China
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ne of the earliest areas where there was civilization is in China. There’s history in China that goes back 5,000 years. Over one million years ago primitive man lived in what is now China. Around 400,000 years ago they began to use tools and fire. About 7000 years ago in the Yellow Valley agriculture and the use of livestock developed. Then then used bronze and then eventually iron.
Chinese culture has flourished for centuries with great philosophers and thinkers such as Confucius. China has gone through many dynasties over the years and feudal warfare was common. China developed rich culture, arts, literature, and economy. China is responsible for four great inventions of the world including printing, paper making, gunpowder, and the compass.
In 1911 the feudal society that china lived under for so long came to an end and the Republic of China was born. The Chinese Communist Party was established in 1949. In 1978 china adopted its open door party which ended its self-seclusion which was part of its society for thousands of years.
Climate in China
China is a very large country so the climate changes greatly. There’s a great variety in temperature and rainfall throughout this country. Winter is usually cold and dry while the summer is rainy and hot. The average temp in Beijing is about 11 degrees.
Language in China
The standard language in China is Mandarin but there are other languages such as Wu and Cantonese.
Currency in China
The currency of China is called Renminbi. Yuan is the base unit of Renminbi. The currency is usually just called Yuan by many people.
Major Chinese Cities
- Guangzhou – 11 million
- Shanghai – 22 million
- Beijing – 18 million
- Shenzhen – 10 million
Things to do in China (Cities and main point of interest)
- Great Wall of China – This structure is visible from space. It’s a series or rock, wood, brick, and other buy adipex lose weight materials across the historic borders of China. It was used in china’s history to keep out invaders. Some of the wall was built as early as 7th Century.
- Terracotta Army – This is a collection of terracotta sculptures which depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang who was the first emperor of China.
- Tiananmen Square – Large center square in Beijing. It was the focal point during the 1989 protests in China. It’s the third largest city square in the world and covers 109 acres.
- Shanghai Zoo – This zoo has many exhibits and over 6000 different animals. There are many Chinese animals here such as the Giant Panda, and snub-nosed monkey as well as other animals from all over the world.
- Forbidden City – Located in the middle of Beijing this area has been the home to emperors, and it’s the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government.
Food and Restaurants in China
There are many cuisines in China such as Cantonese, Sichuan and many others. Cantonese is considered very influential. Staple foods are rice, noodles, soybeans, wheat, and vegetables as well as tea. Food is usually prepared in small pieces and chopsticks are used for picking it up. The “Chinese” food we get in western cultures is different from what they eat in China as many of these dishes have been modified for their original roots.
Shopping in China
There are many great places to shop in China here are a few of them in them in Beijing and Shanghai.
Beijing
China has great shopping. Try Liulichang Street in Beijing which is great for browsing. There’s the great Panjiayuan Market in Beijing. Find great places to eat and get souvenirs on Nan Luo Gu Xiang Street.
Shanghai
Try the Caojiadu Flower Market in Shanghai or go to the Tianshan Tea Market. For your electronic needs try the Shanghai Cybermart.