Hamish Wyatt/Shanghai Daily news

Envigorating sledging in Heilongjiang Province

Christmas is commonly seen as a time to escape the rigors and stress of everyday life. However, Shanghai is often seen as a city that doesn't easily accommodate relaxation. So for those staying in Shanghai, Christmas may present a perfect time to get away to a quieter, more laid back corner of the world. This is made easier by the fact that there is no shortage of exotic locations around Shanghai and the price of flying around Asia is not anywhere near bank breaking levels.
For those who want a quick getaway without much fuss, there are a plethora of locations within China that are perfect for a Christmas retreat. Perhaps the most peaceful part of China is Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the far South. Guanxi is home to Yangshou, a relaxed tourist town with scenery made famous on the 20-yuan (US$2.47) bill, and Guilin, the bustling capitol of Guanxi. A return flight to Guilin costs around 2,800 yuan with Air China.
For a more exotic Christmas retreat, Laos remains one of the untouched havens of Southeast Asia and for just under 8,000 yuan return to Vientiane with China Eastern, it shapes up as a pretty good escape.
However, if that sounds a bit too laid back, there is always the noisy megalopolis of Bangkok, where grit and glamour stand right next to each other.
With Air India, a return to Bangkok around the Christmas period will cost somewhere around 4,200 yuan.
Additionally, if a more organized getaway is what you're looking for, Ctrip.com offers many package deals to almost anywhere in Asia. A four-star hotel and airfare package to Bangkok for seven days with Ctrip.com costs 8,176 yuan.
Another destination that should tempt city lovers is Tokyo. While shopping, eating and generally just setting foot in Tokyo can end up costing a small fortune, the air fares are reasonable. Northwest Airlines do return flights to Tokyo from 4,000 yuan.
Additionally, for anyone who has ever had the urge to flout tradition and have Christmas on a beach, there are some excellent options. A return flight to the idyllic Thai island of Koh Samui with China Eastern is 7,300 yuan and China Southern flies to Hanoi for 6,000 yuan, which is a short drive away from Ha Long Bay and some exotic beaches.