The People's Republic of China (China for short) is the third largest country in terms of territory area. Boasts of its long history and unique culture, China attracts numerous people to discover. Also, in this vast land, there are gallant mountains and rivers, and numerous rare plants, animals and historic relics. All these have attracted the world people come to explore every year.



Fast Facts of China


Location: In the east part of Asia, and west of the Pacific Ocean. It borders 14 countries including North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Laos, and Vietnam.
Territory: Land Area: 9,600,000 sq km. Sea Area: 4,730,000 sq km. The land area includes the mainland of China, its coastal islands, Taiwan, Diaoyu Island and its appendant islands.
Population: About 1.3 billion at the end of 2004.
Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the standard language. Also there are many local dialects and other languages used by ethnic minorities.
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianism are believed by a small part of the people. Most people are atheist.
Ethnic Groups: There are 56 ethnic groups in all. Han Chinese is the largest group that accounts for 91.59% of the whole Chinese population.
Climate: There is considerable climatic variation from the north China to its south part. Most part of China is monsoon climate.
From October to the next March, most parts of China are cold and dry. From April to September, it is high in temperature and rainy.
Capital City and Other Important Cities: Beijing is the capital city. Guilin, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xian, and Tibet are some famous tourist cities of China.
Important Festivals: Traditional festivals are Spring Festivals, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival. Public festivals include the New Year's Day, Labor Day, National Day and Children's Day. In addition, different minorities have different festivals as well.



Famous Attractions in China


Referring to the attractions in China, there are too numerous to mention one by one. Following are some highlight of Chinese scenic spots for you to visit.

China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List: The Great Wall, Xian Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Mt. Taishan, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, Old Town of Lijiang, Summer Palace, and Potala Palace.

Historical Relics: Silk Road, Forbidden City, Peking Man Site, and Yin Ruins.
Five Most Famous Mountains: Mt. Taishan in Shandong, Mt. Hengshan in Hunan, Mt. Hengshan in Shanxi, Mt. Huashan in Shaanxi, and Mt. Songshan in Henan.
Rivers: Yangtze River, Li River and the Grand Canal.
Ancient Towns and Cities: Wuzhen Town, Pingyao Old City, and Dali Old Town.

Other attractions in China include those of unique ethnic group flavors such as the Longsheng Yinshui Dong Village and the Baimian Yao Village in Guanxi which offer you a chance to experience the unique culture of Chinese Ethnic Groups. Don't miss them.