But these bubbles－also known as travel corridors or travel bridges－h(huán)ave yet to materialize for a number of reasons.

The latest attempt at a bubble fell short when the authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong delayed their plan after COVID-19 infections rose in Hong Kong. The bubble had been due to take effect on Nov 22.

On Saturday, Edward Yau Tangwah, Hong Kong's minister of commerce and economic development, said the city would resume the tourism bubble plan with Singapore once the new cases had been contained.

The government hopes to set up a system allowing residents to travel overseas safely and will continue to work with trade partners on this, Yau added.

When Thailand announced the special tourist visas, the news went viral on Chinese social media platforms, with many people saying they wanted to take winter breaks in Southeast Asia.

However, these potential travelers have been confronted by some hard truths.

The cost of 14-days' quarantine is high－both financially and in terms of time.

Wang Min, a 32-year-old Beijing office worker who loves to travel, was thrilled when she saw news of the visa. She tried to book a trip to Thailand to make up for her Spring Festival holiday, which was ruined by the pandemic.

"In January, I planned to spend Spring Festival in Thailand, but didn't make it because of the outbreak. When I saw news of the visas online, I couldn't help dreaming about strolling the streets and eating the tasty food there," she said.

However, after Wang consulted online travel agencies, she was given the blunt facts.

A package trip, including an application for the special visa, quarantine fee and chartered flight costs 35,000 yuan ($5,332), according to a staff member from China Youth Travel Service.

Several other travel agencies, including Golden Goose, which is based in Thailand, quoted similar prices.

Wu, the photographer, said he paid nearly 40,000 yuan for his one-way trip to Thailand.

He does not recommend that tourists visit Thailand at present, as the Chinese government has requested that outbound travel be avoided.

Wu said cost is not the only factor. If Chinese travelers want to visit Thailand, they have to spend a total 28 days in quarantine in the two countries.

"I have come here (Thailand) largely to make a living and experience the local life. The special visa can be renewed twice and allows me to stay in the country for 270 days. However, it is impossible for most Chinese office workers to take 28 days off to be quarantined."