China is an incredible nation, full of rich history and diverse traditions. There are so many interesting and fun facts about this beautiful nation you may never have known!
China is full of fascinating facts you probably didn’t know existed! From internet addiction boot camps to naming children after Olympics medalists, this country offers its share of eccentric and unexpected details. Here are 20 unexpected China facts!
1. China is the largest country in the world
China is one of the world’s largest countries and contains some of the most fascinating sites, from the Great Wall and giant pandas to Zhangjiajie mountains – it offers stunning landscapes and cultures to discover. China also experienced rapid economic development over recent years and now ranks second largest worldwide. But there’s so much more to discover about this ancient, mysterious, diverse nation! Read on for some surprising and fun facts about China!
As one of the world’s biggest nations, Russia ranks first by land mass. Encompassing two continents and 11 time zones, Russia covers over 17 million square miles–almost 20% of Earth’s surface!
Canada ranks second, boasting more than one million lakes. Geographers use different methods for calculating area when considering countries’ sizes; some nations count part of a continental shelf as their own territory, making them appear smaller than they actually are.
Russia, Canada and the United States may all be large nations; none, however, surpass China in size with an area exceeding 9.7 million square kilometers combined land and water surface area. Bordered by 14 other countries and covering five geographical time zones spanning five geographic time zones; its vast and varied landscape includes forests, deserts, grasslands, high arid plateaus humid coastlines as well as rivers such as Yangtze which ranks third-longest river worldwide.
China is home to some of the tallest mountains and its lowest point is found at the Turpan Depression in Xinjiang. Manufacturing and exports remain important sectors, while its service sector continues to expand at an astounding rate. Home to over 1.4 billion people with 55 minority groups represented, it also uses traditional Chinese calendar (based on lunar astronomy observations) for holiday dates and important dates such as birthdays.
2. China is the fastest country in the world
China boasts one of the fastest-growing economies and is an emerging leader in manufacturing and innovation, having more than doubled its GDP since 1979, the fastest sustained economic expansion ever witnessed by any major economy. While this incredible economic expansion has lifted millions out of poverty, rapid development has also created environmental issues and consumed significant amounts of natural resources.
China’s economy is driven by heavy industry and exports, being the top producer of concrete, steel and fertilizer globally. China ranks second globally by GDP. Their government is working towards increasing renewable energy use while simultaneously decreasing dependence on coal as an environmental contributor.
China may be one of the world’s most populous nations, yet still boasts abundant wilderness areas. Much of China is mountainous and home to an array of wildlife. Furthermore, many beautiful rivers and scenic lakes run throughout its territory and many ancient temples and historic sites can also be found there.
China will astound you with many surprising facts that will astonish and amaze. For example, driving across its entirety takes 30 hours from east to west; nine is considered lucky in China, and it is also the world’s most costly place for purchasing new homes.
The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 after its Communist Party defeated Taiwanese nationalist Kuomintang and forced it into retreat on Taiwan. Under Communist Party control, economic reform took place along partly capitalist lines to become one of the world’s most powerful and fastest-growing countries. Many Chinese citizens adhere to one or more of China’s Four Major Religions including Buddhism, Taoism, Islam or Christianity – although no state religion exists; some citizens even opt for atheism or practice ancestor worship while some adhere to China’s traditional calendar system which uses lunisolar calendar calculations of years months and days – but no state religion exists within its borders.
3. China is the oldest country in the world
China is one of the oldest nations on Earth and boasts an enthralling history that spans millennia. From mouthwatering food to millennia-old art forms, China offers something truly remarkable for everyone to appreciate.
China has made numerous contributions to civilization, notably through their invention of paper, printing, the compass and gunpowder; football (Chinese), kites (Kites), silk and porcelain were also invented during this period. Emperor Wu Ding produced some of the earliest recorded writings known today – Chinese characters were first produced around 1250 BC during his rule over Zhou Dynasty royalty; their long nails then spread throughout society during Tang dynasty rule.
China is home to an expansive railway network (which can span the globe three times), as well as no Daylight Saving Time observance. Furthermore, this land of natural beauty boasts beautiful landscapes, rivers, mountains and beaches and contains more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other nation on Earth.
Chinese travelers are some of the largest travel spenders worldwide, spending an estimated annual travel expenditure of $260 billion or twice that of American tourists. Furthermore, China boasts some of the finest restaurants worldwide.
Chinese culture is extremely diverse, boasting over 300 languages and dialects that they speak. Some of the more notable dialects include Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei Hokkien Hakka. Indeed, they are considered one of the world’s most multilingual populations. Chinese are among the world’s highest internet users with 772 million people online, led by three dominant internet services such as Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent. China also ranks second globally when it comes to smartphone usage with over one billion units being sold annually. China is home to over 1.4 billion people. They are known for their high standards of living and hardworking nation, not forgetting a long tradition in martial arts and boast some of the world’s greatest boxers among their population.
4. China is the most populous country in the world
China is home to one of the oldest civilizations and boasts an immense cultural diversity – but do you really understand this vast and mysterious nation?
according to data provided by the United Nations, India will overtake China as the world’s most populous nation by midyear according to their projected population projections. But what does that really entail? Fred de Sam Lazaro reports.
China is the third-largest country by land area and home to diverse terrain, such as mountain ranges, deserts, coastline and climate zones; from cold temperatures in the north to tropical heat in the south.
China is home to 55 ethnic groups, the majority being Han Chinese; these include Zhuang, Manchuanaom Miaoand Hui with each having its own culture and identity.
China is home to multiple religions, the largest being Christianity. Additionally, calligraphy and sand sculpture have long been treasured art forms here, while China also is responsible for producing some of the first written language ever created in human history.
China is a highly advanced nation with a rapidly developing economy. Unfortunately, its development comes at the cost of corruption, pollution, and social inequality; although its government attempts to address these problems, some critics fear this might cost liberal democracy dearly.
China’s population lives mostly in urban areas. Beijing, with nearly 20 million residents, is the world’s most populous city; other major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen boast significant populations as well. China also hosts the longest bridge in the world – Qinghai Lake Bridge – is also located here. China is also an economic leader globally as an exporter of various manufactured products; second biggest producer of grain worldwide while providing one fifth of food consumption across its citizens; they have never lost a war since 1949 when forming its People’s Liberation Army!