Top 7 Places to Go Rafting in China

Although it would be nice to explore China and learn more about its very long and illustrious history, culture, and heritage, there’s more to the country than museums. It has one of the most varied natural resources that outdoor activities can also be extremely fun, thrilling, and challenging. One of these is drifting. There are a lot of great places where you can do it, and your choice depends on the kind of experience you wish to get in the end.

Here are some of the best rafting destinations in the country:

1. Mount Wuyi

Mount Wuyi is actually a very large scenic area that is home to several endemic species of plants and animals. It is also made up of folk buildings and a canyon that shares its name. It is the canyon where you can practice drifting in the waters. The entire drift can span for more than 5 kilometers and several hours depending on the condition of the waters. Normally, though, it starts out placid and peaceful until you get to pass through the narrows that are found in between the cliffs. This is where the adventure really begins. Overall, drifting in Mount Wuyi allows you to fully enjoy the waters as well as the surroundings, especially the canyons that can stand for more than 150 meters.

Address: Nanping, Fujian, China

3. Wu Pai River Rafting

Guilin is known to be one of the best places to be in if you’re looking for calm and nature. In fact, the sceneries are incredibly amazing it’s a well-loved area for photographers especially during the fall when the colors of the trees change and the weather is just too perfect for a lot of biking and walking.

Nevertheless, it’s also an awesome place to drift. The Wu Pai River is definitely not for the faint of heart as there are a lot of rocks and cascades to go through. But then again, isn’t an adventure what you’re looking for when you decided to ride the drift? The entire ride can take around 3 to 5 hours, especially since the entire length is around 30 kilometers. If you don’t want a ride, though, you can just watch the competitions, which are common among the rapids of the Wu Pai River.

4. Yangshuo Bamboo Rafting

Can’t get enough of Guilin? Here’s another type of adventure you can get into. In a village known as Yangshuo are rivers known as Li and Yulong. In here, most of the fisherfolk actually ride a bamboo raft, and sometimes they bring along cormorants with them to help them catch fish. But they’re also open to giving you a ride. The starting points can happen at any part of the river. The entire ride also depends on you, so it’s possible that the entire trip lasts for as short as 30 minutes and for as long as 3 to 5 hours. Simply tell the driver where you’re planning to go or the sceneries.

Address: Yangshuo, Guilin

5. Mekong River Rafting

Mekong River is known to be the body of water that feeds Vietnam, but what a lot of people don’t know is that it also has a direct connection to China. In fact, there are three large rivers that tend to run parallel in one section of the Yunnan province of China. A portion of the huge river, therefore, becomes an excellent place to try white water rafting. Keep in mind that the current can be pretty strong, so it’s best to be done with a professional. Needless to say, it’s something you wouldn’t mind going through since you’ll be rewarded with some of the best natural views including mountain peaks adorned with snow caps.

Address: northwest Yunnan, China

6. Minjiang River Rafting

You begin the entire ride around Min Mountain. The rafting adventure definitely follows the exact flow of the river, so while you can marvel at the beauty of the surrounding canyons, you can also feel your adrenaline all pumped up. Before the ride ends, you then have to pass through the Dujiang Dam, where you’re going to make that incredible leap.

Address: Qianlixue, Min Mountain, Qiangzhai County, Chengdu

7. Shapotou Rafting

Rafting through Shapotou can be pretty daunting, especially since you’ll be onboard a raft that is made of only a sheepskin. But that makes it a very interesting and unique experience—plus you get to see one of the biggest deserts in the country and enjoy a fantastic ride on a camel.

Address: Shapotou, Zhongwei County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region