Adventure travel in China is unforgettable

Thursday, 13 October 2011 8:34 AM

There's one thing that unites all activity break fans and that's being kept on their toes and seeing or doing something new and exciting every day. If this is the case for you, it's hard to go wrong with adventure travel in China.

If you have decided to take a few weeks away from work in order to journey abroad, you will want to be sure that memories of your day-to-day life soon seem very far away.

Because China is such a vast country, you will be greeted by something new and exciting around every corner and as you make your way across the nation you are sure to agree just how diverse it is. Before long, the office will seem like a distant memory.

If you are looking to stay active on your trip, simply fitting more stops into your itinerary is sure to help you achieve this.

One must-visit attraction is the capital Beijing, where evidence of old-world China stands side-by-side with the rapidly expanding metropolis that is present today.

An example of this is the Forbidden City. This huge temple complex is a mystical and fascinating place to spend time at, having once been used by the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Closer to the centre of the city is Tiananmen Square, which was where the pro-democracy protests of 1989 took place garnering international attention, before officials declared martial law.

Outside the city stands arguably the biggest attraction in the country - the Great Wall of China. Built over thousands of years, this structure is actually made up of several smaller walls and one of the most well-preserved sections lies just outside Beijing.

Thrill seekers are also sure to want to do something that gets their blood pumping while they are on their adventure travel break and taking a cruise down the Yangtze River past the Three Gorges Dam could be one way to achieve this.

The hydroelectric facility is one of the largest and most imposing in the world, and is in stark contrast with the other main attraction on this waterway - the longest in Asia - the Three Gorges themselves.

Made up of the Qu Tang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, you will want to be sure to have your camera ready here as the scenery is absolutely beautiful.

Another great place to include on your itinerary is Shanghai. Here you can tuck into some traditional Chinese fare and visit the ancient buildings and tranquil gardens that still stand today.

However, it is perhaps its more modern architecture that can offer you the greatest thrill, particularly the Oriental Pearl Tower.

This is China's tallest TV tower and features 11 striking spheres, all contributing to its vast 468 m height.

Best of all, there are 15 observation storeys to choose from, so even if you are a little worried by heights you will still be able to enjoy the view.

Activity lovers are sure to want to climb to the very top though, where they will be rewarded with striking vistas across the city and the chance to raise their adrenalin levels by daring to look down.

Yet you have only just scratched the surface when it comes to the many adventures waiting for you in China.

You could learn more about the country's most treasured creature at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre or visit the world-famous Terracotta Army.

Whatever you do, adventure travel in Asia is an experience you will never forget.
 

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