As more and more Westerners are embarking upon holidays to Asia, China has become a front-runner in Asian tourism, especially after the Beijing Summer Olympic Games in 2008 bolstered the country’s image and infrastructure. If you’re a China newbie, you might want to opt to take a guided tour to get a sense of what the Middle Kingdom is all about.

Most China tours operate within the so-called “Golden Triangle” of China: a three-point destination tour that stops in Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an and gives tourists a chance to see the major highlights that China has to offer. Of course, if you are a China junkie or a little more adventurous, you’ll find plenty of more in-depth tours through off-the-beaten-track spots in China, as well as chances for independent travel and backpacking.

To get a sense of what one of these tours might be like, we’ll consider this hypothetical itinerary. Though each tour operator offers a slightly different take on the “Golden Triangle” itinerary, most hit one or all of these stops during their basic tour packages.

Beijing
As the capital city of China, Beijing offers plenty of historic sites and shopping opportunities, including a chance to see the majestic red-tiled roofs of the Imperial Palace and the sprawling gardens of the Summer Palace. The Great Wall of China can also be visited from Beijing, as its most popular access points are only a few hours from the city.

Shanghai
China’s most western city, Shanghai has long held elusive power over foreigners. Tourists to China will get a sense of the country’s modern development in the ever-growing skyline of high rises, and learn about China’s colonial history along the European promenade - the Bund.

Xi’an
The famous Terracotta Warrior Army was unearthed just outside of Xi’an and is often included on “Wonders of the World” lists. Xi’an was also an ancient capital of China, and visitors can check out the historic city wall, as well as the city’s vibrant Muslim quarter, which offers great shopping and food.

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