About China

About China

Essential facts, geography, history and culture — everything to know before you go

China quick facts

CapitalBeijing
Largest cityShanghai
Population~1.41 billion
Official languageMandarin Chinese
CurrencyRenminbi / Yuan (CNY, ¥)
Area~9.6 million km²
Time zoneUTC+8 (nationwide)
Calling code+86
Drives onthe right
Power220V, plugs A/I/C

China facts & background

Facts about China (overview)
The essential numbers and need-to-knows at a glance.
Geography & regions
Provinces, regions, rivers and landscapes explained.
History & dynasties timeline
5,000 years from the first emperor to today.
Language & dialects
Mandarin, characters, and the regional tongues.

Chinese culture

Chinese zodiac
The 12 animals and the 2026 Year of the Horse.
Chinese New Year
Dates, traditions and how to experience it.
Chinese cuisine
The eight great regional cuisines.
Shaolin kung fu
The birthplace of kung fu and Zen.
Sichuan living heritage
Shu embroidery, Sichuan cooking and face-changing opera.

Practical know-how

Visa & entry 2026
30-day visa-free and 240-hour transit.
Best time to visit
Weather and crowds, month by month.
Trip costs
Daily budgets from backpacker to luxury.
Is China safe?
An honest look at safety and scams.

About China

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