Four unmissable travel deals for Holiday Season

Four unmissable travel deals for Holiday Season

Singapore

Tropical Christmas

Every year for the last quarter-century, Singapore dresses up for a one of the merriest Christmas celebrations in Asia. This year the theme is Sweet Christmas. Expect Orchard Road and Marina Bay to be transformed into a fantasy candy wonderland, adorned with giant gumdrops, candy canes the size of lamp posts and plenty of real sweets to sample. Catch the ZoukOut rave on Sentosa Island on Dec 13, or from December 19-25 every night, enjoy holiday-themed performances from internationally-recognized groups. Fly on Air China for RMB4,600 round-trip (tax included). Stay at the brand new Amara Sanctuary Resort on Sentosa for RMB2,000 (excluding tax).

Get there: Ctrip, 400-619-9999, Stay: Amara Sanctuary, www.amarasanctuary.com

Guizhou

Among the Miao

Guizhou may be one of the poorest provinces, but it is rich in nature and culture. On this week-long holiday, travel through the heart of the Miao Autonomous Region, highlighted by home stays with local families. During the day enjoy gentle hikes through the surrounding countryside, in the evening mix with villagers as they go about their way of life. Load up on the unique silver ornaments—the specialty of the region—before heading back to Beijing. RMB6,900 per person (excludes round-trip airfare), Dec. 24-30.

Diverse China, Tel: 6462-6615, www.diversechina.com

Tibet

Christmas Spirit

Every Christmas, Country Holidays mounts a very special trip to Tibet before temperatures drop to absolute zero. On this five day trip you'll pray with pilgrims in Lhasa's Jokang Monastery, touch the sky as you cross the Kampala Pass (one of the highest in the world) and finally hike up to see a sky burial. RMB9,980, Dec. 26-30.

Country Holidays, www.countryholidays.com.cn

Great Wall

Get Bent

Beijing Sideways has opened shop in the capital, offering a whole new way to do the Great Wall. Strap yourself into a motorcycle sidecar, wrap yourself against the cold, pack up a thermos of hot toddy and zoom off to the Great Wall. They run tailored day trips and also have regularly scheduled departures.

Beijing Sideways, Tel: 139-1103-4847, www.beijingsideways.com