Santa Claus & Arctic wonders: Finland

Keywords: Santa Claus, the northern lights, igloos, sauna, dogsled, reindeer, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Recommended itinerary: Beijing-Helsinki-Rovaniemi-Ivalo, then Helsinki-Beijing

Duration: eight days

Cost: about 16,800 yuan (US$2,074), see local agencies

Seeing the Northern Lights is a once in a life-time experience for most people living outside the Arctic regions, they are only one of the many things Finnish Lapland can offer.

The northern city of Ivalo, far away from city lights, is excellent for viewing the northern lights (aurora borealis), whenever they adorn the dark sky with their colorful waves.

If sky watching is not your thing, you can try snowmobiling, dog sledding, downhill or cross-country skiing.

One place to spend a little time, particularly if you are traveling with children is Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. In addition to getting to meet Santa and having your photo taken with him, you will also be presented with an Arctic Circle certificate to attest to your presence there in case your friends doubt your word.

The trip also provides an exotic holiday experience with the opportunity to sleep in a genuine igloo.

Visas: Chinese need a visa to visit Finland, while most Europeans and Americans do not.

Planning your trip: The best part about traveling to Finland is that most places are on the Internet so you can browse in the comfort of your own home until you find something that appeals. Try: www.finland-tourism.com.

Getting there: Finnish Air provides five direct airlines a week between Beijing and Helsinki. Local travel agencies also provide a similar package for the winter.

Snowy world: Harbin

Keywords: ice-lanterns, ice sculptures, skiing and snow boarding

Recommended itinerary: Beijing-Harbin-Mohe, then Harbin-Beijing

Duration: Four days

Cost: 3,000 yuan (US$370) approx, see local agencies

If you are a snow kind of person and would like to spend a snowy Christmas in China, the best place to visit is Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.

Of course, there is more than just cold. You can visit the snow resorts, and Wuda Lianchi, the natural volcano garden. The Jingpo Lake, the largest mountain lake in China, is also a big attraction with the wonderful Diaoshuilou Waterfall. In the so-called Chinese "North Pole Village" Mohe, you may be lucky enough to see the northern lights.

The national ski festival there is a wonderful program for those who like skiing while the national ice festival displays the exquisite art of ice carving. Both of these winter festivals last from December to January.

A word of caution: Wrap up before you go, or purchase the fine quality leather hats, overcoats and shoes there to keep you warm.

Sun on the beach: Sanya

Keywords: sunshine, beach, swimming, diving and tropical fruits

Recommended itinerary: Beijing-Sanya-Yalong Bay, then Sanya-Beijing

Duration: Five days

Cost: 3,200 yuan (US$395) approx, see local agencies

Sanya, referred to as a "winter palace" and "the remotest cape of the earth" by many, is China's premier sun resort, lying on the southern coast of Hainan Island not far from Vietnam.

Without a doubt the main reason to come here is a sunshine break.

The beaches are long, and sandy, the only gripe is the water due to China's geographical position it has a shallow continental shelf so exotic corals and reef fish are not very prevalent here, so it is not a good location for diving. But for sun bathing and generally messing about, it is as good as any.

Other than that it is a relatively inexpensive location for sun worshippers and is ideal for families with children having none of the sleaze of Thailand at its friendly, well appointed resorts.

A word of caution: Do not forget to bring sunscreen.

Underwater splendor: Northern Mariana Islands

Key words: pristine beaches, flaming sunsets, birds, tropical jungles, diving and golfing

Recommended itinerary: Beijing-Saipan-Tinian, then Saipan-Beijing

Duration: Five days

Cost: 4,500 yuan (US$555) approx, see local agencies

If you are more a kind of adventure person, the Northern Mariana Islands, a chain of 14 tropical islands in the Western Pacific, may be a good choice.

You can expect a lot of fun from the Northern Mariana Islands, particularly its three major islands, Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with its clear water and lush, bird-filled jungles. Diving is the best way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of colorful underwater life.

A word of caution: Be aware of the time so as not to miss your work after the holiday.

(China Daily December 9, 2005)