China Travelogue
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Travelogues
By Tom Kirvan
A journey through an ancient and modern marvel
China, the world’s most populous country, is home to approximately 1.4 billion people, barely topping neighboring India for the title. This vast population is incredibly diverse, encompassing 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, with the Han Chinese comprising about 92 percent of the population. The remaining 8 percent is made up of various ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang, Uighur, Hui, Tibetan, and Mongol peoples, each with their unique cultures, languages, and traditions.
Mandarin is the official language, though many regional dialects and languages are spoken across the country. The rapid urbanization of China has led to a significant shift in population distribution, with more people living in cities than in rural areas. Major urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are bustling metropolises that reflect the dynamic and fast-paced life of modern China.
China’s geography is as diverse as its population, covering an area of 3.7 million square miles, making it the third-largest country by land area in the world. China shares land borders with 14 other countries. The country's landscape ranges from the towering Himalayas in the southwest, which include Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak that straddles China and Nepal, to the vast deserts of the northwest, such as the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. Eastern China features fertile plains, major rivers like the Yangtze and the Yellow River, and a densely populated coastline. The southern part of the country is known for its subtropical climate, lush forests, and karst landscapes (formed by limestone erosion), while the north experiences a more temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes. China’s diverse ecosystems include everything from high-altitude plateaus and dense bamboo forests to tropical rainforests and extensive grasslands.
China's history is one of the oldest and most continuous in the world, with over 5,000 years of recorded history. The early dynasties, such as the Shang and Zhou, laid the foundations for Chinese civilization, followed by the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE, which marked the beginning of the Imperial era. The Great Wall of China, a symbol of Chinese ingenuity and perseverance, was primarily built during the Qin and Han Dynasties. The Tang and Song Dynasties are often considered golden ages of Chinese culture, arts, and technology, while the Ming and Qing Dynasties saw the expansion of China’s influence and the creation of iconic architectural marvels like the Forbidden City. The 20th century was marked by significant upheaval, including the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the establishment of the Republic of China, and the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 under Mao Zedong. Today, China is a global power with a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence the world.
China has undergone a remarkable economic transformation over the past few decades, emerging as the second-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. The country is a major hub for manufacturing and exports, often referred to as the "world's factory" due to its vast production capabilities. China's economy is also increasingly driven by technology, finance, and consumer markets, with cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen becoming global financial centers and tech hubs. The Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure and economic development project, reflects China's growing influence on the global stage.
Fast Facts
Capital: Beijing
Population: 1.4 billion
Languages: Mandarin and Cantonese
Highest point: Mt. Everest (29,031 feet)
Economic Engines: Manufacturing and technology
Primerus Members:
- HJM Asia Law & Co. LLC, PBLI
(Guangzhou, Guangdong, China) - Pamir Law Group, PBLI
(Shanghai, China) - Watson & Band, PBLI
(Shanghai, P.R.C., China)
Beijing, the capital of China, is the political, cultural, and historical heart of the country. With a population of more than 21 million people, Beijing is a city of contrasts, where ancient palaces and temples coexist with modern skyscrapers and bustling commercial districts. The city is home to some of China’s most iconic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. Shanghai, China’s most populous city with more than 24 million residents, is a global financial hub and a symbol of China’s rapid modernization. Located on the country’s eastern coast, Shanghai is known for its towering skyline, epitomized by the futuristic architecture of the Pudong district, and its rich blend of East and West, seen in the historic Bund area.
Top 5 Must-See Tourist Destinations
- Great Wall of China: One of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches more than 13,000 miles across northern China. Built primarily during the Ming Dynasty, the wall was constructed to protect China from invasions by nomadic tribes from the north. The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Popular sections to visit include Badaling and Mutianyu, both of which are easily accessible from Beijing and offer well-preserved and restored sections of the wall. Walking along the Great Wall is a breathtaking experience, providing a glimpse into China’s ancient history and engineering prowess.
- Forbidden City: Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is a vast palace complex that served as the imperial residence for 24 Chinese emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of ancient Chinese architecture. Visitors can explore the palatial halls, intricately designed courtyards, and gardens that once housed the emperor, his family, and his court. The Palace Museum within the Forbidden City houses an extensive collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts, offering a deep dive into the imperial history of China.
- Terracotta Army: The Terracotta Army, located near the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army consists of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife. Each figure is unique, with intricate details that reflect the uniforms and features of the soldiers. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers visitors the chance to see these remarkable statues up close, as well as learn about the history and significance of the Qin Dynasty.
- Li River and Guilin: The Li River, winding through the picturesque landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo in southern China, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The river’s meandering course is flanked by towering limestone peaks, lush bamboo groves, and traditional fishing villages. A river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the best way to experience the scenery, with highlights including the famous Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, and the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Li River is also depicted on the back of the Chinese 20 yuan banknote, symbolizing its cultural and natural significance.
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Hunan Province, is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, dense forests, and otherworldly landscapes that inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar." The park is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cable car rides, and the world’s longest and highest glass bridge. The park’s most iconic feature is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, a natural sandstone pillar that rises more than 600 feet above the valley floor. Zhangjiajie’s dramatic landscapes make it one of China’s most awe-inspiring natural destinations.