And 1.3 billion people live there! That is the estimated population of the world´s most densely populated country. Although the country´s economic development has taken some time to get moving, with many bleak intervals during the last half of the 20th century, it has certainly gained momentum now. In 2010, China had the world´s second-largest economy in terms of BNP. With the growth in this league, it is hardly surprising that many western eyes have turned more and more frequently towards Asia´s Red Dragon during the 2000s. This is true not only in terms of business but also in terms of tourism which is booming in this gigantic and fascinating destination.
Economically and politically, China´s development can only be described as phenomenal and unmatched during the past 20 years. As the country has become more western-oriented in many ways, it has also become more accessible to tourists. Visiting the Great Wall of China is the obvious goal for many who take a trip to China. Parts of the Great Wall of China were already under construction in approximately 700 BC. The remainder of this massive construction project was built during the Ming dynasty between 1368 and 1644, an undertaking that took several thousand years to complete. That takes a while to digest, and it´s even more impressive when you see it.
Kina Jiuzhaigou Sichuan Panda Lake
China covers an area of almost 9.6 million sq. km. Included in this are 4.73 million sq. km. of rivers and lakes. It is the largest country in Asia and the world´s fourth-largest country after Russia, Canada, and the USA. If we examine the country´s topography (differences in height and surface levels), we will see that huge variation exists between the lowlands and the highest regions such as Mt. Everest in the Himalaya Mountain range which is 8,848 m. above sea level. Part of the Himalayas is located in China, and Mt. Everest is recognized officially as part of both China and Nepal.
Yangtze River, China
The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers are 6,300 kilometers long and are the major rivers in China. In addition, the famous Jinghang Canal (or Grand Canal) stretches across another 1,794 kilometers and is one of the longest man-made canals in the world.
Qinghai Lake covers an area of 4,583 sq. km. and is the world´s largest saltwater lake. Poyang Lake, at 3,583 sq. km. is China´s largest freshwater lake.
Because of its size and variations in altitude, China has a somewhat complex climate.
Most of the country lies within the northern temperate or subtropical zone, and is a part of the east Asiatic monsoon system.
During the winter, temperatures can vary by as much as 40 degrees Celsius in northern China. So that makes it a little difficult to define the climate in China as being “one thing or another”. You need to define the geographic area you are talking about much more precisely. That´s why we just provide examples of the enormous variations that can occur. During the summer the temperatures are generally high and rainfall fluctuates between 1500 mm in the southeast to less than 50 mm in the northwest. Not surprisingly, the highest mountain ranges remain cold all year round. The majority of regions enjoy a micro-climate, including those on high plateaus and along the coast.
Despite the ever-encroaching urbanization of the countryside, a large part of the Chinese population are still dependent on agriculture to make a living and, outside the crowded cities, there are still large nature reserves.
The river in Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province in south-western China, with its turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains in the background offers breathtaking scenery and nature that can match and top anything fairytales have to offer! If you travel further east, you can also explore Zhangjiajie National Park, whose mountain formations really did inspire a fantasy world in the film Avatar.
China´s development has been a long time in coming, and it requires a certain brand of curiosity and even stamina to travel across this huge country. But far removed from our own western culture and Christian traditions, you´ll discover a China that will amaze you, one of the true pearls of the East. It will challenge you and invite you to see the world from a different perspective – whether you visit the teeming cities of Shanghai and Beijing, or are on a quest to find your inner Buddhist in these magical landscapes.
The Himalayas from Tibet
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