To spend a winter holiday in an exotic snowscape is an amazing experience. Whether you strap on skis for thrill rides down snow-capped peaks or prefer simply to indulge in the comfortable serenity of a cozy chalet, a winter trip is an ideal way to experience a side of winter we never see in Hong Kong.

Gazing across a vast expanse of pure white snow is a humbling moment that should make it onto anyone's bucket list. If a more sedate winter vacation is your cup of tea, Volga Manor in Harbin may entice you with its beautiful Russian architecture set amidst an enormous stage of raw, natural beauty.

Situated on the bank of the Ashihe River, Volga Manor is set in sixty hectares of pristine snow and dotted with replicas of famous Russian landmarks. Here the culture and history of Russia are on full, albeit recreated display, although the magnificent landscape and the forests that stretch for miles are easily mistaken for the real Russia. Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral is a landmark that should feature on every itinerary. Originally built in 1899 but demolished in 1966, its reconstruction in Harbin at full 1:1 scale necessitated importing genuine Russian timber and expertise. This is evident in the splendid and unique styling of the cathedral, which looks over the Manor and whose occasional bells resound over the snow fields and couples will find it a romantic escape that won't be forgotten. The Oriental Guildhall provides accommodation and is decorated in references to Siberian historical theater, while food and drinks on offer heavily feature Russian favorites such as smoked eggs with caviar, borsch and stewed oxtail. Folk music and dance performances also introduce the uninitiated to the multifaceted nature of Russian culture.

If you are a fan of winter sports, you could do worse than hop on a flight to Sapporo in Japan, where pristine slopes and geothermic Onsen pools lie in wait to excite and soothe in equal measure. Being the fifth most populated city of Japan, Sapporo is a winter tourist's dream, featuring famous landmarks and spectacles such as Odori Park—famous for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival along with Sapporo Clock Tower, Kouraku Ramen Meitengai and more. Sapporo Kokusai in particular, just to the south of the city, is famed for its high quality powder snow. Once the host venue for the Winter Olympics, this skier's paradise attracts flocks of ski lovers from around the world every year.

Sapporo Kokusai lies at the base of white-capped peaks and is surrounded by lush, dark forests, lengthy slopes and thick, top quality snow. The ski resorts here cater for all abilities and offer different levels of run. Family travelers can have fun on the family piste which is safe for beginners. Snowmobiles and snow wagons can also be hired for different, but no less satisfying thrills. After a day on the piste, there is no better way to relax than in nearby Jozanki Onsen. The famous Japanese legendary creature, Kappa, is the symbol of Jozankei, where its lovely statues can be found in every main and minor street. Near the rock pools, luxurious hotels and traditional inns welcome visitors who feel the need to indulge, unwind or simply live the experience of jumping into a soothing hot spring after a brisk stroll across a freezing snow field.