Country information – China
China is third biggest country worldwide, only next to Russia and Canada. It such a big and diverse country where people don’t even know what is happening in the other side of the country. Surprise is everything and anything if you are a foreigner without much of info about China. The Chinese economy is a growing economy and a growing old age population.
It has one of the world’s oldest civilizations with its heritage, religion, and culture scattering through a major part of Asia and with its very old language system. The popular Chinese name for China is Zhōngguó, meaning “middle kingdom” or “central nation”.
China’s geography is as widely stretched and diverse as the country is huge: in the west are plateaus and mountains, in the east are lower lands. Moreover western part of the country is still the old china whereas the eastern part is developing in a fast pace believe it or not faster than US, Germany or in fact than any other country!!
The education system in china is way different from the western countries. The teachers are considered the boss and no questions even if he gives you wrong information. Mainly after the recent Olympic Games the English literacy rate is on the rise. Lot of incoming foreigners have made them to change their systems towards the modern way of education.
The farmland is close to the fruitful vegetation of the rivers in the central east, forming a strong contrast to the condensed and highly populated cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing.
China’s climate differs greatly: the northern part has summer temperatures crosses 30 degrees winter temperatures goes beyond zero during the winters. The southern part has a subtropical climate, standing for very hot and humid summers, but mild winters. So, have a wide variety in your wardrobe for accommodating extreme temperatures!!
There are several languages spoken in China, as English is not wide spoken, be prepared to grab some Chinese at least to communicate “I don’t know Chinese” or “can you speak English”! Regarding religion, China is officially atheist and has a casual view towards faiths. Buddhism represents the largest religious movement; Taoism is the second popular one.
The main tourist attractions are the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Heaven Temple, to name just a few. People are interested to see historical sights, paralleled to futuristic cities with its business ties. World Travel Organization predicts that by year 2020, China will become the number one travel destination in the world. This article would be condemned if I don’t tell about the Chinese cuisines, a world favorite from Australia to America.
Studying in China is popular for international students: seems like 363 universities in 31 Chinese states had 61,869 students from l69 countries to study in China in 2001 and with numbers growing each year. Senior and junior undergraduate programs, Master Degrees, and Ph.D degrees can be obtained. Be prepared to learn Chinese before you arrive and/or during your stay as most universities courses are held in Chinese.
You might discover a lot of new and diverse things to learn and experience while you are in China, as this is a diverse country as well and where the motto “Same, same, but different” is truly valid!