CHINA
Chung-hua-jen-min kung-he-kuo or China the People’s Republic is located in central and eastern Asia overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it includes some offshore islands; the country has borders with a dozen nations namely the USSR, Mongolia, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Burma, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It is the biggest nation in Asia but third biggest globally.
The interior of China is extremely mountainous. Many of the ranges follow a west-east direction and to the east the altitude decreases and the mountains merge into rolling hills and lowlands. In the far west is the Pamir Range, known as ‘the roof of the world’. From the Pamirs three main mountain systems extend east wards. The Tien Shan and Altay ranges follow the northern border. The central part of western China is dissected by the vast Kunlun Shah while the lofty Karakoram and Himalayas ranges rise in the south. Between the Kunlun Shah and the Himalayas is the bleak Tibetan Plateau which is around 4000 meters above sea level. This wind swept region is four times as large as France. Lower mountain ranges fringe the south-eastern coast of China.
The largest lowland is the Great China Plain in the east. This is the most fertile and also the most densely populated part of the whole country. Most Chinese river drain into the Pacific; China has numerous lakes are mostly found along the rivers in the eastern part of the country while salt lakes abound in areas of inland drainage.
Hot and cold deserts cover more than half of the total area of China. Forests make up about 15%, pasture about 20%, and arable land only 13%
By and large the most important crop is rice, of which China is the world’s largest producer. The country is also a major producer of barley, cotton, groundnuts, jute, maize, millet, pears, pineapples, soya bean, tea, tobacco, and wheat. Mountain farmers use yak as beasts of burden while desert peoples use camels. Seri-culture fishing and forestry are all major activities.
The major cities are Shanghai, Tientsin, Canton, Mukden, and Wuhan. Lhasa the administrative center of the Tibetan Autonomous Region lies 3660 m above sea level.
The highest elevation is Everest on the Nepal border.
Chief rivers are Chang Jiang or Yangtze, Huang He (yellow), Sui Kiang (Sikiang)
The largest lake is Qinghai (Ching Hai, Kuku Nor)
THE CAPITAL
Peking is the capital city. Its Tiananmen Square is globally famous for its mammoth size in the center of the capital city. It is also synonymous as the venue for showing dissent. At any time of the day people can be seen taking leisure walks or children flying kites here at present times. Nearby is Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. The most amazing thing to see here is that the chairman is freeze preserved every night and the next day on display again. In the middle of the square is the huge 125 ft. Monument to the People’s Heroes in memory of those who sacrificed teir life in revolutionary zeal. Other places that can be visited from here are the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park.
CLIMATE
Climate is highly varied; the greatest part of mainland China lies within the temperate zone; the south is in the subtropical zone; and part of the south coast and offshore islands are in the tropics. In north it is Sub-arctic.
HISTORY
China is regarded as the earliest civilization dating back to 50,000 BC. They went through all the stages of development like Iron Age etc. It was in 1800 BC that the tradition of king as a ruler was established with Shang dynasty. Hence forth it is a story of scientific progress internal strife, and palace maneuvers and dynasty change until 1911 when military took over the reigns of the region and called it Republican China. The unrest did not recede with the new governess; till 1949 the country was in the clutches of unrest and utter confusion prevailed. October 1, 1949 the People’s Republic of China was created under Mao Zedong. The same fundamental functions till today.
POPULATION
The nation compromises of Han Chinese, Zhuang, Miao, Uygur, Mongolian, Yi, Tibetian Korean, Buyi, and other minorities and nationals.
The religion in practice is Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam and Taoism.
Chinese or Mandarin or pu tong hua is has the official status among languages; other local dialects such as Yue, Hakka, Minbei, Wu, Gan, Minnan are extensively used.
The currency for transaction is Renminbi
TOURISM
More than 4000 miles long 2000 years old the Great Wall of China, the biggest of its kind in the world was built during the 3rd century BC to keep the enemies at bay. Its outlay has strategically built forts and towers for sentinel supervision of the surrounding area. Tourists visit the site out of admiration for this one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a heritage site. The serpentine wall crawls through geographical topology of deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus from east end of the nation to the west end. Its is impossible to cover the entire stretch of the wall on a visit; the special guided tours available cover the best portion making it interesting and an exploration of the past.
The Forbidden City or the Palace Museum is located in the middle of the old Beijing; its importance can be judged by the fact that once construction concluded in 14 years it remained the abode of Emperors for 500 years. The structure is protected by 20 ft. abyssal trench; the wooden sculptures are beautiful. Since 1949 it is not open to public viewing.
A trip to the nation is incomplete without seeing The Grand Buddha or Da Fo in Leshan city Sichuan province. It is an artfully prepared 233 ft. statue in 90 years out of a cliff. The stone carving especially of the hair is almost like real.
If you happen to be in the western Beijing must see the Bronze Big Bell Temple with 20ft height massive bell of 50 ton; the outer shape is engrossed with scriptures. Its tong can be heard 25 miles away on New Year Day. Other temple in this area is White Cloud Temple. The Old Summer Palace a one time summer resort makes a good day’s outing with family and friends. Sail through the big lake in the premises and enjoy fishing in summers and skating in winters. Many young couples can be spotted here.
East Beijing attracts star gazers at the ancient Observatory. Cosmic gazing is possible at night.
The south of Beijing is Qianmen which has been a mute witness of the historical events is good for stroll as you admire the architecture of the past. Ox Street mosque attracts lot of devotees.
FOOD
Chinese food bring into the vision rice, noodle based dishes washed down by tea.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel accommodation 5-star descending into one star in China is plentiful. Then there are guest houses inns etc. the concept and decor of the accommodation may be with Chinese or modern theme. One limitation here is that all hotels are not permitted to accept foreign tourists. Star rated hotels do so; some of these are international chain or the domestic chain. Online booking through fax and over phone is possible. Communication with the staff may pose a problem because of language.
Nightlife is a mixed basket of events which includes acrobatic show, disco dancing and karaoke. Bars, pubs and operas are a common sight.
SHOPPING
Shopping in China means that the budget will outstrip the demand; its attractive, and abounds in variety. For near and dear ones bring back silk, tea, calligraphy, antique, and painting. The gem jade and pearls are very attractive.
Visit the fifth most sought after tourist haven and have a happy holiday.
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