Adventure Sports in China

If anyone is for adventure in China where the Mother Nature is blessed with the scenic mountains, amazing waterfalls, remarkable caverns and great rivers and lakes, adventure can either commence with hiking or trekking or by some kind of water sports.

No permit is required for hiking, although a trekking permit is compulsory (and fairly expensive) for visiting more remote areas.

1: Hiking and trekking:

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (also known as ‘the roof of the world’) is one of the world’s most famous mountaineering destinations. Some of the world’s highest mountains define the southern border of Tibet. Among the 14 peaks on earth above 8000m, five are located in Tibet. The Tibetan approach to Mount Everest provides far better views than the Nepal side. For foreign travellers, the Everest Base Camp has become the most popular trekking destination in Tibet. The two access points are Shegar and Tingri, along the Friendship Highway to Nepal, but visitors should note that these treks are very demanding and that the altitude requires some acclimatization.

2: Biking

The bicycle is the unofficial symbol of China and with more than 300 million trundling about you'll have no trouble hiring anything from a rusty old local brand to a half-decent multi-speed mountain bike. Even in towns that don't see many tourists, there are hire shops catering to Chinese who are passing through.

3: Cycling

Cycling tours are popular and many Chinese and Western travel agents offer short and long-term biking jaunts. Camping can be done just about anywhere you can find a patch of grass with enough space to pitch a tent. This can be a very useful way to spend the night if you happen to be cycling your way around China and can't make it to the hotel by nightfall.

4: Camel Rides

Camel rides are popular in Inner Mongolia and in the deserts around Dunhuang (Gansu Province)...Everyone might not enjoy the rides on these Ships of the Desert as the ride can be irregular, slow and steady. Despite this, camel riding is a wonderful way to go around places and enjoy the scenic beauty of the towns.

5: Caving

Caving, the recreational sport of exploring caves is fun and enjoyable. Caving particularly in the south-west provinces, can be a lot of fun but be prepared to get wet and muddy.

6: Greyhound Racing
Greyhound racing is the sport of racing greyhounds. The dogs chase an artificial hare on a track until they arrive at the finish line. The one that arrives first is the winner.  This thrilling track sport is an exciting way to spend an afternoon either gambling or just enjoying the speed and agility of the animals as they gallop around their track as fleet footed as racehorses. 

7: Go-Karting Kart racing or karting is a variant of open-wheeler motor sport with simple, small four-wheeled vehicles called karts, go-karts, or gearbox/shifter karts depending on the design. They are usually raced on scaled-down tracks, but are sometimes driven as entertainment or as a hobby by non-professionals.

Go –Karting can be done in Shenzen at the Matelong Racing Club on Jianshe Road as well as other areas in China. This is another sport that all but the youngest family members can enjoy as the karts are easily operated by anyone who can reach the foot pedals.

8: Adventure in winter
For the winter sports enthusiasts China offers the best opportunities to enjoy the chill of the season by entailing them in the winter sports. Ice skating is one of the popular winter sports in China. Beijing’s lakes  is one of the popular spots for skating during winter. People who wish to have the excitement and the feel of skiing can do downhill and cross-country in the North-east provinces. Jilin Province, has a favorable climate which includes a lengthy winter with snow that can start as early as October and last until April. In winter it is a common sight ot see people flocking to this area of the world to involve in winter sports. The region has some of the best ski resorts in the world.  

9: Martial arts
The ancient ‘shadow art’ of Tai Chi, a series of linked movements performed in a slow relaxed manner using the entire body whilst focusing the mind, is traditionally practised in towns throughout China, particularly in the early morning hours, and visitors wishing to learn or participate are welcome.

10: Acrobatics
Chinese acrobatics have come a long way. They remain as one of the most popular art forms in China and have gone through extensive evolution and development to reach their current level and fame. Challenging acts have been developed - 'Flying Trident', 'Balancing Chairs', 'Trick with Jars', 'Hoop-Diving' and 'Traditional Conjuring' are all equally intriguing performances not to be missed. In addition, there are Wushu, Diabolo Skills and the famous Lion Dance, all conceived from folk sports and games. If you are in China this is a definite must see activity which can amusing and fascinating for any visitor in China.