CHINA - General Information

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Location

THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA is the third largest country in the world in terms of area. It is situated in eastern Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, with an area of 9.6 million square kilometres. China's continental coastline extends for about 18,000km, and its vast sea surface is studded with more than 5,000 islands, of which Taiwan and Hainan are the largest. China has shared borders for centuries with Korea, the formerly Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam.

Geography

China's land drops off in the escarpments eastward to the ocean, letting in humid air currents and leading many rivers eastward. Among the rivers totalling 220,000 kilometres in length in China, the Yangtze and the Yellow are the two major ones.

China has a diversity of land formations including mountains, hills, highlands, plains and basins. The highlands and hill regions account for 65 percent of the country's land mass. The highest mountain peak is Qomolangma (Everest), 8,848 metres above sea level; the lowest point is the Turpan Basin, 154 metres below sea level.

Administration Unit

China is divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government, and two special administrative regions. The Capital of the People's Republic of China is Beijing.

The 23 provinces are Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Hainan.

The five autonomous regions are Inner-Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Guangxi and Tibet. The four municipalities are Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing. Hong Kong and Macao are special administrative regions.

History

China, with a recorded history of 5,000 years, was one of the world's earliest civilizations. China was one of the countries where economic activity first developed. As early as 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, people in the Yellow River valley had already started farming and raising livestock. In the 21st century B.C., China established a slave society with the founding of the Xia Dynasty, thereby writing a finale to long years of primitive society.

In 221 B.C., Qin Shihuang established China's first centralized autocracy, the Qin Dynasty, thereby ushering Chinese history into feudalism, which endured in a succession of dynasties until the Opium War of 1840.

The Bourgeois Democratic Revolution of 1911 led by Sun Yat-sen toppled the rule of the Qing Dynasty, putting an end to more than 2,000 years of feudal monarchical system.

The People's Republic of China was founded on October 1^st, 1949. Today, China is implementing reform and open polices, and has established a socialist market economy.

Population                   1,330,044,605 as of mid-2008

When to go

China's geographic area is slightly larger than the U.S.A; it covers similar latitudes, with the lion's share located in the temperate zone. This provides endless year-round variety for visitors to the country, from ice festivals in the north to tropical beach resorts in the south. Keep in mind the vast distances between destinations when planning your trip. Travelling, along the popular Golden Route (Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Guilin) is the rough equivalent of visiting Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Miami, all in one trip. Weather wise, Shanghai and Guangzhou's climates resemble those of US southeastern coastal states, while Beijing's climate is more like Chicago's.

While China is a year-round destination, the months of May, September, and October are ideal months for travel anywhere in the country. In the north, the winters are cold, and summers are warm, with moist monsoon air streams making it hot (80% of China's rainfall occurs between late May and early October, mostly in the Southern regions). June through August is a good time to visit central and northern China. Spring and autumn are the best months for travel in Southern China. The months of March and April are the lower-priced shoulder season; while the lowest price, off-season travel, is from November through the winter months. This is when adventuresome travellers are rewarded with unbelievably low prices and far fewer fellow tourists.

Where to go

Stretching more than 3,000 miles from the western shore of the Pacific Ocean across the face of Asia, China is a country of immense size and variety.

This vastness not only adds to the excitement of planning a trip to the country, but also to the dilemma of which cities and regions to visit first. When planning a trip to China, it is recommended that you don't try to see "everything" in one start-to-finish, whirlwind trip. Sure, you'll come home with some great pictures, but if you want to fully experience the country, allow enough time to really experience it. China is definitely the kind of place you will want to visit more than once. It is best to visit the major sites and cities on the first trip, at a relaxed pace, then plan to explore the country region by region on subsequent trips when you can experience all the different ethnic minority cultures and archaeological wonders. Keep in mind that China is a land of extreme climatic variations.

For example during February you can travel the southern coast and enjoy tropical fruits, sunbathe on the beaches of Hainan Island or visit the Flower Festival in Guangdong. At the same time, in the north, Harbin is dazzling travellers at the annual Ice Sculpture Festival with giant ice pagodas, ice palaces, and cleverly sculpted panda bears. Meanwhile, Beijing is celebrating the Longing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival with illuminated ice lanterns, spectacular fireworks, and ice fishing. Witnessing the grandeur of the Forbidden City in the snow is an extraordinary sight indeed.

Climate

China is characterized by a continental climate. The latitudes span nearly 50 degrees; its southern part is in the tropical and subtropical zones, and its northern part near the frigid zones. The northern part of Heilongjiang province has long winters but no summers; while Hainan Island has long summers but no winters. The Huaihe River valley is marked by distinctive seasonal changes, but it is spring all year round in the south of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. China's high tundra zone is situated in Qinghai-Tibet, where the temperature is low in all four seasons.

Ethnic Groups

China is a multi-racial country with 56 ethnic groups. In the long course of its development, all the nationalities have joined in the effort to create the great culture that China represents.

Apart from the Han nationality, the other 55 ethnic groups, with a total of more than 96.5 million people, constitute roughly 8.04% of the total population. Those with more than one million people are: Zhuang, Hui, Uyghur, Yi, Miao, Manchu, Tibetan, Mongolian, Tujia, Bouyei, Korean, Dong, Yao, Bai and Hani.

The constitution guarantees all non-Han groups certain national rights and privileges, such as the exemption from the one-child-policy, lower academic requirements for entering colleges and universities, tax breaks and government subsidies.

Religion

China is a multi-religious country, where Taoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are practised. Freedom of belief is a government policy, and normal religious activities are protected by the constitution.

Language

Mandarin is commonly used in the modern China. It is one of the five working languages designated by the United Nations. The majority of the 55 other ethnic groups have their own languages. There are also many dialects around the country. As a written language, Chinese has been used for 6,000 years.

Visa

In accordance with "the Law of the People's Republic of China on Entry and Exit of Aliens" and other relevant regulations, some nationality should apply for a Chinese visa and follow the requested procedure. Please contact our Travel Consultant for more information.

Health Requirements

No special vaccinations are required, but those who have travelled from an infected area before going to China should have vaccination records available for a Health Declaration form upon arrival. Note: Don't forget to ask the hotel whether the tap water is drinkable or not. Tourists are recommended to drink bottled water when they travel in China.

Accommodations

A new generation of Chinese managed hotels is the cornerstone of a highly developed, traveller-friendly tourism infrastructure. China now has a complete range of hotel choices in all price categories, from luxurious five-star suites to deluxe mid-priced hotels and clean, comfortable rooms even in the budget category. Today, every major city in China can provide discriminating travelers with a wide selection of modern, world-class properties that meet, and often exceed, international standards. Hotels such as the famous Peace Hotel (on the Bund) in Shanghai, the Palace Hotel in Beijing (close to the Forbidden City), and the White Swan in Guangzhou have gained international reputations for their exquisite decor, international gourmet dining, and first-class service. Familiar chains such as Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Hilton, and Ramada now operate deluxe hotels throughout China as well. Business travelers note that China has come a long way even since the early 1990's in terms of 16 service, management, and facilities. All 4 & 5-star hotels have complete business centres with computer and secretarial services available.

Food: A Country of 10,000 Cuisines

No other people take their food as seriously as Chinese. Authentic Chinese food is delectable in flavor and astounding in its sheer variety. With 56 ethnic minority groups contributing recipes cultivated over centuries from the farthest corners of the country, China is justifiably famous for its claim as home to the most popular cuisine in the world.

You would be remiss if you didn't sample as many of China's regional cuisine as possible during the trip. For a real change of pace, stop by one of the food stalls at the local "night market", and join neighborhood residents in sampling delicious fresh local foods; it will be an evening to remember, and the prices are great too. You are always welcome to join diners at local restaurants and teahouses in any city or town.

(Note: hygiene is quite good in China, even at food vendor stalls on the street)

Those who prefer a meal more familiar to their tastes may be surprised to discover the quality and variety of international dishes available in China today. American, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Korean, German, and French restaurants can be found at many 4 & 5-star hotels, and in shopping areas around Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Travelers with special dietary requests can make advance arrangements with most 4 & 5-star (or international chain operated) hotels for vegetarian or special dishes.

Safety

China is considered one of the safest countries in the world to travel. Crime is very low throughout China, and there are virtually no crimes committed against tourists visiting China. Even during the late evening hours, travellers have little to be concerned about. The Chinese are friendly and hospitable, and Chinese law is quite strict.

Seasoned travelers recommend taking a few simple precautions to avoid potential problems. All Chinese hotels provide an in-room safe or locked security boxes at the front desk. Leave valuables at the hotel. Pickpockets and petty theft are usually the only problems to be on guard against. When in particularly crowded areas and while travelling through airports, train or bus stations, keep an eye on your baggage. If there is a problem report it immediately to a security guard or the police.

Useful Telephone Numbers: Dial 110 for Police, 119 for Fire, 120 for Emergency

Other Numbers: 113 for Long Distance Operator, 114 for Directory Inquiries and information,
115 for International Operator, 116 for Long Distance Inquiries, 117 for Time, 121 for Weather

Electricity

Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will allow a normal 110-volt American appliance to take 220 Volt Chinese current. Throughout China 220 volt is used, although 4 & 5-star hotels are wired for use of 110-volt electrical appliances.

Communication

Telephone communication within China is good and getting better as the national system upgrades to fibre optic cable. Travelers can communicate easily with home or office via telephone, fax, telex, and Internet (where available). Hotels usually offer free local calls, although travelers should check as some do have a small charge, even if there is no answer. Public phones are available in many shops, restaurants, and on the street. International Direct Dial (IDD) telephone service is available from almost any telephone in the major cities, or from hotels and phone centres in secondary cities. (Be sure to give incoming callers your room number, since it is sometimes hard for receptionists to remember foreign name spellings).

The postal service is one of the most efficient systems in China. Local rates are inexpensive and international rates are reasonable. Tourist hotels usually have their own post offices and shipping services, but hotel front desks provide the most convenient places for travelers to drop mail. All major international courier services have offices in major Chinese cities, and travelers can arrange with their hotel for pickup. Internet connections are currently available in some hotels, and many more are installing them to accommodate business travelers.

Money

China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), usually called the Yuan. Ten Jiao make up one Yuan. At present, the Yuan is worth about US $0.12, with slight daily fluctuations. The Bank of China has exchange desks for foreign currency and travelers checks with convenient hours at all hotels, airports, Friendship Stores, and other shopping areas.

Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, Million Card, and JCB credit cards are accepted at most hotels and state run shops in the major cities. Travelers should be prepared to pay in Yuan when shopping in smaller shops, at restaurants, and in smaller hotels.

National Holidays

Festivals

Chinese New Year Eve 除夕(chúxī), 大年夜 is on the last day of the lunar year.  On this day, people clean their homes, putting up new posters of "door gods" on front doors, display fireworks before the family reunion dinner, which should be at least 10 course-meals with a whole fish entrée symbolizing the abundance of the coming year. (The fish entrée should not be consumed completely because the leftover symbolizes the abundance)

Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) 元宵節 (yuánxiāojié)/元宵节，小年 is on the first day off the first lunar month. On this day fireworks after midnight and people will be visiting lineage members.

Lantern Festival is on the 15th day of 1st lunar month Lantern parade and lion dance celebrating the first full moon.

Zhonghe Festival (Zhong He Jie), Blue Dragon Festival中和節is on the 2nd day of 2nd lunar month.  On this day people eat Chinese pancakes (Chun bing, 春饼) and noodles and clean the house. This day is also known as Dragon raising its Head.

Shangsi Festival (Shang Si Jie) 上巳節 (shàngsìjié)/上巳节, is on the 3rd day of 3rd lunar month.  On this day traditional Chinese Women's Day, also known as 女儿节 (nǚérjié)

Qing Ming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) / Mourning Day 清明節 (qīngmíngjié)/清明节 is 104 days after winter solstice (around April 5).  This is a day for visiting, cleaning, and make offerings at ancestral gravesites, spring outing

Dragon Boat Festival (Dragon Festival) / Festival 端午節 (duānwǔjié)/端午节 is on the 5th day of 5th lunar month.  On this day people go to see Dragon boat races, eat rice wrap Zongzi, commemorating the ancient poet Qu Yuan; drink yellow rice wine, related to the White Snake Lady legend

Bathing and Basking Festival (Xi Shai Jie) 洗晒节is on the 6th day of 6th lunar month.  This day is for Putting books, sheets, cloth under the sun.

The Night of Sevens /Magpie Festival/ Qi Xi七夕(qīxī) is on the 7th day of 7th lunar month.  According to legend, the goddess "Zhi Nü" (the star Vega) fell in love with the farmer boy "Niu Lang" (the star Altair), but was disapproved by her mother goddess. As punishment, they were separated by the Milky Way and could only meet once a year on this night.

Spirit Festival (Ghost Festival) 中元節(zhōngyuánjié)/中元节 is on the 15th day of 7th lunar month.  This day people burn paper "money" and make offerings to ancestors and the dead, so the spirits will not trouble the living.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) 中秋節(zhōngqiūjié)/中秋节 is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.  On this day people eat mooncake and have a family union meal.

Double Ninth Festival /Dual-Yang Festival/ Chung Yeung Festival重陽節(chóngyángjié)/重阳节 is on the 9th day of 9th lunar month.  On this day, people often go mountain climbing, some Chinese also visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects.

Spirit Festival/ Water Lantern Festival下元節 (xiayuanjie)/下元节 is on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month. On this day, people set flowers shaped lanterns adrift in a stream or river at sundown, offerings to deceased whose spirits may return at night to visit.

Winter Solstice Festival/Mid-Winter Festival 冬至 (dōngzhì) is the day of the winter solstice (solar longitude 270 degrees), around December 22. On this day people have Tangyuan and Jiuniang and perform ancestor worship, Feast day, family gatherings, also named "Chinese Thanksgiving"

Laba Festival/Congee Festival腊八节 (làbājié) is on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month.  It is the day the Buddha attained enlightenment. People usually eat Laba congee, which is usually made of mixed grains and fruits.

Timetable of Chinese Traditional Festivals (2008-2015)

 Family Names

UPDATED November 2008

ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IS GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

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