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China overview

China, an ancient, mysterious and beautiful land, is always appealing to adventurous foreign visitors. As the third largest country in the world occupying an area of 9,600,000 sq km. A wide variety of terrain and climate shape its numerous natural attractions. Abundant in a variety of resources, plants, animals, and minerals, the land has nurtured countless generations of Chinese people.

One of China's greatest treasures is her long, rich history. China is also proud of her many people, long history, resplendent culture and distinctive customs. Among her greatest gifts to the world are the 'four great inventions' (paper, gunpowder, printing and the compass).

Chinese arts and crafts, including painting, calligraphy, operas, embroidery and silk are distinctive and unique. Martial arts, which have only recently begun to enjoy popularity in other parts of the world have been part of Chinese culture for centuries, and Chinese literature is testifies to the country's rich heritage.

Basic Information:

Official Name: People's Republic of China
Capital City: Beijing
Area: 9,600,000 sq km
Location: Middle and East Asia, bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean
Administrative Divisions: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities directly under the Central Government and 2 special administrative regions
Standard Time: Beijing Time +8 GMT
Population: 1.3 billion
Official Language: Standard Chinese, or Mandarin Chinese
Largest City: Shanghai
Currency: Renminbi (RMB) Yuan
Exchange Rate: 6.2 Yuan=US$1
Mountains: Among 19 mountains over 7,000 meters high in the world, Mt. Everest with the height of 8,848 meters above the sea level is the highest peak on the earth.
Rivers: The Yangtze River (6,300 km), the third longest in the world; The Yellow River (5,464 km), the second longest in China.
Climate: The wide range of weather conditions from the subtropical in the south to the frigid in the north
Head of State President: Mr. Xi Jinping