China: Extreme or Serene?

Mark Pawlak    Adventure Sports & Travel Thoughts     china, mountain biking, Overland tours, trekking

Experts seem to think China will crack the travel market. According to the secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, China will become the world’s biggest tourism destination within three years. A brave prediction perhaps, but not out of sync with the dragon’s recent business booms.

If it’s bums on seats, maybe Taleb Rifai is right. After all, we are talking about a country that is 9.6 million square kms in size, and as yet largely unexplored by most westerners. But, and it’s a big but: What does China have to offer the extreme sports community?

Trips to the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors are all well and good, but where’s the action? If you prefer rapids and riptides, is China the adventure sports destination for you?

Expect a more comprehensive review here shortly but for now, here’s some background:

Just last year, in April, China held its first ever Kitesurfing competition in Hainan, and is due to host the first event of Kiteboard Tour Asia 2010, from the beaches of Xiamen.

This January, there was the 8th Red Bull Nanshan Open snowboard competition. Coming up, for two-wheel adventurers looking for something radical nearby, there is the Mongolia bike challenge 2010, all 1400 kms of it from Bagarin Chulu to Karakourum.

And, if it’s natural snow you are after and you are happy to get off the beaten track, then look no further. The north-west of China has huge mountainous regions that are powder-coated for months each year.

Mountain biking, trekking, and overland holidaying are all catered for, and there are many more adventure sports just getting started.

So, China it is then. But does it offer anything new? Let’s hear what you have to say….

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 194 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

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