Spectacular Scandinavia

Icehotel 365 in northern Sweden's Jukkasjarvi village. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Chinese visitors to Finland totaled 326,000 last year, a 35 percent increase over 2014.

"People usually think (Norway's) northern lights can only be seen in winter. Actually, it can be seen from the end of August to mid-April, as long as there's a clear, dark night," the Scandinavian Tourist Board's chief China representative, Wang Yu, says. Tourism authorities in Norway and Denmark founded the board.

The board typically promotes four countries but will focus on in-depth experiences in these two nations next year.

Autumn in Norway offers fantastic views and warmer temperatures－and cheaper travel－than the coldest season.

"Tourists search the skies for the northern lights and enjoy winter activities in northern Norway and visit Denmark's Christmas markets," Wang says.

"You need to slow down to feel the happiness and ease of Norwegian and Danish people.

"The itinerary shouldn't be hectic. Otherwise, it'll be very difficult to find these countries' true charms."

He recommends the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market, in Odense, Denmark.