Quick Answer
Capital, population, currency, language and more — the essential facts about China, plus the surprising ones that help you travel smarter.
Why it matters
Dig deeper on the About China hub , then take the quiz or browse tours .
TL;DR (Quick Answer)
- Capital: Beijing · Largest city: Shanghai.
- Population: about 1.41 billion — the world's second-most populous country.
- Currency: Renminbi / yuan (CNY, ¥); mobile payments dominate.
- Plan a trip: see the About China hub and itineraries.
The Essential Facts
- China's official name is the People's Republic of China.
- It covers about 9.6 million km² — roughly the size of the United States or Europe.
- The whole country runs on a single time zone (UTC+8), despite spanning five geographic ones.
- It borders 14 countries — more than almost any nation on earth.
- The official language is Standard Mandarin; many regional languages exist.
People & Culture
- There are 56 officially recognised ethnic groups, the Han majority plus 55 minorities.
- Chinese civilisation is over 5,000 years old — one of the world's oldest continuous cultures.
- The Chinese zodiac runs on a 12-year animal cycle — 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
Travel-Smart Facts
- Cash is fading — WeChat Pay and Alipay are used almost everywhere.
- China has the world's largest high-speed rail network — see how to travel by train.
- Many nationalities can now enter visa-free — see the 2026 visa-free guide.
Plan Your China Trip
Dig deeper on the About China hub, then take the quiz or browse tours.
FAQ
What is the capital of China?
Beijing is the capital; Shanghai is the largest city by population.
How big is China?
About 9.6 million km², making it one of the world's largest countries, with around 1.41 billion people.
What currency is used in China?
The Renminbi (RMB), with the yuan (CNY, ¥) as the unit. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are used almost everywhere.
