One may think travelling to China during the Chinese New Year (CNY) is a bad idea because of possible closures, crowds and higher costs involved, but it appears that for some Singaporeans, it's an opportunity to experience a truly wintry new year, where gathering around a bubbling hotpot would actually be a welcome affair.

A report by Shin Min Daily News on Wednesday (Jan 8) highlighted China's northeastern city of Harbin as one popular destination for those looking to "escape" and skip the CNY festivities, with tour packages from agencies selling out as far back as three months ago.

Other sought-after destinations according to agencies here include temperate countries such as Japan, South Korea and Europe.

When interviewed, a spokesperson from EU Holidays shared that the number of tour bookings to China have increased by 20 to 30 per cent this year, with Harbin one of the most popular destinations.

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