General economic and geographical characteristics of the People's Republic of China. China - general information
Religion
We believe that all Chinese are Buddhists, which is not true. Tourists love to look at the magnificent Chinese pagodas, and this is probably where this association came from. Buddhism is indeed widespread in China, but Chinese philosophical and religious thought does not live by Buddhism alone.
Traditional Chinese ideology rests on the “three pillars” of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Most Chinese are atheists. This is what official statistics say, and our observations fully confirm this idea.
The era of communism bore its fruits, and most of the population stopped believing in anything. But the way of thinking, ethics and norms of behavior of modern Chinese are formed by these three teachings. By the way, none of them can be recognized as a religion in the usual sense of the word.
Freedom in China
This country is considered one of the most unfree in the world. This happened in Chinese history, but now everything is changing. The modern Chinese does not feel any serious control, although in fact it exists.
On the other hand, there is much more freedom to realize oneself in China than in Russia. It’s much easier to open your own business there, it’s much easier to do your own thing on your own, rather than “working for someone else.” If you would like to work, the state will not interfere with you too much.
In China you cannot criticize the government on the Internet. subject to strict censorship. But the authorities listen to what is happening and draw conclusions. Events took place, the Communist Party drew conclusions, and reforms began.
Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a former colony of the British Empire. Recently, it has officially become a province of the People's Republic of China. In essence, it is a separate state. The authorities in Beijing are responsible only for foreign policy, and all other administrative issues are decided by local authorities.
It has its own currency, its own laws, its own visa regime and tax law. Russian citizens can visit Hong Kong without a visa, and can only enter the main territory of the country with a passport.
The tax system in Hong Kong is completely different - there is no VAT, and many things are 15-20% cheaper. If you want to buy an iPhone or iPad cheaply, then go to Hong Kong. Many Chinese come here to buy smartphones, tablet computers and laptops.
The city of Macau is similarly part of the PRC, and also has almost complete independence. It is a former colony of Portugal. It has its own laws, money and taxation.
Macau is a casino city; it is the Las Vegas of Asia. If a Chinese wants to play poker, blackjack or roulette, then they come here.
The situation with the island of Taiwan is more complicated. China officially considers it its territory and a province of the People's Republic of China. The Taiwanese disagree, and much of the world accepts their point of view.
Taiwan is a separate country. Everything is here, including the army and navy. This state is called the Republic of China (ROC), which translates as “Republic of China”. There are no negotiations on Taiwan's accession to the PRC.
Important advice for tourists. At Chinese airports, flights to Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan are referred to as “domestic” flights, and flights to these regions board from domestic flight terminals. Don't get confused.
We wish you a successful visit to China, and read our pages about this country ( links below).
Read about China on our website
A message about China for grades 3 and 4 will tell you everything about this amazing and ancient country with a rich culture.
Brief message about China
China is the third largest country by area and the leader in terms of population - 1.3 billion people live here.
In the Celestial Empire (as the Chinese called their country), paper, gunpowder, porcelain were invented, they learned to print books and spin silk threads. The first newspapers also appeared in China.
Today it is difficult to find a product name that is not produced in China. The country is exploring new markets and industries, buying up well-known brands, copying and making the final product more attractive and accessible. China borders on the following countries: India, Russia, Vietnam, Afghanistan and several others.
The Constitution of the People's Republic of China, which was adopted in 1982, states that China is a socialist state with a democratic dictatorship of the people. The country is governed by the Communist Party through the National Unicameral Assembly of People's Representatives.
The head of state is considered to be the Secretary General.
Capital of China- Beijing.
Largest cities in China— Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing
Official currency is yuan.
Climate and relief of China
The state's topography is quite diverse: in the western region of the country lies the highest mountain system in the world - the Himalayas. The highest peak in the world is Mount Everest (8848 m). In the east is the Great Chinese Plain, which stretches along the shores of the East China and Yellow Seas for a thousand kilometers. Between the shores there are mountain systems of different heights.
The climate ranges from temperate continental in the north to subtropical climate with muggy, hot summers. Winter is mild in the southern part of the country.
Fossils of China
The subsoil of the state is rich in all minerals. The main one is coal, the reserves of which are among the largest in the world. Oil reserves are also sufficient. China is considered the leader in gold production.
Population and religion of China
The country is home to 56 different peoples, who make up 7% of the population. The remaining 93% are Chinese. About 36% of China's total population lives in cities, and 64% lives in rural areas.
China(self-name Zhongguo (中国), literally “Middle State”) is the largest state in the world by population, the second by economic power, and the third by area. China has a long and almost continuous history, dating back about six thousand years. Written sources, however, indicate a slightly lower age - 3600 years. The capital of the state has been Beijing since 1421 (with interruptions).
China has given humanity many inventions, including gunpowder, compass, paper and typesetting. Chinese writing based on hieroglyphs is a unique phenomenon in world history, one of the oldest and most complex writing systems. Until the 19th century, China was one of the most advanced world states and the main cultural center of East Asia. Later, the country survived centuries of colonial conquest, but was able to once again become a powerful, independent industrial power.
Since 1949, the country has been under the control of the Communist Party. According to the constitution, the PRC is a socialist republic (the state controls strategic enterprises and industries, there is a planned system, a command-administrative system under the control of the Communist Party). The Chairman of the People's Republic of China is Xi Jinping (since 2013), the Chairman of the Government is Li Keqiang. In addition to the ruling party - the CPC, there are 8 others involved in governing the state.
China is the world leader in the production and export of most types of industrial products. Has the largest gold and foreign exchange reserves. One of the leading space powers in the world, it has nuclear weapons and the largest army in terms of military personnel.
The national currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 yuan. There are also smaller banknotes and coins. There are 10 jiao in one yuan, and 10 fen in one jiao.
China's telephone code is +86, time is +5 Moscow time.
Visa to China
Russian citizens need to obtain a visa to visit China. To register, you must contact the Chinese consulate in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok or Irkutsk. There is a visa-free exchange for tourist groups. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, as well as Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian, Xi'an, Kunming, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin and Wuhan allow visa-free transit for 72/144 hours. Transit is possible if you have a third country visa and an air ticket to your final destination.
From 2019, 144-hour visa-free transit begins to operate in Qingdao, Shandong Province and Xiamen.
Facts about China
Population for 2018 amounts to1.390 million people. China is a single multinational state, on whose territory 56 nationalities live. The Han people make up 91.6% of the total population of the PRC. The country is divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 centrally subordinate cities and 2 special administrative regions - Hong Kong and Macau.
China is located in the eastern part of Asia, washed by the waters of the western seas of the Pacific Ocean. The country borders on land with 14 countries and by sea with 6. The land area of China is 9.6 million square meters. km.
Most populous province in China- Prov. Guangdong, at the end of 2015, the population of this province reached 108.5 million people.
The largest administrative entity in China by territory- XUAR (1.6649 million sq. km)
Highest point on Earth: Chomolungma Peak has a height of 8844.43 m and is the highest peak in the world.
Lowest point: the lowest place in China (-155 m. Lake Eidenhu), located in the Turfan Basin.
China's largest river- Yangtze River, its total length is 6300 km, it ranks third in length in the world.
Main cities of China
Beijing is one of the four ancient capitals of China. The first settlements appeared here in the first millennium BC. Over the course of 3,000 years, the city was repeatedly conquered, destroyed, burned, and rebuilt, but it retained its power and grandeur.
Shanghai is located where the Yangtze River meets the sea and is the gateway to its basin and central China. Shanghai is a centrally controlled city with a population of 13.34 million people. It is the economic, financial, trade and communications center of China. 
Chongqing is one of the largest commercial centers in China. The main industries are: chemical, metallurgical and mechanical engineering. The city has 5 factories for the production of complete cars and more than 400 factories for the production of automobile parts.
Climate of China
In winter, temperatures in China are lower than in other countries located at the same latitude; in summer they are much higher. China's climate is characterized primarily by summer monsoon rains and northerly winds, with little rainfall in winter.
In total, China has three climate zones: temperate. subtropical and tropical. Most of the country lies in a temperate climate, which in turn is divided into moderately warm and moderately cold zones. The continental climate is pronounced, with a distinct difference between the seasons and a large range of temperatures and precipitation.
The average winter temperature in China is +7°C. The average minimum temperature is -4°C. The average maximum temperature remains at +14°C. In the central part of the country, the period without frost lasts 5 and a half months.
Chinese civilization
The teachings of Confucius had a profound influence on life in China and East Asia.
The territory of China, due to the peculiarities of its geographical location, is quite isolated from the rest of the world. For a significant part of its history, China developed completely separately. Chinese civilization, on the one hand, absorbed a large number of local states and cultures, on the other, until the 17th century it had almost no contact with other civilizations. For a long time, the Chinese had contact only with nomadic tribes and believed that beyond the borders of their country lay only the lands of barbarians. At the same time, the territory of China was regularly subjected to invasions from outside, but most of the invaders were sooner or later subjected to sinicization and assimilated into the Chinese ethnic group.
In the middle of the first millennium BC. e. philosopher Confucius(551-479 BC) created a doctrine that formed the basis of Chinese civilization. This philosophical system aims to build an ideal society based on solid moral principles, with harmonious social relations. Several centuries later, the ideas of Confucius became the state religion and, having changed almost unchanged for more than two millennia, retain an important role in the spiritual life of Chinese society.
Chinese civilization has always been characterized by high socio-political activity of every person, aimed at achieving happiness and prosperity in earthly life. The fate of people depended not on divine predestination, but on their own efforts. This is where Chinese history is rich in mass popular movements and the high social mobility typical of China.
Chinese
Over the 6 thousand years of their history, the Chinese have learned to coexist in close quarters, they are accustomed to living collectively, so outside the group (for example, outside a tourist group) they are very uncomfortable. Since ancient times, the authorities in China have learned to operate with these huge masses of people for state purposes (construction of the Great Wall of China, the Grand Canal, the Cultural Revolution, etc.), manage the crowd, and control its behavior.
For the most part, the Chinese are peaceful, friendly, good-natured and curious, very spontaneous and easy to talk to. They will willingly help a foreigner, and sometimes even with money. But if the same foreigner clearly violates generally accepted norms and rules, if he shows disrespect, they can quickly become aggressive, and if a crowd has gathered, even dangerous.
Ordinary people (primarily rural residents) are very hardworking and resilient, it is they who built modern China - cities, factories, roads and high-speed highways. They are easily recognized by their faces dark from the sun, they are lean to the point of thinness, extremely unpretentious and, as a rule, poorly dressed. The most enterprising and successful of them become rich (and even millionaires), unencumbered by knowledge and cultural baggage. Of these, a huge layer of middle-class traders was formed (restaurateurs, construction businessmen, agricultural product processors, etc.), the second generation of which differs from their parents and grandfathers even physiologically: they are quite well-fed, no veins or veins are visible on their hands, and especially the muscles.
China has a huge number of talented people who are capable of not only copying and improving what someone else has invented, but also creating new ideas, formats and technologies, although historically the Chinese have been “sharpened” on imitating models taken from their own history. Confucianism, in fact, is based on this – on the fact that everything best already existed in the best periods of Chinese history. Which, by the way, is not a religion, but the national philosophy of the Chinese people. Even the Chinese, due to the antiquity of their nation and the continuity of their history over these millennia, have learned to find a means of subsistence and the opportunity to earn money where anyone else will pass by and see nothing.
Etymology
"China" and "Katay"
According to the popular version, the name “China” comes from “katai”. This was the name of the Khitans, a proto-Mongol group of nomadic tribes from Manchuria. The same name later began to designate other nomads - the Jurchens and Mongols. Thanks to European merchants, in particular Marco Polo, this name in the form "Cathay" came to medieval Western Europe, displacing the Latin "China". From here it passed into most Slavic languages, where it became “China”. In the West, “Catay” is occasionally used as a poetic name for “China.”
"China"
The Latin name for China probably comes from the name of the Chinese Qin dynasty (221-206 BC). Most likely, the Chinese merchants who traded along the Silk Road and traveled to the Roman Empire called themselves Qin. This name "Qin" was written by the Romans as "Cina", which eventually became "China".
"Sinae"
"Sinae" is another name for Southern China used by the Greeks and Romans along with "Cina" ("China"). The sources use "Sine metropolis". “Sine” was changed to the Latin prefixes “Sino-” and “Sin-”, which began to denote objects and phenomena related to China. In Russian, these prefixes are used in the words “sinology”, “sinologist” and others.
"Zhongguo"
The Central State or “Zhongguo” (the self-name of China). In Western and domestic historiography, this name of China is translated as “Middle State”. However, this translation is not entirely correct, since the word “zhongguo” has long denoted the center of the “Celestial Empire.” Accordingly, the exact translation is "Central Country" or "Central State". The modern name for the nationality "Chinese" (中国人, zhongguo ren) also contains this term.
History of China
First Emperor of China Qin Shi Huang
It is believed that people lived in China 7 million years ago. And the first Chinese dynasty - the Xia - began to rule back in 2700 BC. All subsequent periods are associated with the rule of different dynasties in the country, successively replacing one another. To facilitate the perception of all Chinese history, the following periodization is used, based on traditional Han historiography:
- Pre-imperial China (Xia, Shang, Zhou - until 221 BC)
- Imperial China (Qin - Qing)
- New China (1911 - modern)
First Emperor Shi Huangdi- united China under his rule, dividing the newly formed empire Qin(221-206 BC) into 36 provinces, governed by officials appointed by the emperor. He announced the end of all wars, collected weapons from his subjects and melted them down, building 12 large monuments. He streamlined measures and weights, introduced standard writing of hieroglyphs, and organized a strict bureaucratic management system. During the reign of Shi Huangdi, construction of the Great Wall of China began. A network of roads with a width of 15 m and a total length of 7500 km connected the country.
The second empire in Chinese history to be called Han(206 BC-220 AD), founded by Liu Bang, who came from the middle bureaucracy. This period is considered one of the most important periods in the history of China; the Chinese themselves took their self-name from here (Han).
Epochs Tan(618-907) and Song(960-1127) is usually called the classical period in the history of China.
During the Tang period, a system of public examinations was formed. They contributed to the cultivation of an educated elite, since a candidate who was well versed in the classical texts, regardless of social background, was able to occupy the rank of official. People engaged in the humanities - writers, philosophers, scientists - were people of the privileged class.
The Song period is considered the era of economic and cultural prosperity in China. The number of cities is growing, the urban population continues to grow, Chinese artisans are reaching heights in the manufacture of products from porcelain, silk, lacquer, wood, ivory, etc.
At the beginning of the 13th century, the Mongols, united under the rule of Genghis Khan, invaded China. They were expelled in the middle of the 14th century after a long struggle. One of the leaders of the uprising, the son of a peasant Zhu Yuanzhang, came to power and founded the state. Min(1368-1644)
Dynasty Qing(1644-1911), created by nomadic conquerors from Manchuria, built the last empire, maximizing the country's territory. By the mid-19th century, China's population had grown to approximately 400 million people, but the management and financial system was extremely inefficient, setting the stage for future problems and crisis. Corruption was widespread, and the ruling elite did not want reform. After a series of defeats in the Opium Wars, China was forced to enter into unequal treaties with the European powers, opening its markets and placing its main ports under foreign control.
Mao Zedong announces the proclamation of the People's Republic of China
The Manchu dynasty was overthrown as a result Xinhai Revolution(1911). The Qing Empire collapsed and the creation of the Chinese Republic was proclaimed. In 1912, with the support of the United States and Japan, the Kuomintang revolutionary party was created. And in 1921, with the support of Russian organizations of the Comintern, the Communist Party of China was created. Since 1927, armed clashes began between the Kuomintang and the CPC, which resulted in a civil war. In the 1930s, Japanese intervention began, interrupting the conflict for some time. After Japan's defeat in 1945, the war between the Kuomintang and the CCP resumed. By 1949, the CCP army had established control over most of the country.
October 1, 1949 was proclaimed formation of the People's Republic of China. Chairman of the Communist Party of China Mao Zedong solemnly announced this from the podium in Tiananmen Square. The next day, the Soviet Union was the first to recognize the PRC and concluded a Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance with it.
History of the People's Republic of China
Deng Xiaoping - "architect of new China"
In 1949-1956, massive socialist construction was launched, industry was nationalized and agriculture was collectivized, and basic industries were created with the help of the USSR. Having become closer to the Soviet Union, China accordingly found itself economically isolated by the United States and other NATO countries.
Since 1958, a new course was proclaimed in China, known as the “Great Leap Forward” policy (1958-1966), which later turned into the “Cultural Revolution” (1966-1976). The CCP later rated it as " turmoil, which brought serious disasters to the party, the state and the entire multinational people» .
After Mao's death in 1976, power in the country passed into the hands of reformers led by Deng Xiaoping, who at the end of 1978 proclaimed the policy of “reform and openness” - a course towards a socialist market economy with a combination of two systems: planning and distribution and market. The reforms envisaged the massive attraction of foreign investment, greater economic independence of enterprises, the introduction of family contracting in rural areas, and a reduction in the share of the public sector in the economy.
Four cities - Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen, Shantou - were declared special economic zones. Following them, 14 more coastal cities, four regions at the mouths of the Yangtze and Pearl Rivers, the southeastern part of Fujian Province and a region in the Bohai Bay region received this status.
In subsequent years, China managed to develop high rates of growth in industrial production and GDP - an average of 9.5% per year, and significantly raise the standard of living of the people. The reforms were successfully continued by Deng Xiaoping's successors - Jiang Zemin (since 1989), Hu Jintao (since 2002), Xi Jinping (since 2012).
The liberalization policy has moved the Chinese economy to a different qualitative level. At the same time, economic development is uneven across regions, and social disparities in living standards are accumulating. Regions located inland, in the northeast of the country, lag behind the southern and coastal provinces in development. The environmental situation has worsened.
Modern China
A high rate of accumulation, skillful use of global market opportunities after joining the World Trade Organization at the end of 2001, and the country’s comparative advantages as the largest factory on the planet allowed China not only to maintain the dynamics of economic growth, but also to qualitatively increase its weight in the world economy.
Nevertheless, in China they believe that it is too early to talk about the revival of China as an accomplished event. Under "Chinese dream" is understood as the “revival of the Chinese nation” in two steps - towards the centenary of the CPC (2021) reach the level of “average prosperity”, and for the centenary of the People's Republic of China (2049) join the ranks of developed countries peace.
By 2020, the government has set the task of increasing GDP four times compared to 2000 and ensuring the construction of a society of “small prosperity” - "xiaokang", that is, to reach the world average level of consumption.
Modern China | Photo
Territory - 9.6 million km 2
Population - 1 billion 222 million people (1995).
The capital is Beijing.
Geographical location, general overview
The PRC is the third largest country in the world by territory and the first by population - located in central and eastern Asia. The state borders on 16 countries, 1/3 of the borders are in the CIS countries.
The economic and geographical position of the PRC is very advantageous, since being located along the Pacific coast (15 thousand km), the country has access to the sea from the most remote inland areas across the Yangtze River. The coastal location of the PRC contributes to the development of its economy and foreign economic relations.
China is one of the oldest states in the world, which emerged in the 14th century BC, and has a very complex history. Due to the obvious benefits of its position, the wealth of natural and agro-climatic resources, throughout its existence China attracted the attention of various conquerors. Even in ancient times, the country protected itself with the partially preserved Great Wall of China. In the 19th century, China was a pro-colony of England. After defeat in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 - 1895, the country was divided into spheres of influence between England, France, Germany, Japan and Russia.
In 1912, the Republic of China was formed. In 1945, after the defeat of the Japanese invaders with the help of the USSR, the People's Revolution occurred. In 1949, the People's Republic of China was proclaimed.
Natural conditions and resources
The country lies within the fractured Chinese Precambrian Platform and younger areas. In this regard, the eastern part is mainly lowland, and the western part is elevated and mountainous.
Various mineral deposits are associated with various tectonic structures. In terms of their supply, China is one of the
leading countries of the world, stands out primarily for its reserves of coal, non-ferrous and ferrous metal ores, rare earth elements, and mining and chemical raw materials.
In terms of oil and gas reserves, China is inferior to the leading oil countries of the world, but in terms of oil production the country has reached 5th place in the world. The main oil fields are located in Northern and Northeastern China, the basins of inland China.
Among the ore deposits, the Anshan iron ore basin, located in coal-rich Northeast China, stands out. Non-ferrous metal ores are concentrated mainly in the central and southern provinces.
The PRC is located in temperate, subtropical and tropical climatic zones, with the climate in the west being sharply continental, and in the east being monsoonal, with high rainfall (in summer). Such climatic and soil differences create conditions for the development of agriculture: in the west, in the arid regions, livestock farming and irrigated agriculture are mainly developed, while in the east, on the especially fertile lands of the Great Chinese Plain, agriculture predominates.
The water resources of the PRC are very large; the eastern, more populated and highly developed part of the country is most endowed with them. River waters are widely used for irrigation. In addition, China ranks first in the world in terms of potential hydropower resources, but their use is still very small.
China's forest resources in general are quite large, concentrated mainly in the northeast (taiga coniferous forests) and the southeast (tropical and subtropical deciduous forests). They are intensively used on the farm.
China is the first country in the world in terms of population (20% of all inhabitants of the Earth), and it has probably held the palm for many centuries. In the 70s, the country began to implement a demographic policy aimed at reducing the birth rate, because after the formation of the People's Republic of China (in the 50s), due to a decrease in mortality and an increase in living standards, the population growth rate increased very quickly. This policy has borne fruit and now natural growth in China is even below the world average.
China is a young country (1/3 of the population is under 15 years of age). The intensity of labor migration varies both within the country and abroad.
The PRC is a multinational country (there are 56 nationalities), but with a sharp predominance of the Chinese - about 95% of the population. They live mainly in the eastern part of the country; in the west (most of the territory) live representatives of other nationalities (Gzhuans, Hui, Uighurs, Tibetans, Mongols, Koreans, Manjurs, etc.).
Despite the fact that the PRC is a socialist country, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism are practiced here (in general, the population is not very religious). The country is home to the world center of Buddhism - Tibet, occupied by China in 1951.
Urbanization is developing rapidly in China.
Farm
The PRC is an industrial-agrarian socialist country that has recently been developing at a very rapid pace.
Economic modernization is progressing at different rates in different regions of China. Special economic zones (SEZs) have been created in Eastern China to take advantage of their advantageous coastal location. This strip occupies 1/4 of the country's territory, 1/3 of the population lives here and 2/3 of the GNP is produced. The average income per inhabitant is 4 times higher than in the more backward inland provinces. The territorial structure of the country's economy is represented mainly by established large industrial hubs; agriculture plays a major role, in which the majority of the economically active population (EAP) is employed.
In terms of GDP, China has reached fourth place in the world, although in terms of GNP per capita it has not yet reached the world average.
Energy. China occupies one of the leading places in the world in energy production and electricity generation. China's energy sector is coal (its share in the fuel balance is 75%), oil and gas (mostly artificial) are also used. Most of the electricity is produced at thermal power plants (3/4), mainly powered by coal. Hydroelectric power stations account for 1/4 of the electricity produced. There are two nuclear power plants, 10 primitive stations, and a geothermal station has been built in Lhasa.
Ferrous metallurgy is based on its own iron ore, coking coal and alloying metals. China ranks first in the world in iron ore mining, and second in steel production. The technical level of the industry is low. The largest factories in the country are those in Anshan, Shanghai, Broshen, as well as in Beijing, Beijing, Wuhan, Taiyuan, and Chongqing.
Non-ferrous metallurgy. The country has large reserves of raw materials (1/2 of the produced tin, antimony, and mercury are exported), but aluminum, copper, lead, and zinc are imported. In the north, south and west of China there are mining and processing plants, and in the east there are the final stages of production. The main centers of non-ferrous metallurgy are located in the provinces of Liaoning, Yunnan, Hunan, and Gansu.
Mechanical engineering and metalworking occupy 35% of the industry structure. The production of equipment for the textile industry remains high, and electronics, electrical engineering, and the automotive industry are rapidly developing. The structure of production enterprises is diverse: along with high-tech modern enterprises, handicraft factories are widespread.
The leading sub-sectors are heavy engineering, machine tool building, and transport engineering. The automotive industry (6-7th place in the world), electronics and instrument making are developing rapidly. As before, the country has developed production for the traditional textile and clothing sub-sectors.
The predominant part of China's engineering products is produced in the coastal zone (over 60%), and mainly in large cities (the main centers are Shanghai, Shenyang, Dalian, Beijing, etc.).
Chemical industry. Relies on coke and petrochemical products, mining chemicals and plant raw materials. There are two groups of production: mineral fertilizers, household chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Light industry is a traditional and one of the main industries, using its own, mainly natural (2/3) raw materials. The leading sub-sector is textile, providing the country with a leading position in the production and export of fabrics (cotton, silk and others). The sewing, knitting, leather and footwear sub-sectors are also developed.
The food industry - for a country with such a large population, is extremely important; the processing of grain and oilseeds is in the lead, the production and processing of pork (2/3 of the volume of the meat industry), tea, tobacco and other food products is developed.
Agriculture - provides food to the population, supplies raw materials for the food and light industries. The leading sub-sector of agriculture is crop production (rice is the basis of the Chinese diet). Wheat, corn, millet, sorghum, barley, peanuts, potatoes, yams, taro, and cassava are also grown; industrial crops - cotton, sugar cane, tea, sugar beets, tobacco, and other vegetables. Livestock farming remains the least developed sector of agriculture. The basis of livestock farming is pig breeding. Vegetable growing, poultry farming, beekeeping, and sericulture are also developed. Fisheries play a significant role.
Transport provides mainly communication between seaports and inland areas. 3/4 of all cargo transportation is provided by rail transport. Along with the recently increased importance of sea, road and aviation, the use of traditional modes of transport remains: horse-drawn, pack, transport carts, bicycle and especially river.
Internal differences. In the early 1980s, in order to improve planning, China created three economic zones: Eastern, Central and Western. The eastern region is the most developed, with the largest industrial centers and agricultural areas located here. The center is dominated by the production of fuel and energy, chemical products, raw materials and semi-finished products. The western zone is the least developed; livestock farming and mineral processing are mainly developed.
Foreign economic relations
Foreign economic relations have been developing especially widely since the 80-90s, which is associated with the formation of an open economy in the country. The volume of foreign trade is 30% of China's GDP. The leading place in exports is occupied by labor-intensive products (clothing, toys, shoes, sporting goods, machinery and equipment). Imports are dominated by mechanical engineering products and vehicles.
China is a country that still represents a mystery to many, a symbol of something distant and incomprehensible. The vast territory of China is located in the vastness of Central and East Asia. The north of China has vast steppes, often covered with snow in winter, while the south has tropical greenery and a warm sea. China is a country with a rich past and an equally interesting present, a country that combines loyalty to the traditions of one of the world's most ancient civilizations and the modern rhythm of life in large cities. The country's rich history and culture, vast territory and natural diversity create a wide range of travel and recreation opportunities. China gave us such great discoveries as paper, printing, gunpowder and a compass; magnificent Chinese silk and porcelain are known all over the world.
Geography
As the third largest country in the world, China is bordered by the deserts of Mongolia to the north, the rugged Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas to the west, and the East China and South China Seas to the east. China's 22 provinces and five autonomous regions are administered from Beijing, as are some 5,000 islands. Hong Kong and Macau have the status of Special Administrative Regions. Several disputed territories are located at varying distances along China's southwest coast. The most famous place is the island of Taiwan, over which controversy periodically flares up. In addition, there is also a group of Spratly Islands rich in oil that many countries would like to exploit, Diaoutai Island (known as the Senkaku in Japan), the Parachelle Islands and the Pescadores.
China's topography is very varied, from towering mountains to featureless plains; The surface of the country gradually decreases from the “roof of the world” of Tibet in the west through the Inner Mongolia plateau to the east to the Yangtze River valley. In the southwest of the country, the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau is a terrace with numerous waterfalls, underground caves, and limestone deposits, making this place one of the most impressive regions. Inland, there are also the salt lakes of the Taklamakhan Desert and the Turfan Lowlands (the hottest region of China, known as the Oasis of Fire). Melting snow from the mountains of western China and the Tibetan plateau provides water to the country's main transport arteries: the Yangtze, Yellow, Mekong and Salween.
Time
China is located in five time zones, but the entire country lives according to Beijing time. In the western regions the sun rises four hours later than in the eastern regions. Time difference with Moscow: in winter + 5 hours, in summer + 4 hours.
Climate
It varies greatly in different parts of the country within 3 climatic zones: temperate continental (west and north) with hot summers and harsh winters, subtropical in the central regions of the country and tropical monsoon on the southern coast and islands. A characteristic feature is very high air humidity in summer in many central and southern regions. The average temperature in the northern regions in winter is about -7 C (-20 C is not uncommon), in summer it is about +22 C and quite dry. In the central part of China in winter from 0 C to -5 C, in summer - about +20 C. In the southern regions in winter from +6 C to +15 C, in summer - above +25 C.
Hong Kong belongs to the tropical monsoon climate zone. The summer monsoon, which lasts from May to September, brings heavy rain and sometimes typhoons. The wettest month is June, when up to 400 mm of precipitation falls. July and August are not far behind it. The summer months are characterized by high humidity. Daytime temperatures during this period reach +30C, and sometimes +35C, night temperatures stay around +26C. Winter in Hong Kong is dry and warm. Precipitation is 80-100 mm. During the day the average temperature is +20C, at night - +14C.
Language
Most of the Chinese population speaks the Mandarin dialect of Pu-tong-hua. It is the official language of the People's Republic of China. With a population of approximately 1.3 billion, Mandarin is more widely spoken than any other language in the world, including English. Besides Pu Tong Hua, there are nine other dialects of Chinese, such as Cantonese, Manchu, Miao.
There is no alphabet in Chinese writing; it is replaced by hieroglyphs. The writing system evolved from pictographs, which were used by early hunter-gatherers to record words for people, animals, and objects. Of course, over the long history of mankind, writing has changed, but there are still several hieroglyphs preserved in their original form. Today there are approximately 50 thousand hieroglyphs, of which about five thousand are actively used. It is believed that a well-educated Chinese should know between six and eight thousand characters. To read Chinese newspapers, you will need to master two to three thousand characters. Traditional pu-tong-hua is written in a column and read from top to bottom and from right to left.
Religion
The main religions in China are Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. All of these faith groups, with the exception of adherents of Taoism, maintain contacts with relevant organizations in all countries of the world. Freedom of religion is a permanent, long-term policy of the Chinese government. The Constitution of the People's Republic of China guarantees this freedom to every citizen of China.
“A noble man thinks about duty, a low man cares about profit,” taught Confucius. He also developed a number of other concepts, including loyalty and sincerity (zheng), decency and observance of ceremonies and rituals (li).
Following all these principles was the duty of the noble junzi, and thus the “noble man” of Confucius is a speculative social ideal, an edifying set of virtues. This ideal became mandatory for imitation; approaching it was a matter of honor and social prestige, especially for those representatives of the upper class of scientists-officials, professional bureaucrats-administrators, who from the Han era (III century BC) began to govern Chinese Confucianism interia.
Population
China is the world's most populous country, with China's population accounting for approximately 22 percent of the world's population. China has nine provinces with a population of more than 50 million people. The population distribution in China is uneven. Over the past ten years, eastern China has experienced faster population growth than the western regions of the country. The most densely populated areas in China are the plains along the lower reaches of the Yangtze and Qiantang Rivers, the Pearl Delta, the Sichuan Basin and the Huanghuai Plain.
Ethnically, more than 90% of China's population is Han, or "Han" Chinese. Due to migration processes, their number in areas inhabited by national minorities is increasing, but for the most part they inhabit Central and Eastern China. The Han Chinese traditionally considered all non-Chinese people to be backward peoples. As the Han Chinese expanded their territory beyond their original areas of residence, they assimilated some non-Chinese ethnic groups. Other ethnic groups retreated to remote, less convenient areas for life, where many of them managed to preserve their national characteristics.
Electricity
In China, two types of power sources are used: 110 and 220 volts.
Emergency numbers
police - 110
firefighters - 119
assistance in case of accident - 122
ambulance - 120
telephone information (English) - 108
Connection
A local call can be made from a pay phone (they work using magnetic cards), which are installed everywhere. Telephone cards are sold in hotels, postal kiosks and telegraph offices. Long-distance and international calls are easiest to make from specialized call centers, which are located in most postal or telegraph offices, as well as from a hotel (the tariff is usually 1.5 times higher). To call China, dial 8 - 10 - 86 - area code - number of the called party.
Some city codes: Beijing - 10, Guangzhou - 20, Dalian - 411, Guiyang - 851, Yinchuan - 951, Kunming - 871, Lanzhou - 931, Nanjing - 25, Xi'an - 29, Xining - 971, Xiamen (Amoy) - 592 , Taiyuan - 351, Tianjin - 22, Urumqi - 911, Fuzhou - 591, Haikou - 898, Hangzhou - 571, Harbin - 451, Hohhot - 471, Hefei - 551, Heihe - 456, Jinan - 531, Jinzhou - 371 , Changchun - 431, Chongqing - 23, Changsha - 731, Qingdao - 532, Shanghai - 21, Shenyang - 24. When in China, you must dial “0”, then the area code.
Currency exchange
Chinese national currency is the yuan. In circulation throughout China, there are 13 types of Chinese currency notes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 yuan, 5,2,1. The national currency of China is the Renminbi. Its issue is the prerogative of the People's Bank of China. The main unit of the renminbi is the yuan, the auxiliary units are the jiao and fen (1 yuan = 10 jiao; 1 jiao = 10 fen). Iron money of China - coins of 6 types: 1 yuan, 5 jiao, 1 jiao, 5 fen, 2 fen and 1 fen. 1 yuan = 10 jiao, therefore 1 jiao = 10 fen. In the currency circulation of China you can find both new and old banknotes. Currency exchange in China is best done at hotel receptions or exchange offices. In China, it is better to refuse torn money, very wrinkled or torn, and exchange it for normal ones.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation (except for citizens with diplomatic passports) require a visa to visit China.
Types of visas: tourist visa - the purpose of the trip is tourism; business (commercial) visa - the purpose of the trip is a business visit; transit visa - issued to persons traveling through the territory of the PRC to third countries; individual visa - for persons traveling independently, not as part of a group; group visa - issued to a group of people crossing the Chinese border together at the same time through the same border crossing. Group visas are divided into tourist (group must have at least 5 people) and business (group must have at least 9 people). The Chinese Consulate issues both single-entry and multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens.
Customs regulations
The new rules not only introduce a system of mandatory declaration of values, but also set limits for the duty-free import of goods. Thus, residents of the PRC can import duty-free goods into China in an amount not exceeding 5 thousand Chinese yuan (approximately $605), and non-residents of China (for example, tourists or people coming on short-term business trips) - up to 2 thousand yuan ($242). You will also need to declare imported cash in excess of $5,000. A copy of the entry declaration will serve as the basis for the tourist to seamlessly export part of the unspent money back to his homeland. Those traveling abroad will also be required to declare the presence of cameras, video cameras and compact computers if their value exceeds 5 thousand yuan ($605). In this case, when these items are re-imported into the territory of the PRC, they will not be subject to duties. It will also be necessary to declare excisable goods - no more than 1.5 liters of strong alcoholic beverages, 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco can be imported duty-free into China. If during your stay in China you have not used up all the local currency, before leaving you can exchange it back for the desired foreign currency by presenting a certificate of the original exchange (the certificate is valid for 6 months). It is prohibited to export historical documents, valuable objects and works of art, as well as paintings and graphics without a store receipt confirming the legality of the purchase or an export permit from the Chinese Administrative Department for Cultural Property.
Holidays and non-working days
Official holidays in China are New Year (celebrated throughout the country on January 1), Spring Festival (Lunar New Year, which is celebrated throughout the country for three days), International Women's Day (March 8), International Workers' Day ( May 1), Chinese Youth Day (May 4), International Children's Day (June 1), Establishment Day of the People's Liberation Army of China (August 1), Teacher's Day (September 10), National Day of the People's Republic of China (October 1) is celebrated nationwide three day.
SPRING FESTIVAL. Every year at the end of the winter season, on the eve of spring, the Chinese people traditionally solemnly and joyfully celebrate the first traditional holiday of the year - the Spring Festival. In the past, this holiday was called “Xinnian” (New Year), since according to the lunar calendar (this chronology has been accepted in the history of China since ancient times), the Spring Festival fell on the first day of the new year. After the Xinhai Revolution (1911), a new style of chronology began to be used in China. To distinguish it from the New Year according to the new style, the New Year according to the lunar calendar was renamed the Spring Festival (it falls on one of the days from the third ten days of January to the second ten days of February according to the new style). On the night of the Spring Festival, which is called "chusi", the whole family gathers together. A rich festive dinner is arranged, after which conversations and games are held on various topics. Many families stay up all night, this is called "Shousui" - waiting for the New Year. In the morning of the next day, one is supposed to go around the houses of relatives and friends with congratulations and wishes for all the best. On the days of the Spring Festival, traditional mass performances are held: lion dances, dragon dances, round dances of “land boats”, performances on stilts.
"QINGMING" HOLIDAY. It falls on one of the days of April 4 - 6. Since ancient times, people commemorated their ancestors on this day. And now, on the Qingming holiday, events have begun to take place in memory of the fallen revolutionaries and fallen heroes. On this day, their graves are put in order. It’s usually warm in Qingming, nature is blooming, so many people go on country walks, fly paper kites, and admire the spring nature. That's why "Qingming" is also called "Tatsingjie" - a day of walking along the first greenery.
"YUANXIAO" HOLIDAY. It falls on the 15th day of the first month according to the lunar calendar. It coincides with the first full moon of the new year. On this day, people eat "yuanxiao", which is made from sticky rice with sweet filling and candied fruits. They are shaped like a ball and symbolize the happiness of a friendly family. On this day people also admire festive lanterns, so it is also called the Lantern Festival. For this day, a variety of, but certainly colorful, lanterns are made, which are hung on the streets and in courtyards. Festive evenings are held when riddles written on lanterns are solved.
Over the course of a long history, each nationality of China has developed its own way of life, reflected in the characteristics of food, clothing, customs and rituals. In China, not everyone celebrates their birthday. And if it is celebrated, then in most cases it is among city dwellers, not villagers, and for children and old people, and not young and middle-aged people. There is no special ritual for birthdays, however, many people prefer to eat festive “shoumian” - noodles that symbolize longevity. More and more often, in urban families, a European cake is served on the table on this day. China has adopted the "Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China", according to which men who have reached 22 years of age and women who are at least 20 years of age have the right to marry and obtain a marriage certificate from the relevant competent authority. A wedding is not a mandatory legal procedure. This is a holiday when newlyweds receive congratulations from family and friends. Newlyweds, as a rule, treat their comrades and friends with wedding sweets, and at the same time accept gifts from them for good luck. Funeral rites in China are simple. Usually a farewell to the body of the deceased or a funeral meeting is held as a sign of grief. In cities, cremation is common, and in villages, burial of the deceased is common. The traditional funeral color in China is white; in recent years, at funerals, citizens have worn a black mourning bandage on their arm.
Transport
A taxi is the most comfortable way to travel in the city. Tariffs in different companies vary quite a lot and depend on the type of car, on average 10-12 yuan for the first four kilometers and 1-2 yuan for each subsequent one. At night the tariff may be higher. The tariff is usually written large on a piece of paper attached to the windshield or rear right door glass. The taxi driver takes money strictly according to the meter and returns the change in full, and upon the first request of the client, he is obliged to issue a receipt for the amount paid. It is not recommended to take a taxi at the main entrance to the hotel - these are usually the cars with the most expensive fares. Don’t even try to stop the “private trader” - it’s useless.
International airports in China: Beijing, Shanghai (Pudong Airport) and Hong Kong accept regular flights from Moscow operated by Aeroflot and China Airlines. Travel time: Moscow - Beijing 7 hours, Moscow - Shanghai 8 hours, Moscow - Hong Kong 10 hours. Domestic air transport is rapidly developing and covers the entire country. Domestic flights are best done only with flights of large Chinese companies, which provide better service and higher safety.
China is one of the most developed countries in the world and has an excellent road network. The eastern part of China is especially striking. You can easily come across four-level highway interchanges and incredible highways built above the water, underground or on tall stilts. In addition to toll highways, which are called Express Way or simply EXPRW, there is a network of regular federal roads - also toll roads, and also of good quality. Often these roads run parallel.
China has a developed rail network serving passengers on domestic and international routes. International express trains run on the following routes: Beijing-Ulaanbaatar-Moscow, Beijing-Mazhouli-Moscow, Beijing-Pyongyang, Beijing Hanoi, Urumqi-Almaty. Express trains run between major cities in China, departing in the evening and arriving the next morning. Soft sleepers consist of compartments for 4 passengers.
The water transport system is extremely developed in China. There are international and domestic shipping lines. Separately, the main tourist routes should be noted: along the Grand Canal from Suzhou to Hangzhou, a cruise along the Grand Canal, the Yangtze River and Lake Taihu, in Guilin Province, along the Lijiang River.
Three Chinese cities: Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai have subways. Station name signs are duplicated in English; in certain cases, taking the metro is the most convenient and economical way to get to your desired location. If you get lost, you can hardly count on the help of local residents, since most likely they will either not understand you or will direct you in the wrong direction.
Tips
In China, tipping is not a local tradition, and in provincial hotels it can be perceived as an insult. In tourist centers they usually leave 10%, for the hotel maid - 2-3 yen, for the guide - 1 dollar.
The shops
Artistically - exquisite, charming, practical and unique goods produced on a vast territory such as silk, cashmere, embroidery, pottery and porcelain, lacquerware, artistic wood carvings, tea, liquor, medicines and, of course, Chinese graphics and national painting. For a long period of time, these goods remain the most desirable for foreign tourists. Guests can purchase Chinese souvenirs from duty-free shops, officially registered stores and major department stores throughout the country, or directly contact the 300 government-registered tourism product manufacturers.
Hong Kong is a true paradise for shopping lovers. If in Moscow you can count the megamarkets on one hand, then in Hong Kong, in a very compact area, there are about 100 of them. There is everything here! Gucci, Prada, Vercase - in any store or shopping center. Most Hong Kongers follow fashion and always follow the latest global trends. Men and, to a greater extent, women never miss out on the latest designer collections. So if you happen to visit Hong Kong, buy branded clothing. What is luxury in Moscow may be the most common in Hong Kong. Please pay attention to the prices of these products. They will certainly be lower than in Moscow.
National cuisine
Beijing or Northern cuisine (imperial): dishes traditionally use lamb, as well as sesame (oil, grains, dough), borrowed from Mongolian cuisine. Noodles and steamed buns often replace rice (cereals are grown in the northern regions). The most common vegetable is the so-called Chinese cabbage, a cross between cabbage, lettuce and celery. Here they prefer to season food with spicy rice vinegar and cook vegetables in sweet and sour sauce. Beijing cuisine combines simple, hearty dishes with the gourmet dishes of the imperial court. The pinnacle of culinary art is undoubtedly Peking duck. The duck is dried, soaked in soy sauce and fried. A waiter wearing white gloves cuts the finished dish right in front of you. You will be served a piece of duck with a crispy crust, slices of cucumber, a feather of onion and a slightly sweetish plum sauce on a thin, almost transparent pancake. Another popular dish is "beggar's chicken." Like the Peking duck, it must be ordered in advance. The chicken is stuffed with champignons, cabbage, onions, herbs, wrapped in lotus leaves, coated with clay and fried in the oven. The client himself must break the hardened clay crust using a small hammer. The smell is simply amazing!
Sichuan or Western cuisine: dried, salted, smoked foods with a lot of pepper added for better preservation. Sichuan cuisine is very spicy, fragrant with the aromas of garlic, dill, coriander, and anise. Steaming and smoking are the most common methods of local cuisine. Frog legs. smoked duck in tea leaves, king prawns with garlic, tofu (fermented soybean cheese) with pepper - masterpieces of Sichuan culinary art. And the peanut chicken is simply irresistible.
Cantonese or Southern cuisine: Steamed fish and dim sum - small pies served in bamboo baskets - are the most popular dish. The main requirements for food are fresh products and a minimum of seasonings. Restaurants serve Cantonese rice, shark fin soup, and exotic dishes made from dog, snake and turtle meat.
Shanghai, or Oriental cuisine: food is stewed for a long time in soy sauce with the addition of rice vodka. Ravioli with meat, eel in wine with garlic, fried noodles with shrimp are just a small part of what they can offer you.
Attractions
One of the main attractions is, of course, the grandiose monument of fortress architecture, the Great Wall of China, which stretches 4,000 km along Northern China and passes 90 km from Beijing. Its construction began in the 3rd century BC and ended in the 3rd century AD. The wall is an earthen rampart up to 10 meters high, with watchtowers located every 200 meters. Beijing is home to China's largest national museum, Gugong. This is a former imperial palace, which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful medieval palace ensembles. On the southern outskirts of Beijing is the Temple of Heaven. It is one of the largest historical monuments in China, built in the 15th century. It was then called the Temple of Heaven and Earth and was the place where emperors offered prayers to the God of Earth and the God of Heaven and made sacrifices on the altar. Guizhou Province is famous for the magnificent Huangoshu Waterfall, which is popularly called the "Milky Way on Earth." Its height is 74 meters and width is 81 meters. Going down the stone-lined path, you can find yourself in Shuiliandong Cave, which is located behind the waterfall. The most beautiful view opens up from here, and besides, you can even touch the waterfall. If you crave shopping and entertainment, then be sure to visit Shanghai - the largest industrial and commercial center, a city that combines Eastern and Western culture. Modern Shanghai is home to fashionable hotels, luxurious restaurants, huge shopping and entertainment centers. Nanjing Road is the city's most famous pedestrian street, stretching for 14 km, where the city's best shops and restaurants are concentrated. Southeast of the city of Luoyang in the Songshan Mountains is the Shaolin Monastery. This is the most famous Buddhist temple in China, the “homeland” of Chan Buddhism, as well as a recognized center for martial arts (wu-shu). One of the main Shaolin shrines is the cave where Bodhidharma meditated. It is located at the very top of Songshan Mountain, the road there is paved with slabs; and above the cave rises a majestic statue of Bodhidharma made of white stone.
Heavenly Peace Square (Tiananmen) is located in the center of Beijing, covering an area of 44 hectares. The emperor once announced his decrees from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, and in 1949 Mao Zedong proclaimed the declaration on the formation of the People's Republic of China. During the imperial era, ordinary citizens were not allowed into Tiananmen Square, and during Mao's time, mass demonstrations began to be held here. The Summer Imperial Palace is a spacious park ensemble with residential buildings, temples and pavilions located along the shores of an artificial lake. Located 20 km northwest of Beijing. The park can be divided into two parts: the palace and the park itself. After passing the main gate of the park, you find yourself in the Renshoudian Pavilion, where at one time the residence of Empress Cixi and her son Guangxu was located. To the east is the Deheyuan theater complex, and to the west is a long gallery with a length of 728 m. Each span of the gallery is decorated with magnificent paintings, in which there is not a single repeating plot.
Huge numbers of visitors come to Beijing to visit its incredibly cheap markets. The most popular markets are the Silk (Xyushui), Pearl and Yabolu (Yabao Lua) markets, the Friendship store on Yanguamenway, the Lufthansa department store (Yansha), as well as hundreds of retail outlets on the “main street of China” - Changanjie.
In the ancient city of Xi'an there is a unique museum of terracotta figures of warriors and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, and near Zhoukoudian there are unique archaeological sites included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list - the site of the discovery of fossil remains of the earliest forms of man. Suzhou has more than 100 well-preserved garden and park ensembles created by many generations of imperial dynasties. To the southeast of Beijing are the famous scenic Mount Taishan - one of the most revered shrines of the five sacred mountains of Taoism, as well as the Temple of Confucius (478 BC) and the architectural and park complex of the Yanshenggong residence near the city of Qufu with the complex surrounding mansions and the “Confucius Forest” - a huge park with unique trees and the best preserved ancient cemetery in China.
In Hong Kong, the busiest deep-sea port in the world, interesting places to visit include Victoria Park on the mountainside, the Aberdeen Floating Market District, the Meng Mo Temple (Old Man Mo Temple), the Central Market, the sailors' paradise Wanchai, the Legislative Council Building, and the Anglican Cathedral. St. John's, the building of the former French mission, Government House, beautiful protected parks, the area of which makes up about 40% of the entire city, zoological and botanical gardens, the beaches of Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay and Stanley, as well as ultra-modern bank buildings and financial organizations.
Resorts
Beach resorts:
Hainan Island located in southern China. The name of the tropical island is translated from Chinese as “island south of the sea.” Thanks to the mild tropical climate and the absence of industrial enterprises, Hainan occupies one of the leading places in the world in terms of environmental indicators. There is clean and healthy air, clear sea water and a lot of greenery. Perhaps this is why the highest life expectancy in China is recorded here. The island's population is almost 6.7 million people. The capital of the island is Haikou. A 370 km long expressway connects the capital with the southern part of the island, the year-round resort city of Sanya. "Coconut City", as the locals call it, is surrounded by picturesque mountains, densely covered with forest, and washed by the sea.
Main resort areas Sanyi are located in three bays: Yalongwan, Dadonghai and Sanyavan. All beaches in Hainan resorts are municipal, but hoteliers carefully look after their beach area and equip it with everything necessary: sun loungers, umbrellas, fresh showers, and a lifeguard always monitors the situation at sea. The beaches are sandy and flat everywhere, the water is warm and clear. 
Yalong Bay is located 25 km from Sanya and is considered the most prestigious holiday destination in Hainan. The water in Yalong Bay is the cleanest, the sea is calmer, and the water temperature is one degree cooler compared to other bays. The underwater world is rich and diverse, which is why large dive centers are located here. The most luxurious hotel in Yalongwan today is The Ritz Carlton. Popular hotels include the world-famous Sheraton and Marriott chains. The excellent hotel of the Aegean chain is practically unknown on the Russian market, but you should not ignore it - the hotel suites are even equipped with washing machines, and on the balcony of the room you can lie in the jacuzzi, admiring the unique view of the sea.
Dadonghai Bay located very close to the center of Sanya, it is always crowded and fun. For the use of wooden sun loungers you will be charged 30 yuan (about 105 rubles). However, if you are swimming on site, a sun lounger and umbrella will be free of charge. On Dadonghai beach you won't get bored with fruit and pearl sellers, but they are not intrusive - if their goods don't interest you, they will quickly leave.
Sanyawan Bay is located near Sanya airport, the infrastructure of the bay is still developing. The main disadvantage of this resort area is that all the beaches are across the road. The coastal waters are not as clear as in Yalunwan, but the surrounding landscapes - white sand, coconut palms and the vast horizon of the emerald sea - more than cover all the disadvantages of the bay.
There are many mountain ranges in China, and there are small ski centers in various parts of the country. Skiing in China is becoming increasingly popular both among local residents and foreign tourists, who find a certain exoticism in this activity - for relatively little money. Ski resorts: Heihe-Longzhou, Alshan-Alpine, Changchun-Beidaihu, Changchun-Jinggetan, Jilin-Changbeishan, etc.
