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 rattly old local
Forever 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. Cycling tours are popular and many
Chinese and Western travel agents offer short and long-term biking
jaunts. Camping along the way is also possible if you can find a few
spare blades of grass.
If it wasn't for the ubiquitous and ridiculously expensive permits,
mountaineers, white-water rafters, hang-gliders and other
adventurous types would be over China like a rash. Instead you're
far more likely to encounter mountains of red tape. At least hikers
can carry on regardless without having to obtain a permit, as they
don't need much equipment. But opportunities for hardcore hiking can
be limited to trails fitted out with handrails, steps, souvenir
vendors and restaurants. One solution is to go underground. Caving,
particularly in the southwest provinces, can be a lot of fun - but
be prepared to get wet and muddy.
Camel rides are popular in Inner Mongolia and in the deserts around
Dunhuang (Gansu province), and horse riding in the hills of Xinjiang
and west of Beijing can be a beautiful way to spend the day.
For brain exercising, most universities offer courses to fee-paying
foreign students; possible subjects include Chinese language study,
Chinese medicine, acupuncture, brush painting and music. |
Western
China
