Make tracks further afield

For those inspired by the feats of athleticism on show at the Games, Huangshan is a good place to test their physical fitness. The Huangshan Mountain, another World Heritage Site, is known for its unrivaled natural scenery featuring peculiarly shaped rocks and majestic pine trees. Villages in the nearby area, such as Xidi and Hongcun, are living museums of ancient Huizhou culture. Hongcun was featured in the 2001 Hollywood blockbuster Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

For those with more than a week at their disposal, a trip further north to Beijing should be on the cards.

As China's capital city, Beijing is the country's political and cultural center, home to a number of the nation's historical landmarks, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. Above all, fall is about the best season to enjoy the city.

The only challenge lies in acquiring train or air tickets for the trips. As the Asian Games coincides with the National Day holiday, the traditional peak season for domestic travel, tickets are in high demand for both planes and trains. Travelers can apply for a ticket for the latter by signing up to the waiting list through the official rail booking app, or calling 12306. The chance of getting one just prior to departure can be as high as 75 percent, according to the rail authority. Once the holiday ends on Oct 6, though, tickets will be much easier to come by.

So plan ahead, get set and go.