Introduction

China lies in the eastern part of Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean. It has a land mass of 3,706,580 square miles.The vast territory of China extends 5,500 km from the centerline of the main navigation channel of the Heilong River north of the Mohe Town in Heilongjiang Province to the Zengmu Reef of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea. From west to east, it measures about 5,200 km, stretching from the Pamirs in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the place where the main navigation channels of the Heilong and Wusuli rivers meet.

China is the most populous country in the world, and its population makes up about 21 percent of the worlds total. China is a united multi­ethnic nation of 56 ethnic groups, such as the Han, Mongolian, Hui, Tibetan, Uygur, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Bouyei, Korean, Manchu, Dong and Yao people. The majority of the population is Han ethnic group, accounting for about 92 percent of the nation’s total population. China is a country with various religions. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity have all developed in China.

China is made up of 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four municipalities directly under the Central Government, and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

The official language in China is Mandarin (Putonghua in Chinese). Chinese is one of the six working languages designated by the United Nations.

Best time to visit The best time to visit northern China is in the spring from April to June and in autumn from September to November. Southern China is a wonderful place to visit all year round.

Top Buys
It is better to buy at department stores with clearly displayed prices. There are several “must buys” in China, including:
1.Silk
2.Pearl
3.Embroidery
4.Chinese Painting and Calligraphy
5.Traditional-dress
6.Tea

Key Word
Hello/How are you/How do you do: Ni Hao.
My name is ***/I’m ***: Wo Shi ***.
Thanks: Xie Xie.
How much: Duo Shao Qian?
Too expensive: Tai Gui Le.
I don’t understand: Wo Ting Bu Dong.
I don’t know: Wo Bu Zhi Dao.
Goodbye: Zai Jian.

FAQ
For more information visit www.tourismchina.org

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