Hong Kong actress Gigi Lai, dubbed the “Goddess of Beauty” by local media, welcomed the New Year with a trip to Hokkaido in Japan where she went skiing and savored local specialties including sashimi.
Hokkaido Island in northern Japan is a popular destination for ski enthusiasts, renowned for its snow-covered mountains, pristine powder snow, breathtaking landscapes, and luxurious resorts.
Gigi Lai showcases her skiing skills during the trip, describing skiing as her favorite sport and a key part of her fitness routine.
Hokkaido offers a wide array of skiing hotspots, including popular locations such as Sapporo, Jozankei, Rusutsu, Furano, and Niseko.
Niseko is revered as the “holy land” of powder snow, attracting skiers from around the world.
Furano boasts diverse ski runs suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Rusutsu Resort in the eponymous village offers a variety of family-friendly activities while Jozankei is famed for its natural hot springs and stunning mountain scenery.
Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, remains the island’s most visited destination. It hosts the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival and is conveniently close to the airport, connecting travelers to the rest of Japan.
Beyond skiing, Lai enjoyed Hokkaido’s natural hot springs and explored its renowned culinary scene.
She visits sushi and sashimi restaurants, sampling delicacies such as rice balls with shrimp tails (C), eel, and various types of fresh fish, paired with salted ginger, rolled eggs, and mustard.
She also relishes sea urchin rolls wrapped in seaweed (R).
Known for its rich nutritional value and unique flavor, Japanese sea urchin is highly prized globally.
Her gastronomic journey continues at a cozy coffee shop, where she enjoys desserts like banana bread, croissants, gingerbread, and nut cookies.
Best known for her roles in iconic TV dramas and films such as “War and Beauty”, “The Heaven Sword” and “Dragon Saber”, and “Young and Dangerous”, Gigi Lai is a beloved figure across Asia. She has also enjoyed success as a singer and music artist.
In 2009, Lai made headlines when she married billionaire businessman Patrick Ma Ting-kung, a member of Hong Kong’s prominent Oriental Press Group. To celebrate their union, Ma purchased a $9 million duplex in Branksome Grande, located in Hong Kong’s exclusive Mid-Levels neighborhood. In 2010, when Lai became pregnant, Ma ensured she received top-notch care at a private hospital in Sydney, Australia, according to the South China Morning Post.
