yet still keeps them productive. Some students may join a society or club, in this way students are able to come in contact with others and build their experience and C.V. They may conduct environmental pollution or community health surveys. It is also important for Chinese students to help community preparations for the new year(Spring Festival). As such they will get involved in cleaning, not only at their own homes but also they will help local elderly people or local services such as orphanages. Chinese students also speak of being able to learn through experience while they are cleaning particularly if they can assist people who work on a farm or factory.
Outside of these mentioned ‘productive’ activities that allow students to continue learning during the winter breaks , students also engage in many social activities such as; reacquainting with old friends, shopping, accompanying their parents to visit relatives, sightseeing, learning to ski, learning to ride, or whatever thing might be popular at the time.
Finally China’s main traditional event Spring Festival (similar to that of Christmas) comes during the middle of the Winter break. During this time Chinese families will reunite in their local villages with many members of the extended family so as to celebrate the new year. Typically in China, because students have such a heavy workload, and parents may work in other cities, families may not keep in contact very much. As such this is an especially special and important time to sit down and spend time with loved ones celebrating the new year, talk about popular events and generally catch up with people.
