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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 south-west 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. Winter offers ice skating on Beijing's
lakes and skiing (downhill and cross-country)
in the northeast provinces, but Westerners with
big clodhoppers may have to bring their own boots.
More sedate pursuits include tai chi, a popular
form of slow-motion aerobics practised in nearly
every town park in the early morning throughout
the land. Novices are always welcome. 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.
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