Lifestyle

In the past five years South Africa has seen a consistent increase of Chinese visitors. In 2013, more than 150,000 Chinese tourists visited South Africa, an increase of 14.7 percent year on year, making China South Africa's fourth largest tourist source country.

What do Chinese find to attract them in this distant country? This year is The Year of South Africa in China. For those who plan a trip to explore this great country at such a special time, ChinAfrica presents a brief glimpse of the charm of South Africa and some of its must-see attractions:

Natural Beauty- South Africa is blessed with spectacular scenery and natural landscapes - soaring mountain peaks and passes, dense and ancient forests, miles of unspoiled coastline, rivers to sooth or thrill you, and rolling flower fields and grasslands of every hue. Places to be still, places to inspire you, places to explore or to simply revel in the joyous gift of nature.

Wildlife- Safari in South Africa is up-close and as wild as it gets. Go on a game drive, a bush walk, or even a horse-ride or veterinary safari, for an authentic, even life-changing wildlife adventure. At the finest award-winning safari lodges in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, the bush equals bliss. Luxury on call, impeccable service and cuisine, soothing spa's and superlative wildlife encounters add up to safari adventures that will exceed your wildest expectations.

Rainbow Nation- The Rainbow Nation celebrates all its African and immigrant cultures. Experiencing cultural interactions in South Africa is really inspiring. Whether you spend a day in a Zulu village or a city township; or a week in a Xhosa household or escape to a typical South African farm, you'll find South Africans are friendly and their day-to-day lifestyles and customs accessible.

Struggle Sites- South Africa's struggle for democracy continues to inspire and touch the lives of millions. Discover a nation's struggle for freedom whilst following the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, Hector Pieterson and many other celebrated revolutionaries through visiting the top apartheid struggle sites and museums and be a part of the long road to freedom. It will motivate you to see the world around you through different eyes.

Wine & Cuisine- With wine regions stretching from the western to the far northern Cape Province and to the edge of the Karoo, you can almost taste your way around South Africa. And don't miss the food - from traditional comfort food to Michelin-star dining; a hearty township shebeen buffet or a gourmet banquet beneath a star-strewn African sky,

Urban Rhythm- Feel the energy of the cities, catch the beat of Afro-pop, hip-hop or jazz at a township shebeen or all-night club. Play in casinos, visit museums and be entertained in theaters.

Top Attractions in South Africa

» Cape Town & Cape Peninsula

Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula up to Cape Point are famous for scenic beauty, celebrity beaches, Table Mountain, whale-watching, world-class shopping, nightlife, food and wine and a laid-back atmosphere.

» The Winelands

Discover the joys of the award-winning wines and cuisine along any of the beautiful Cape wine routes, taking you through green valleys and historic towns.

» Garden Route

Known as South Africa's Eden, the famous Garden Route traverses an area rich in natural beauty and charm, attracting adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

» Johannesburg

South Africa's pulsating African heartbeat is felt in the "City of Gold" with its endless opportunities for shopping, entertainment, freedom tours and eating out.

» Kruger National Park

This world-renowned park of nearly 2 million hectares features 16 eco-systems. Spot the Big Five (lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard) on a 4x4 game drive or walking safari.

» Durban beachfront

For those with fun and sun on their minds, South Africa's sunshine city has something for the whole family - golden beaches, surfing and a marine park.

» Robben Island

The island's most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, has turned this institute of brutality into a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship.

» Soweto

South Africa's largest and most famous township was a hotbed of anti-apartheid activity. Visit Freedom Struggle sites and eat at a shebeen or township restaurant.

» Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Most famous for God's Window, the panoramic splendor of the Blyde River Canyon makes it ideal for scenic drives and hiking trails.

» Wild Coast

Rugged and untamed, the Wild Coast offers deserted beaches, dolphins, horseback and hiking trails, cozy hotels, golf, gambling, mystical history, Xhosa heritage and the Hole-in-the-Wall.

To celebrate The Year of South Africa in China, South African Tourism China announced the new theme for 2014 - "Inspiring New Ways, Embracing New Travel Styles" by introducing three new ways for tourists to appreciate the beauty of South Africa:

South African cruises- On cruise trips, tourists could cross the great oceans on these luxury ships, appreciating the breathtaking beauty of the ocean while enjoying a unique experience at sea.

South Africa by road- South Africa is also an amazing self-drive destination. The world famous Garden Route is perfectly suited for self-drive tours with its flora fauna, beautiful towns and ample tourist resources.

South Africa by luxury rail- South Africa has prestigious luxury trains, like the world famous Blue Train and Rovos Rail. Chinese tourists can leisurely experience world-class service on these pleasant luxurious rail trips.