Acrobatic Arts Chinese acrobatics have come a long way. They remain as one of the most popular art forms in China and have gone through extensive evolution and development to reach their current level and fame. Challenging acts have been developed - 'Flying Trident', 'Balancing Chairs', 'Trick with Jars', 'Hoop-Diving' and 'Traditional Conjuring' are all equally intriguing performances not to be missed. In addition, there are Wushu, Diabolo Skills and the famous Lion Dance, all conceived from folk sports and games. If you are in China this is a definite MUST SEE activity to add to any visitors list.

Bowling (Ho Chi Minh City) Saigon Superbowl located at 43A Truong Son, Tan Binh District is the place to go for this excellent family entertainment Give them a call on: 84+8+885 0188 ext 20 or go there or visit the Bowling Centre located at 285B Cach Mang Thang Tam, District 10. Their telephone number is: Tel : 84+8+864 3784

Biking 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 rusty old local 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.

Bathing Beaches Qingdao like many other areas within China boasts many fine sand beaches along its long winding coast. Altogether there are seven beaches in the urban area. Huiquan Bathing Beach, is 800 m. long and is equipped with sharkproof nets and all the necessary facilities. Badaguan Scenic Area used to be popular with political figures, such as Chairman Mao and other central government officials and is a good beach. Number Three Bathing Beach of 400 m. long is located on the east end of Taiping Cape near the convalescent area. Zhanqiao Bathing Beach, is close to the city center. The bathing beach at the Shilaoren National Holiday Resort is 2,600 meters long. Most coastal areas throughout China have lovely beaches for visitors to enjoy as well as those mentioned abopve in the Qingdao area.

Camping can be done just about anywhere you can find a patch of grass with enough space to pitch a tent. This can be a very useful way to spend the night if you happen to be cycling your way around China and can't make it to the hotel by nightfall.

Camel Rides are popular in Inner Mongolia and in the deserts around Dunhuang (Gansu Province)...and yes, one can feel 'sea-sick' on these animals, this is one reason why they are known as 'ships of the desert'...it's all down to their movement. Despite this though camel riding is a wonderful way to view the surrounding area and see everything from a 'higher' perspective than on foot.

Caving particularly in the south-west provinces, can be a lot of fun - but be prepared to get wet and muddy.

Greyhound Racing This thrilling track sport is an exciting way to spend an afternoon either gambling or just enjoying the speed and agility of the animals as they gallop around their track as fleet footed as racehorses.

Go-Karting can be done in Shenzen at the Matelong Racing Club on Jianshe Road as well as other areas in China. This is another sport that all but the youngest family members can enjoy as the karts are easily operated by anyone who can reach the foot pedals.

Golf and China go hand in hand. This sport has to be one of the more popular in the country and courses can be found all over the China.

Hash House Harriers If you like running (and drinking beer...though not at the same time) then join in one of the HHH fun runs. It's a great way to get to meet the locals and a good way to discover parts of Ho Chi Minh City that you didn't know existed. Contact John Bennet on 842 0594 or 845 7594 for more information on this social activity or go and meet them at the Caravelle Hotel every Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Hiking Due to various restrictions and the need for permits for just about everything off the beaten track in China, hikers can carry on regardless without having to obtain one, 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.

Horse Riding in the hills of Xinjiang and west of Beijing can be a beautiful way to spend the day and can be a real family affair as it's one sport that even the littlies can enjoy. Most main centres offer this sporting pastime and generally it's reasonably priced.

Horse Racing As with most countries that have horses, this is one sport that never fails to draw the crowds.

Ice Skating can be done on many lakes throughout China in the winter months and in Beijing's it's very popular though Westerners are advised to bring their own boots especially if you wear a size larger than 4 or 5.

Kite Flying When there's wind, the kites will fly...Chinese kites come in a variety of different and colourful forms, ranging from simple square kites to elaborate five or six meter long centipede and dragon kites, each vying with the other in beauty and fascination. If you want to join in, kites are sold all over China or you can make your own and compete with the best of them.

Martial Arts such as T'ai Chi are popular throughout China and even if you don't want to join in on the action the various forms of this sport always makes for entertaining viewing.

Mountaineering With nine of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in China, including the two highest (Mt. Everest and K2) and countless others above 6,000 meters in height, China has been the focal point of mountaineers around the world for years. Please be aware though that as with many sports in China, permits need to be obtained if you aren't going with an organised group that has been arranged with a Chinese mountaineering company before hand.

Opera Beijing has the most famous opera houses in China out of the 300 or more throughout China. There are performances of traditional opera in virtually every town. A visit to the Chinese opera is a relaxed affair and occasionally quite noisy. There is no need for your evening dress and tie when visitring an opera house, unlike the West normal neat day clothes will do.

Rappeling as well as river rafting and trekking is available near Dalat. There are 4 or 5 different programs and treks where travellers overnight in hill tribe villages in the Dalat area. Dalat is easily accessible for independent travelers from Saigon. It is a journey of around 300 km and takes approximately 6-7 hours by bus or one hour by plane.

Sailing is a popular water sport in China and one that the whole family can enjoy. The clubs to contact if you want to know more are: The Chinese Yachting Association, 9 Tiyuguan Road, Beijing 100763, China. Tel: + 86 10 67113677/84. or the Chinese Taipei Yachting Association, Room 1110, 11th Floor, 20 Chu Lun Street, Taipei, Taiwan ROC, Chinese Taipei Telephone: + 886 2 2775 7596

Scuba diving (as well as windsurfing) is available through the Ana Mandara Resort in Nha Trang, which distinguishes itself as Vietnam's nicest beach. Scuba diving is offered by the Blue Diving Club, which has French and British qualified instructors. All equipment is supplied by the club. Catamarans, sail boats, water skis, jet skis and parasailing are also available at Nha Trang. Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang takes 10-12 hours by road or train and about an hour by plane.

Skiing (downhill and cross-country) can be done in the North-east provinces and around Beijing. Again as with ice - skating Westerners with big feet may have to bring their own boots.

T'ai 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.

White - water Rafting is an increasingly popular sport in China but it, like mountaineering requires permits unless you have made your rafting arrangements through a reputable rafting company.

Other Activities for the less active there are pastimes such as Chinese language study, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, brush painting and music, all of which have training outlets in every major city in China.