For many years, Japanese, especially senior citizens, have been regular observers of the aurora - named after the Roman goddess of dawn -in Yellow Knife. However, insiders say they have seen a growing group interested in aurora observation.

"Tours like the aurora trip cater to a very small group of people, but we're seeing a growing interest in this kind of travel," said Qiang Yi, assistant manager of North American travel at Shanghai Jin Jiang Tours, another organizer of the aurora observation trip.

"Travelers want their trip customized and in-depth. You can see that there are fewer travelers opting for trips covering more than 10 European countries in a dozen days. They'd rather stay for a longer time in one place."

Apart from aurora observation, trips including observing polar bears in the North Pole and a longer trip to the South Pole are gaining growing popularity, Qiang added.

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.

【Nature's light show 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip】相关文章：

★ Internet savvy voters targeted on social media

★ Chinese students in US coming home for jobs

★ Scalded woman fighting for life

★ London set for a role in yuan transactions

★ Geithner may discuss Iran sanctions on Beijing trip

★ Russia mourns flood victims

★ Transport workers welcome higher wages and better conditions

★ Animals benefit from pin-point accuracy

★ Measures to boost financial markets

★ Obama visit 'shows confidence'