Exhilarating adventure in scenic surroundings

Word to the wise: Come here during January and February to witness the magnificent ice festival. The many ice sculptures and the frozen waterfall give this park an ethereal feel.

Eighty kilometres north of Beijing lies Longqing Gorge Scenic Area, a destination admired for its fine grottos, flowers, temples and waterfalls. Here it is possible to bungee jump from a 58-metre-high platform, where experienced instructors and certified equipment will guarantee your safety.

Longqing Gorge is worth a visit even if you're not planning on bungee-jumping off a cliff. The park also offers horseback tours, river cruises, climbing and hiking. Use public transport to get here: take bus 919 from the Deshengmen Bus Station, then change to the 920 bus at the Yanqing Bus Station. On the weekends, tourist bus 8 from Andingmen and Qianmen Bus Stations will also do the trick.