WHEN TO GO - February

Increasingly popular, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracts visitors from all over the world for seven days of snowy fun in Hokkaido. Ice sculpture contests and sparkling artistic ice creations create a stunning winter wonderland. Visitors enjoy several snow slides and snow rafting.

The Chinese New Year is by far the biggest and most widely-celebrated festival in Hong Kong and is celebrated over a few days. Highlights include a stunning flower market at Victoria Park, followed by a night parade the next day. Proceedings are brought to an end with huge firework display over Victoria Harbour on the final day.

This lively two-day dance festival in Sapa District (Lao Cai Province) is held as part of Vietnamese New Year (Tet). The elaborate dance styles on show represent heavenly figures who are supposed to come down to earth to join in the Tet celebrations. Vibrant colors and statue bathing are also on display throughout the village.