Pass The Passport

Places / Asia

China

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At a glance

Region
Eastern Asia
Capital
Beijing
Population
1406.6 million (2025)
Area
9,706,961 km²
Languages
Chinese
Currency
Chinese yuan (CNY)
Drives on the
right
Calling code
+86

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Before you go

Overview

China is located in East Asia. It is the most populated country in the world. By 2018 it had recorded a population of 1.393 billion covering an area of 9.597 million km2.

The capital city is Beijing but there are other historic capitals like Nanjing, Luoyang and Xian. Shanghai is the world’s most populated city, it has a large population and most of the largest companies are situated here. It is also known for its skyscrapers. Beijing is famous for its modern architecture and ancient places like grand Forbidden City complex and the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Empire. One of the most beautiful water towns in China is Zhouzhuang.

Great Wall Of China

History

The Chinese land united during the reign of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, between 221 and 206 BC. It was recorded as the second-largest economy in the world after the US.

Food & culture

The staple foods in China include rice, noodles and animal meat such as pork, beef, mutton, pigeon and many others. The national fruit is kiwi fruit followed by jujube.

Wildlife

The variety of wildlife found in China includes the giant panda, gibbons, macaques, lories, grey langurs, Indochinese leopard, snakes, crocodiles and leaf monkeys in the Bawangling National Nature Reserve and Qomolangma National Nature Preserve.

Water’s edge view of the Shanghai financial district and Huangpu River, China

Festivals & events

China celebrates events like the New Year on 1st January, the Spring Festival which is the Chinese New Year, The tomb-sweeping day and dragon boat festival.

Things to see

China has the longest wall called ‘the Great Wall of China’ and the largest ancient palace in the world.

The country records the highest stockpile of figurines aged 2,000 years in the world.

Other must-visit sites include the Terracotta Warriors, Karst Mountains in Yangshuo and Hangzhou.

The best months to visit China are from March to May and September to October.

Huangpu district in Shanghai at night.

Interesting facts

China is the country with the highest population in the world.

China official language is Standard Chinese mostly called Mandarin.

There is freedom of belief in China but the major religions are Taoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.

The education system comprises of three years of kindergarten, six years of primary school, and three to six years of middle school followed by higher education. The most popular sport is football.

China is the largest producer of rice in the world.

City guides

Famous hikes in China

Great Wall

Distance
About 10 km
Time
4 hours
Best time
April to May, or September to October

How to do it: A wilder, less restored section about three hours from Beijing, with far fewer people than Badaling. Tours from Beijing include transport.

See it on my bucket list

Run a marathon in China

Great Wall Marathon

Tianjin · usually May

Over 5,000 steps on the Great Wall itself. Expect to be much slower than your usual time.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China

0 of 61 visited. See every site I've been to.

Plan your trip to China

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in China