Introduction to China: officially known as the people’s republic of China, this country is rich in tradition and architecture. Home to over 1.8 million people, China is home to many dialects and cultures. China is known as one of the oldest countries in the world with the XIa and Shang dynasties existing hundreds of years ago in 1600 BC. China is located in the eastern part of Asia and has the largest international land border in the world, bordering 14 other countries. The capital of China is Beijing. One of the most know attractions is the great wall of china, stretching over 5,000 miles long from the Korean border to the Gobi dessert.

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Let's learn a bit more about China!

Facts about China

⦿ Being one of the largest countries China has a lot of railways, so much in fact that if we laid them all in a row it would circle the earth twice!

⦿ The Chinese new year celebration begins on a different day each year and can last up to 15 days long.

⦿ Did you know? Fortune cookies are not actually a Chinese tradition they were first created in San Francisco.

⦿ Before 2016, China had a "one child policy" that means parents were only allowed to have one child so as to keep the population down. The law has since been taken away.

⦿ Facebook has been banned in China since 2009.

Visiting China?

When you visit China you have to have a "tourist visa". Although you can apply for one when you get there it may take some time to get, so it it suggested that you apply for one before your trip. There are two ways to get a tourist visa, first by providing a letter from a relative or friend who lives in China, or secondly by providing a detailed plan of your visit including the flights you will be on and where you will be staying during your visit. Although thousands of tourist visit China every year there are still many places that wont understand english, so it is important that you plan to have a translator with you. Another important thing to think about it money, most Chinese places will only accept "yuan" also known as "RMB", which is their currency. Last but not least be sure to check up on proper greetings and social norms before your trip, some of which are on the next page!

Social Norms

A traditional greeting is holding your right hand in a fist and covering it with your left hand and slightly bowing forward to greet someone new
However when greeting a group of people it is common to greet the oldest person in the room first.
Whistling and clicking your fingers are both considered extremely rude.
It is considered offensive to lay your hands on a stranger, always ask before hugging someone.
It is important that you always arrive on time when going to an event in China.