5 China Incredibles Missing From Your Bucket List

We call these the “Incredibles” because that most aptly describes the sensation you have when you experience them. They are China with a twist or off the beaten path. You can put your hand to the Great Wall or zip through Old Shanghia in the sidecar of a 1930s BMW M71 motorcycle. In Chinese, Kao Gu refers to the study of antiquities. Ruins, ancient sites and legenPingyaods of lost cities have long captivated archeologists, history buffs, world travelers and cultural enthusiasts. China is a delightful kaleidoscope of the past and the future – often in the same breath.

1. Wild Great Wall – Contribute to the restoration of the Great Wall
Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese civilization, and one of the wonders of the world.  Section of their magnificent monument are key national cultural relics, protected under the approval of the State Council in 1961.  UNESCO later listed this as a World Cultural Heritage Site.  Certain segments have also been included in the New Seven Wonders of the World.  The Great Wall is like a strong dragon winding its way along the mountain ridges.  Travel to an area where you have the unique opportunity to contribute to the restoration of this magnificent monument by personally placing a brick in the wall. China’s Canal Cities features this and more adventures.

2. Pingyao – One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the known world
Pingyao’s old town, the Rishengcan Bank, and Antique Street are well worth discovering for yourself.  During the Qing Dynasty, Pingyao was a financial center in China. Its history stretches back over some 2,700 years. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the known world. A UNESCO World Heritage, the city has preserved Ming- and Qing-style residences that number close to 4,000. The streets and storefronts largely retain their historical appearance. In 1986, China designated Pingyao as one of the Chinese Historic and Cultural Cities.  Explore China’s Captivating Visions & Timeless Horizons.

3. Xi’an – Xi’an City Museum
In addition to the seeing the breathtaking scale of the Terra Cotta Warriors, add a once-in-a-lifetime tour of a private room in the museum. Should special permission be granted, you will be provided a pair of special gloves and allowed special access to hold the relics within the private restoration room.  Kao Gu China offers fascinating opportunities to get off the well-trod pathways.

4. Zhangjiajie & AVATAR the Movie 
Yellow Stone Mountain has a cable car that climbs up the mountain, where the views encompass some of the most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes in China.  In the area, you see the origin of floating Mountain from the movie AVATAR. West of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Huangshizhai, (Yellow Stone Stronghold), is the biggest observation platform in the area region with an elevation of 1,080 meters/3,543 and an area of 16.5 hectares/40 acres. The peculiar peaks or stone shapes form distinctive landmarks such as TianShuBaoXia (a treasure box containing a book from heaven); WuHaiShenGui (tortoise exploring in the fog sea); and XiTianMen (West Heaven Door) – all in an exhibition of nature’s incredible artwork. Craft your own ideal China journey. Visit Custom China including Tibet for more ideas.

5. Shanghai – Old Tech/New Tech
Travelers can discover old Shanghai from the sidecar of a replica of a 1930s BMW M71 motorcycle, driven by a professional guide. At the end of WWII, the BMW factory was moved from Eastern Germany to Siberia. During the 1950s, the technology was transferred to China under the name of Changjiang. The mechanics have hardly been modified in the past 50 years, which make the bikes unique and the most appropriate time machine to discover the streets of Shanghai.  On the New Tech side is the Shanghai Maglev Train. This is the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. The magnetic levitation train, or maglev, has a top operational commercial speed of 431 km/h/268 mph, making it the world’s fastest train in regular commercial service. These experiences can be included in our China adventure.