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China is a big country with a long history, but the land and its full heritage are only gradually coming to life. While we all know famous Chinese archaeological and historical sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City/Palace Museum and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an. However, there are numerous other sites worth exploring, some easily accessible, some requiring a bit more effort.

1. The Yizhou Fossil and Geology Park may be the best little museum you’ve never heard of. Located in southwestern Liaoning province, a longish bus ride or drive from Beijing, this park is a Sino-European joint venture, and was established in an area of significant dinosaur and other fossil finds. The park’s designers have painstakingly recreated the plant and lake life as it would have been millions of years ago. The museum’s manmade lake started out with five species that were imported to it; it is now home to at least 14 types of plants and animals have that gradually found its environment to be very attractive. Here’s what you didn’t know: the Yizhou Park is home to the world’s oldest flower fossil, and the world’s oldest mammal fossil. Not too bad for a place only a half-day’s drive from big cities like Shenyang and Beijing.

2. China’s rivers. Need some fresh air and sunshine? China’s got lots of both. Take a trip down south and experience real adventure rafting some of the country’s most famous rivers. Although hydroelectric projects have tamed many of the nation’s biggest waterways, others still remain wild, or have raftable rapids depending on dam and weather conditions. Rivers such as the Nu, the Jinsha, and even the Yangtze (Chang Jiang) provide opportunities for serious river running for both the experienced rafter and for those heading out for the very first time.

Last Descents Expeditions provides seasonal trips to these areas, and also organizes special expeditions for scientists and specialists wishing to visit certain areas that are accessible only from the water. The company is also affiliated with the China Rivers Project, a non-governmental organization dedicated to educating people about the value of wild rivers and the issues surrounding dam-generated hydroelectric power.

3. Above and under water. China is one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, although not for scuba divers and other watersports recreation enthusiasts. That may be set to change. For example, cave divers are increasing interested in unexplored areas of China. The beautiful limestone hills that surround Guilin tell seasoned spelunkers (people who explore caves) that large cave systems are probably waiting underneath.

Other areas are emerging, including diving on a section of the Great Wall about four hours northeast of Beijing. SinoScuba leads trips there during the summer. Hainan Island, especially around Sanya, remains the number one dive destination in China, although it faces tough competition from Thailand and the Philippines.

Hainan has also emerged as China’s surfing capital. Each year, China’s top surfing competition takes place in November in Hainan, attracting surfers from all over the region, alogn with people who just like to party on the beach. For surfing lessons without having to go all the way to Hawaii, try Surfing Hainan, now the country’s leading surf instruction outfit.