China is improving its infrastructure for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, which is likely to accentuate the paradoxes between old and new in the capital city.

A visit to Beijing's historic sights, such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, can provide a good starting point to an active holiday in China.

Opportunities for cycling and trekking abound. Seyon Asia organises marathons and adventure races.

The authorities are planning to prohibit activities on the Great Wall of China itself to prevent further deterioration of the structure. But visitors should still be able to walk along it.

You can see the Great Wall from the Trans-Siberian express train, which you can catch from Beijing to Russia. And you will soon be able to take the train to Tibet along the world's highest railway.

Beijing is also a good starting point for a journey along the so-called 'Silk Road', for a trip to see Pandas or for a cruise along the Yangtze River before the Three Gorges dam is completed in 2009 and changes the face of the river forever.

You can teach English in China, find a work placement or join a cookery class.

For more information visit the China National Tourist Office website: www.cnto.org