About China
- China is the largest country in Asia and has the third-largest surface area of any country worldwide after Russia and Canada.
- In 1911, the Chinese Revolution took place and the country became a republic, ending the 2000-year-old imperial system.
- China’s population is around 1.425 billion, according to World Population Review 2023 data.
- The official language in China is Standard Chinese, with Mandarin being the most widely spoken. In addition to hundreds of related Chinese languages, there are recognized regional languages such as Mongolian, Uyghur and Tibetan.
- The capital of China is Beijing. Other well-known cities include Shanghai, China’s largest city, as well as Hong Kong, Guilin and Guangzhou.
Where is China?
China is in the East Asia region. The country has borders with the Russian Federation, South Korea, India, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and North Vietnam.
When to visit China
China is large, but most of the country has four seasons. The spring and fall months are considered the best times to visit.
Getting to China
Turkish Airlines flies to 62 cities in China. Direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport take approximately nine hours, while direct flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport are generally between 10 and 11 hours. For flights to other cities in China, the travel time will vary depending on the layovers.
Beijing, the capital of China, and other popular cities
Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, offers a fascinating perspective on China’s deep-rooted past and modern present, featuring striking contemporary architecture and historical structures and sites. Some of Beijing’s highlights include the following.
- The Great Wall of China, considered the world’s longest defensive fortification, is about 77 kilometers from the center of Beijing. Erected by various dynasties over the centuries, the wall was believed to have been more than 8,000 kilometers in length.
- The Temple of Heaven is a complex housing a park, and religious buildings from the Imperial era. This popular tourist destination was also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.
- Once barred to the public, the Forbidden City is a walled complex that housed temples, administrative buildings, and the emperor’s palace. Now a museum, the Forbidden City was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
- Just outside the Forbidden City is Donghuamen Avenue and the lively Donghuamen Night Market, featuring food stalls and vendors.
- Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world, is also a top place to visit in Beijing due to its historical significance.
China’s biggest city: Shanghai
The largest city in China, Shanghai is a dynamic port city with beautiful scenery, modern skyscrapers, and historical temples and structures. Some of the top places to visit in Shanghai include the following.
- Featuring a majestic seafront promenade, the Bund is home to upscale restaurants, as well as 52 of the city’s most striking buildings.
- The space-age Oriental Pearl Tower is the second tallest TV and radio tower in China. Set in the Pudong district, the tower houses museums, stores and a hotel along with a revolving restaurant and recreational facilities.
- Yu Garden, known as the Garden of Happiness, offers a relaxing retreat from the urban bustle. Preserved as a National Monument, the gardens feature unique architectural structures and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Shanghai is also home to numerous temples. Some of the most well-known include the Jing’an Temple, the Jade Buddha Temple and the Longhua Temple.
Always intriguing: Hong Kong
Hong Kong, a British colony from about the mid-1800s to 1997, is now a special administrative region of China. In addition to its diverse cuisine and historic heritage, this vibrant and densely populated port city is known as a center of business and finance. Some of Hong Kong’s highlights are below.
- Victoria Peak: the best views of Hong Kong are from Victoria Peak! The Peak tram takes you up the hill to Peak Tower.
- The Tian Tan Buddha statue, considered the largest statue in the world, is a popular place to visit in Hong Kong.
- Beautiful Man Mo and Wong Tai Si temples are also important sites in Hong Kong.
- We recommend a visit to Hong Kong Park to escape the noise of the city and enjoy a calm interlude. In addition to lush greenery, the park contains a tea house, a visual arts center, a sports center and a conservatory.
Dining in China
The venerable culinary tradition of China comprises a diverse range of regional, local and national dishes and ingredients and it is challenging to pick and choose any particular specialty. That being said, some of the Chinese dishes best known around the world are listed below.
- Peking duck (spiced, roasted duck with a crispy skin and tender meat)
- Spring rolls (fried, filled with julienned vegetables, meat or seafood)
- Hot pot (refers to a pot of soup stock into which diners place various meats, seafoods and vegetables)
- Fried bananas
- Kung Pao chicken (a spicy Sichuan-style dish with chicken and vegetables)
- Dim sum (refers to an assortment of Cantonese-style dumplings and small plates, usually served for brunch)
- Chow mein (stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tofu or meat)
- Fried rice
Practical information on China
Capital of China: Beijing
Official language of China: Standard Chinese
Chinese currency: Chinese Yaun Renminbi
We wish you pleasant and exploratory travels!
