China
China covers around 9.6 million square kilometers, making it the 2nd largest country by land area. It has the world’s largest population and is one of the biggest economies, known as the largest exporter and 2nd largest importer of goods. It is a country with a rich cultural history, home to one of the earliest ancient civilizations dating back to around 2800 BC. Its landscape is highly diverse, from northern deserts and forest steppes to southern subtropical forests and a 14,500 km Pacific coastline—making China an exciting place with both a strong past and present.
Quick Facts
Climate
Because China is very large, its climate varies across regions. In general, it has dry seasons and wet monsoon periods, with most rain falling between May and September (less predictable in the northwest). Seasons also affect temperature: summers are warm in most areas, while winters can be very cold—especially in northern China.
The Monsoon
In China, the monsoon begins in the south around April–May. It then moves north in June, bringing rain to northern areas by July–August. The rainy season starts to end in September and usually finishes by October. The northwest is the only region that mostly avoids the monsoon climate.
Culture
China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with over 3,600 years of history. It has 56 ethnic groups, led by the Han majority, creating rich cultural diversity across regions. China is governed by the Chinese Communist Party and is officially atheist, but recognizes five religions—Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism—while traditional beliefs like Confucianism are widely practiced.
Cultural Heritage and Ethnic Diversity
China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with over 3,600 years of written history. It is home to 56 ethnic groups, including the Han majority and minorities such as Tibetans and Mongols, creating rich cultural diversity across regions
Political System and Religion
China is governed by the Chinese Communist Party and is officially atheist. However, it recognizes five religions—Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism—and traditional beliefs like Taoism and Confucianism are widely practiced.test
Food
China has 8 main styles of traditional cuisine, with a wide variety of food found across the country, including some international influences. Staple ingredients include rice, noodles, vegetables, and flavorful sauces. A common food philosophy is “waste not, want not,” meaning many parts of ingredients are used, which may feel unfamiliar to some visitors. Food varies by region: the south uses more rice and tends to be spicier, while the north relies more on wheat, with noodles and dumplings being common. Popular dishes include sweet and sour pork, Gong Bao chicken, Ma Po tofu, dumplings, wontons, chow mein, Peking duck, and spring rolls.
Chinese Cuisine Overview
China has 8 main styles of traditional cuisine, offering a wide variety of flavors and cooking methods. You can also find international influences such as Southeast Asian and Western dishes.
Popular Dishes
Well-known dishes include sweet and sour pork, Gong Bao chicken, Ma Po tofu, dumplings, wontons, chow mein, Peking duck, and spring rolls.
Explore Tours in China
Guangxi Rural Teaching
Culture Week
Huidong Turtle Conservation
