8 visit-worthy places to spend a different Spring Festival holiday

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Spring Festival is right around the corner, and traditionally, that means heading back home for some quality time with the family. But recent years have seen a new crop of Chinese revelers celebrating the occasion in new and unfamiliar places across the length and breadth of the country as traveling picks up momentum during the festive season.

Those looking to avoid clichéd "go-to" spots – and the crowds that swarm them – better start taking notes because we've picked eight places around China, some off-the-beaten-track, all visit-worthy, for an unforgettable getaway during the upcoming holiday.

Whether you prefer the freezing cold of China's north or the balmy weather of the south, are searching for a nearby destination or somewhere further afield, or in the mood for urban adventures or a countryside escapade, our list has a spot for every type of traveler.

Lake Puma Yumco

Seagulls above Lake Puma Yumco in Tibet Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

Located on the Tibetan Plateau in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Lake Puma Yumco sits at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. Puma means "little girl" in Tibetan and Yumco translates into "blue jewel-like lake" – so it's little wonder the lake is famous for its clear, shimmering water.

In winter, the lake freezes, turning into a picturesque fairyland with various ice blocks forming on its surface.

Wugong Mountain

A sea of clouds over the Wugong Mountain in Jiangxi Province. /VCG Photo

If you're feeling like a hiking trip, then head to Wugong Mountain in southeast China's Jiangxi Province.

At 1,918 meters, the mountain towers over a dense forest dotted with pine and cedar trees.

Tourists take pictures of the clouds on Wugong Mountain. /VCG Photo

Perks of visiting the area in winter include being swallowed in a sea of clouds, witnessing spectacular sunrises and gazing at starry night skies.

Weizhou Island

If you want to escape the bitterly cold winter days and swap your thermals for shorts, Weizhou Island should be your next stop.

The night view of the Weizhou Island. /VCG Photo

Situated in Beihai, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Weizhou Island is the youngest and largest volcanic island in China. It is known for its lush vegetation, sea erosion landscapes, abundant corals and gorgeous beaches.

The Colorful Beach Scenic Area at Weizhou Island. /VCG Photo

A view of Weizhou Island in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. /VCG Photo

The warm sunshine, cool breeze, and sound of waves promise you a relaxing time. And don't forget to treat yourself with fresh seafood.

Qingyan Ancient Town

For those who prefer to go back in time, Qingyan Ancient Town is a gate to the past.

Qingyan Ancient Town in Guizhou Province. /VCG Photo

It is one of the most famous historical and cultural towns in southwest China's Guizhou Province. The town was built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in 1378 for military purposes.

An alley in Qingyan Ancient Town, Guizhou Province. /VCG Photo

What the town lacks in size, it makes up for in its distinctive architectural style, vibrant local culture and historic sites.

Hong Kong

The night view of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. /VCG Photo

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a good option for those in pursuit of modern, fast-paced lifestyles and bustling cities. It has the largest number of skyscrapers in the world, with most surrounding Victoria Harbor.

A busy street at night in Hong Kong. /VCG Photo

The city is well-known for its neon signs, which have become an integral part of its nightscape and an important element in its local culture.

Luoping County

A view of Luoping County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. /VCG Photo

Located in Qujing City in southwest China's Yunnan Province, Luoping County is one giant rapeseed field.

The flowers start to blossom in February and are in full bloom by March.

A rapeseed field in Luoping County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. /VCG Photo

Travelers looking for picturesque scenery better prepare their cameras, because there's plenty to focus the shutter at – from golden fields of floral beauty, to colossal mountains and endless blue skies.

Wulong Fairy Maiden Mountain

Wulong Fairy Maiden Mountain in Chongqing. /VCG Photo

Fairy Maiden Mountain might not be on many holidaymakers' radar, but its karst landscapes will leave you with a deep impression.

Known as the "Oriental Switzerland," the site is located in Wulong County in Chongqing Municipality.

A sightseeing train at Fairy Maiden Mountain National Forest Park in Chongqing. /VCG Photo

An aerial view of the Fairy Maiden Mountain at Wulong County in Chongqing. /VCG Photo

In winter, it turns into an incredibly beautiful ice and snow kingdom. Its immense forests, majestic peaks, pastures and snowfields are known by tourists as the Fairy Maiden Mountain's "four wonders."

Bashang Grasslands

The rime-capped trees on Bashang Grasslands, Hebei Province. /VCG Photo

If you're in Beijing and looking for a short break from the city without traveling far, then Bashang Grasslands is the place you are looking for. They cover about 16,000 square kilometers of northwest Hebei Province and border Inner Mongolia.

A herdsman and his horses on Bashang Grasslands. /VCG Photo

As the nearest prairie destination from Beijing, Bashang Grasslands have long been one of the ideal sites to escape the bustling city life. In winter, the endless plateau is covered in shimmering snow and the wildlife adds more charm to an already magical place.

(Cover Photo: Fireworks above Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. /VCG Photo)