TEFL China
Capital – Beijing
Population – 1,306,313,812 (2009)
Language – Chinese (mandarin) and Cantonese
Religion – Taoism, Buddhism, Muslim
Currency – Renminbi (RMB)
History
China has probably the longest continuous history. The beginning of the Han dynasty 2,200 years ago started the rise of military power which created an empire, marking a golden age in politics, technology and art. Its strong bureaucratic control developed by successive dynasties gave China a great advantage over its rivals.
By the 20th century the empire fell which then gave way to the People’s Republic of China which imposed a state control on the economy. Since then, China has reformed its economy and allowed competition. The country is now enjoying huge economic success and is likely to become a global superpower.
Geography
Borders - Mongolia, Russia, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan
Land features – large plains and basins surrounded by mountains, deserts, many mountain ranges including the Himalayas, deep forests, large coastal areas.
Climate – very diverse climates from subarctic in the North to subtropical in the South.
Culture
Arts – China has a huge range of fascinating arts from Chinese lanterns and kites to Kung Fu.
Festivals – China has many ethnic groups and a colourful heritage. During the Chinese lunar calandar there are many traditional festivals.
Architecture – the architecture in China dates from the Neolithic age to the 20th Century. It represents the amazing achievements of the world’s longest civilization. There are thousands of beautiful temples and palaces to see and learn about.
Top things to do
Visit the Forbidden City in the centre of Beijing, walk along the Great Wall of China, gaze in awe at the Terracotta Warriors, visit the Giant Pandas in the Wolong Nature Preserve, see Modern China in Hong Kong, relax in the white sands of Yalong Bay, visit the famous Tiananmen Square.
