Originally Posted by bossCJ

Having lived (and currently do live) in China, as well as having been to quite a few places, including the ones on your list, I would say don't go to Urumqi in January. Just too cold to be enjoyable as a vacation. However, you mentioned Kunming, in Yunnan. Yunnan is absolutely beautiful, and I myself am looking forward ot going back there someday. Besides Kunming (which is the capital, kinda cool but like any other large generic Chinese city), try to go to Lijiang and Dali, just absolutely stunning.

In terms of booking airfares and other travel stuff, also try taking a look at elong.net. They're expedia's china domestic partner, and you can get the fares there for approx. the same as you will on the airline website. I've had success with them.

Have fun!!