China is a popular tourist destination and is home to some of the most important landmarks of most travellers’ bucket lists, such as the legendary Great Wall of China, the amazing Terracotta Army, the Forgotten City and the impressive architecture built for the Beijing Olympics. However, once you have seen the most iconic sights of China, there are also many strange and unique attractions that might catch your interest. These bizarre locations and experiences make for the best travel stories and memories that will last you a long time.
Here are a few unusual ideas for things to do in China:
The Mountain Range that Inspired Avatar
If you were a fan of the epic 3D adventures of blue aliens in Avatar, you will find some of the landscapes around Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province. These mountains, designated as part of the World Natural Heritage Wulingyuan Scenic Area, were apparently the inspiration for the setting of the film. Photographs taken by photographer Eric Hanson were used as models by artists who created the fictional planet of Pandora. Tourism representatives have already picked up on the film’s popularity by renaming one of the most impressive mountains, formerly known as the Pillar of the South Heaven, to “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”. Although these mountains don’t tend to float in the air, walking through this beautiful landscape will make you feel like you are in another world.
Scuba Diving the Great Wall
Ok, you might have walked along the Great Wall of China, but did you know you could swim along it as well? As a result of a flood in the 1980s, a large section of the Great Wal in Xifenghu is submerged underwater in a reservoir. You can purchase tickets to be taken out to this section, and get suited up in scuba gear to explore this iconic landmark in a completely different way!
Eat Something Totally Weird
Have you ever tasted silkworms? How about fried scorpion? What about some delicious seahorse on a stick, snake, or sheep penis? At the Donghuamen Night Market in Beijing, you can sample all of these strange foods and much more! It’s a fun place to play a game of real life Fear Factor with your travelling companions and find out who has the strongest stomach!
Solve Your Romantic Problems at Lover’s Rock
On Bowen Road in Hong Kong you will find the famous “Lover’s Rock”, which is fabled to possess magical love and romance powers. It is decorated with beautiful red drapery, and is even the subject of a yearly festival every August held in honour of its magic, the “Maiden’s Festival”. Visitors to the Lover’s Rock bring offerings to appease the gods in hopes that this will improve their love life, and young unmarried girls come here to pray for a husband.
Think outside the box when visiting China, as there are many unusual and unique adventures to be had in this fascinating country.
Jim Dean is an enthusiastic travel writer who loves to find the slightly different tourist attractions. He also works for Etihad Airways who offer flights to China and Beijing.
