By Anne-Marie Dingemans
When thinking about China, often images of its long, rich history filled with mysterious temples, the great wall and omnipotent emperors flash before one's eyes. The politically-inclined may remember Tianamen Square and the issues concerning Human Rights. Also, China currently receives a lot of attention thanks to its phenomenal economic growth of the last couple of years.
However, China as a destination for nature-lovers may not be the first thing one thinks of, but when contemplating the idea, it's only logical that China, due to its sheer size has many surprises to offer those who are willing and able to explore different parts of the country. I enjoy being surprised, so I went on a little exploring trip (in the mind, not in the flesh, unfortunately!).
China has a variety of climates within its borders. There are the mountainous areas (the Himalaya!), tropical lowlands in the South-East, arid Mongolian plains and lush, rolling plains in the center. China truly offers something interesting for all tastes and preferences.
China fortunately does try to protect its national treasures. It has 187 National Parks and in addition also 243 National Nature Reserves, 627 National Forest Parks, 192 National Water Parks, 138 National Geoparks, 2 National Wetlands Parks, 10 National Urban Wetlands Parks, and 28 National Mineparks. And we're not even talking about Regionally protected areas! 4 of these areas are even classified as World Heritage sites. These are the Huanglong, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Wulingyuan and the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan.
Of course distances are enormous and some areas are best visited at certain times of the year, but one can easily set up a trip that encompasses a great variety of scenery all within China, then throw some culture and history into it along the way, a day or so shopping in Beijing or Hong Kong, and there you have a pretty perfect holiday if you ask me. Happy Traveling!
Comments