China is an amazing nation, boasting a rich history and culture all its own. From traditional art forms to cutting edge technologies, there is so much to discover about this dynamic nation.
From one-child policies and expanding economies to top universities and outdoor elevators, here are 10 interesting facts about China. With its many mountain peaks and outdoor elevators – China truly has something for everyone in its diverse nation!
1. China is the largest country in the world
China (officially the People’s Republic of China), commonly referred to as simply China, is an East Asian nation comprising nearly the entirety of East Asia and almost as large as Europe. China boasts a highly industrialized and fast-growing economy.
China boasts a long and distinguished history as one of the oldest, continuous cultures on Earth. Chinese culture has spread throughout the globe and greatly impacted Western societies.
China is famously home to the Great Wall, giant pandas and the “floating” Zhangjiajie Mountains. Culturally diverse and home to over 200 languages and dialects (Mandarin being most widely spoken among them), China also features 8 official languages that make up its culture including Cantonese, Shanghainese Fuzhou Hokkien-Taiwanese Xiang Gan. China boasts 33 administrative units directly under central government as well as 2 special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau).
2. China is the most populated country in the world
China is home to over 1.4 billion people according to estimates and projections by the UN.
Chinese culture and tradition is well-known. Their people have also contributed significantly to global technological progress with inventions like paper, printing presses, gunpowder and the compass.
Chinese society is vastly diverse, consisting of 56 distinct ethnic groups. Chinese is spoken across multiple languages – Mandarin and Cantonese among them – while there is also Buddhism and Taoism practiced here, along with Taoist traditions. Additionally, China boasts iconic landmarks like Great Wall and Terracotta Army that attract many tourists each year. Additionally, China is often described as having an apparent coldness or formality but actually warm welcome awaits visitors!
3. China is the birthplace of Buddhism
China is home to Buddhism, one of the oldest and most widespread religions worldwide. Based on Buddha’s teachings, its practice now touches over 1.4 billion people globally.
Chinese culture is profoundly shaped by Buddhism, from using traditional calendars and beliefs about communicating with ancestors through smoke (shaoxiang) to certain religious practices found across religions such as Qingming and Zhong Yuan festivals, burning of incense, etc.
China is working to revitalize Lumbini, Nepal – the site where Buddha was born and attained enlightenment 2,500 years ago – investing $3bn into revitalizing it as an airport, highway, hotels, convention center and major tourist destination for Buddhists around the globe.
4. China is the home of the giant panda
Foping Nature Reserve in Sichuan provides an all-year habitat that’s home to 270 Qinling pandas (a subspecies of giant panda). Furthermore, this forest contains 55% bamboo – their favorite food source!
Pandas devote most of their time eating and sleeping. Each day they consume 12-18 kg of bamboo through eating it directly or using what’s known as their “pseudo thumb” to grasp bamboo stems.
Pandas are generally reclusive creatures and it can be hard for them to share space with one another. Their interactions typically only happen during mating season or while mothers raise cubs. Their digestive systems resemble that of carnivores but they have evolved a vegetarian diet thanks to bamboo stalks; living around 20 years in captivity while serving as symbols of strength and bravery in Chinese culture.
5. China is the largest economy in the world
China is the world’s largest economy by purchasing power parity. Furthermore, it ranks highly in connectivity, boasting high levels of flow for goods, services, finance, data and people.
China boasts a complex and fascinating culture with ancient traditions and breathtaking architecture, stunning natural landscapes, fascinating ancient history and cutting-edge technology – just to name a few of its assets.
No matter your interest or knowledge level, China holds many interesting facts that will captivate and amaze. From its history of paper money creation to being one of the most populous nations on Earth, there are so many fascinating tidbits about this captivating nation to be discovered! So read on and uncover more information about it all!
6. China is the birthplace of tea
Tea has long been part of Chinese culture for more than 2,550 years. Legend holds that Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea accidentally when an overhanging leaf from an uncultivated wild tea plant accidentally dropped into his boiling water in 2737 B.C. Since then, tea became an indispensable beverage to elite society and was often prescribed medicinally as well.
Eh Shanghai Tea Institute now offers classes on becoming a tea master, from music (Guzheng stringed instrument), foreign languages, as well as how to prepare and serve different varieties of Chinese tea. Ancient Chinese also invented toilet paper – though only for use by emperors at first – kites (used to test wind conditions as well as communicate signals between military units), and their tradition of growing fingernails to display wealth and status still continues today!
7. China is the home of the Great Wall
China is home to one of the most astounding human-made structures on Earth: the Great Wall. Stretching along Chinese countryside crestlines and mountain ridges, its length has no end; sections built of rammed earth while others out of bricks form its structure – both made to defend China against northern, nomadic invaders; there have even been reports that bodies have been found buried within.
China offers many interesting facts from ancient history to contemporary culture that make for captivating reading – no matter your interest! Find something here that is sure to pique your interest or discover something completely different! Enjoy learning!
8. China is the largest country in the world by area
China, situated in East Asia, is the world’s largest country by area. Bordered by Mongolia in the north; Russia and North Korea to its northeast; Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) on its south; as well as having two of the major rivers — Yangtze and Yellow – flowing through its territory, China boasts one of the longest coastlines on the Pacific Ocean with two of its major rivers — Yangtze and Yellow Rivers – creating one of the greatest waterways on earth.
The Chinese flag features a large red star surrounded by four smaller stars in a semicircle to symbolize its unity and leadership under the Communist Party. China has an ancient history dating back over 4,000 years that has produced numerous contributions to world culture as well as iconic architectural marvels and mouthwatering cuisine – not forgetting fun facts such as using handprint evidence during burglary investigations or the invention of Peking duck!
9. China is the largest country in the world by population
China is the most populous nation on earth with over 1.4 billion residents living there and boasts some of the oldest traditions around.
Ancient China farmers used crickets as an indicator for when it was time to plant or harvest their crops, listening for their sound chirping as a signal that it was time to get down to work. Once heard, this meant it was time to begin sowing seeds or reaping harvest.
Chinese people tend to be highly superstitious, and many things they do follow their beliefs. For instance, the number four is considered unlucky because its sound resembles death; thus buildings in China omit their fourth floors altogether as a sign of respect. Furthermore, white is associated with mourning so this color should also be avoided altogether – just some of many strange customs found amongst this culture.
10. China is the most populated country in the world
China is home to over 1.4 billion people – more than combined populations of France and Germany combined!
China boasts an extensive history and diverse cultures that contribute to modern civilization’s evolution. China boasts its own distinctive and fascinating culture which has contributed to the advancement of society today.
China stands as an icon for cultural heritage and technology innovation, boasting one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide and being a major exporter.
While Chinese people may appear intimidating at first glance, they’re actually quite welcoming and friendly people who love tea – with over 1,000 varieties to choose from! Additionally, China boasts the world’s highest number of high-speed railway lines!