The most popular tours include all the famous attractions. China is billed as a ‘cultural tour’ destination although there are many different themes that lend themselves to complete itineraries. These are increasingly accessible not just by organised groups but also for independent travellers.

Some of the themes that can be explored include:

Sports

With the recent and successful entry of China into the world of sports events (Tennis tournaments, Ski races, Football, Sailing, F1 motor racing and more), China's tourism industry is increasingly aware of the possibilities contained in sports tourism. Already many areas are developing new sports activities, a trend that is actively supported by the central government in the run up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Adventure:
China’s dramatic landscape and access to all kinds of terrain as well as a long sea line, make it an ideal location for adventure sports. Though not developed into a regulated industry, enthusiasts can engage in most adventure pursuits with help from local organisers. It is important in the case of organised events to secure permission from the local government and public security bureau.

Eco-Tourism:
There is no agreed definition of eco-tourism in China and this label is applied to many attractions and tours that have an element of nature in them. Chinese domestic tourism do not know what to expect and are happy with the operators’ definition as simply nature based tours. For serious eco-tourists, there are few options available. This is a an area where international advice and experience can make a real difference.

Soft Nature:
Hiking is popular in China and many nature reserves have organised, paved hiking routes. In fact sometimes all paths are paved with stones and concrete, with steps built into the mountain for easier climbing. This evolved from the demand of Buddhist pilgrims climbing up sacred mountains in China. The country side is often most accessible by cycling.

Religion:
China is home to many religions, though not all are officially sanctioned. Buddhism has the longest history as a pure religion while Confucianism is more a way of life than a religious dogma. Tibetan Buddhism is different to other forms of Buddhism practiced in India or the rest of China. Tibet itself has many sites of religious significance and pilgrimage routes that take the devout through sacred mountains and lakes. Many of the peaks in China are sacred to Buddhists.

Landmarks:
These are the must-see places of China starting in Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Sq, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven), Xian (Terracotta soldiers, Tomb of Qin Shihuang), Shanghai (modern China, Pudong financial district), Suzhou gardens, and Hangzhou (Western Lake). China has so many sites that time allows only a selection. Lesser known landmarks often may offer a more authentic experience, though the famous sites are popular for a reason!

Ancient History:
China is full of history but sadly much has been destroyed over time and through the zeal of the Red Guard during the Cultural Revolution. There are 31 sites inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List for their cultural or natural value to humanity. Through bad management, corruption and neglect many of the sites have suffered erosion and degradation. Tourism has a strong role to play in the protection of these places. If managed badly it will inevitably destroy the sites it relies on, but if managed well it will provide sustainable finance for the maintenance of the sites and education for the visitors.

Contemporary History:
Those interested in more contemporary history from the last two centuries also have much to see and visit in China. Guangzhou (Canton), Beijing (Pekin) and Nanjing (Nanking) were important trading and political centres in the past and this is still evident in their museums as well as back alleys and markets. Shanghai still retains much of its old glory as ‘Paris of the East’ on the Bund or in the French Concession area. Since officially early 19 century was a period of corruption and rampant capitalism, this resource is not developed in China.

Archaeology:
Even today archaeological findings can be made, although the vogue of Chinese artefacts on the world stage increases instances of looting and grave robbing. Not many sites remain intact today, but they are still full of history and represent a unique window into the distant past, into a rich and ancient culture that once was the most advanced in the world.

Cuisine:
A culinary visit to China for those who love Chinese food is unsurpassed. Combining traditional sightseeing with a maximum variety of Chinese food and cooking classes, such a tour will provide sightseeing to the palate as well as the eyes. Chinese food is based on the principles of Yin and Yang, balancing flavours and qualities of the ingredients to bring balance to the body and the mind through what we eat.

Minorities:
There are 56 official ethnic groups in China. About 8% of Chinese are non-Han (approximately 100 million people). Those with more than one million people are: Zhuang, Hui, Uyghur, Yi, Miao, Manchu, Tibetan, Mongolian, Tujia, Bouyei, Korean, Dong, Yao, Bai and Hani. There are in fact many sub-divisions of the groups into smaller ethnic tribes, based on differences in dialect, clothing and customs. Western China, in particular Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan, Xinjiang and Tibet, is home to most of the ethnic minorities of China.

Chinese medicine:
This science has been developed over thousands of years of recorded medical advancement. Western medicine only now is beginning to recognise the benefits of this medicine and realise that in many cases it is more effective than western cures, since it addresses the cause rather than the symptoms. While western medicine is available in China, it is always alongside the traditional approach. Many foreigners come to China just to study in its institutions. A tour based around Chinese Traditional medicine would include a visit to some of the most renowned schools, demonstrations of various techniques and a short course in one of several disciplines.

Alternative health: Taiji, Qigong and Martial Arts
China has developed various exercise and health techniques over several thousands of years. While Gong Fu has been made prominent in the west through famous actors like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chang, it is the gentler and slower schools of Taiji Quan and Qi Gong that are practiced all over China, especially by the older generation. It is common to see people in groups early in the morning, practicing in the parks and open spaces of China’s cities. While this has fallen out of favour with the young generation more used to gyms and health clubs, there is no doubting the health and concentration benefits of these techniques.