China offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to ultramodern Shanghai skyscrapers. Experience diverse landscapes ranging from karst mountains in Guilin to the Tibetan Plateau, savor world-renowned cuisine, and witness the fusion of ancient traditions with state-of-the-art technology.
Top adventure experiences
The most exciting activities China has to offer.
-
1
Great Wall Night Hike at Simatai
Guided evening trek along the wildly-preserved Simatai section of the Great Wall with illumination at dusk. Unrestored towers and cliff-edge paths create an atmospheric and thrilling experience unlike the daytime tourist sections.
Best season: April-June, September-November
-
2
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
Two-day high trail trek through one of the world's deepest gorges between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Guesthouse stays in Naxi minority villages provide authentic hospitality along this classic Yunnan adventure.
Best season: April-June, September-October
-
3
Huashan Plank Walk
China's most terrifying and exhilarating hike along wooden boards bolted to sheer cliff faces on a sacred 2154m mountain. Safety harnesses are mandatory but your heart rate won't slow until you're back on solid ground.
Best season: April-October
-
4
Yangtze River Three Gorges Kayaking
Multi-day kayak expedition through the spectacular gorges of the Yangtze River past dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient hanging coffins, and traditional villages. A far more intimate alternative to the cruise ship experience.
Best season: April-May, September-October
-
5
Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain Rock Climbing
Guided rock climbing on the sandstone pillar formations that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Multi-pitch routes with experienced local guides ascend 100-300m columns surrounded by mist-shrouded subtropical forest.
Best season: March-May, September-November
-
6
Gobi Desert Camel Trek
Camel trekking through the Gobi Desert dunes around Dunhuang, including overnight camping in traditional Mongolian ger tents beneath a blaze of stars. The Singing Sand Dunes (Mingsha Shan) produce haunting sounds when wind moves over them.
Best season: April-June, September-October
-
7
Sichuan Giant Panda Base Volunteer
Full-day volunteer experience at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, preparing panda food, cleaning enclosures, and learning conservation biology. Morning sessions most rewarding when pandas are most active.
Best season: Year-round, spring for cubs
-
8
White Water Rafting on Lancang River
Class III-IV white water rafting on the upper Lancang (Mekong) River through Yunnan's Tiger Leaping Gorge area. Professional rafting guides navigate technical rapids through spectacular Himalayan river scenery.
Best season: June-September
-
9
Xinjiang Paragliding over Kashgar
Tandem paragliding flights launching from desert mountains above the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar. Soar over ochre desert landscapes, historic old town, and snow-capped Pamir mountain peaks in clear Central Asian skies.
Best season: April-October
-
10
Ice Climbing on Hailuogou Glacier Sichuan
Guided ice climbing on the Hailuogou Glacier at the foot of Minya Konka mountain, one of Asia's most accessible valley glaciers descending to sub-tropical forest at 2,500m. Ice axes and crampons provided by certified guides.
Best season: November-March
Activities by type
Find adventures that match your interests.
Land adventures
Great Wall trekking, Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking, Huashan plank walk, Zhangjiajie pillar climbing, Xinjiang desert trekking, Tibetan plateau horse riding
Water adventures
Yangtze River kayaking, Lancang River white water rafting, Guilin Li River bamboo raft, Hainan surfing at Riyue Bay, Yellow River rafting, Zhangjiajie water canyon canyoning
Air adventures
Kashgar paragliding, Zhangjiajie glass bridge bungee jumping, Hangzhou West Lake hot air balloon, Guilin karst landscape ultralighting, Inner Mongolia microlight flights
Expedition treks
Tibet North Face Base Camp Trek, Sichuan-Tibet Highway cycling expedition, Silk Road jeep expedition Xinjiang, Multi-day Jiuzhaigou backpacking, Tibetan sacred mountain Kailash pilgrimage
Difficulty levels
No experience needed. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Basic fitness required. Some prior experience helpful.
Good fitness and some experience required.
Significant experience and high fitness essential.
Recommended operators
Vetted companies for safe adventures.
China Hiking
Beijing-based licensed adventure trekking company specializing in Great Wall hiking, Huashan, and Chinese mountain expeditions. All guides UIAGM certified with 15+ years experience.
Wildchina
Award-winning responsible adventure travel company operating throughout China with English-speaking expert guides. CNTA-licensed with exceptional track record for customized adventure itineraries.
Yangtze River Rafting Center
Government-licensed rafting operator on Yangtze River tributaries in Chongqing and Hubei Province offering Class II-IV whitewater trips with safety equipment and English-speaking guides.
Chengdu Rock Climbing Club
Local Chengdu-based climbing community offering guided rock climbing on Zhangjiajie pillars, indoor training at their Chengdu gym, and multi-pitch climbing courses for beginners and experienced climbers.
Dunhuang Desert Adventures
Specialist operator for Gobi Desert expeditions including camel trekking, sandboarding on Mingsha Shan Dunes, and desert camping near Mogao Caves. Licensed by Gansu Tourism Bureau.
Adventure safety
Stay safe while pushing your limits.
Never go on adventures alone in remote areas. Always use reputable guides for challenging activities.
Get comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers adventure activities and emergency evacuation.
Check weather conditions and be prepared to cancel or postpone. Mountain weather changes rapidly.
Know your limits. Choose activities appropriate for your fitness and experience level.
Acclimatize properly before high-altitude activities. Altitude sickness is serious.
Preparation & gear
Get ready for your adventure.
Essential gear
- Quality hiking boots (broken in)
- Layered clothing system
- Rain gear and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Headlamp and batteries
- Water purification
Physical preparation
- Start training 6-8 weeks before
- Build cardio endurance
- Include strength training
- Practice with loaded backpack
- Get medical clearance if needed