China covers a huge area. The country is in third place in the world in terms of size, after Russia and Canada. Thanks to such dimensions, the variety of landscapes available here impresses any person. You can visit both the endless plains and high mountains. In addition to natural resources, China has absorbed the long-term traditions of its ancestors, which seem very interesting and unusual to tourists. The ancient culture is still preserved by the locals, and it is reflected in every possible way even on modern people. This diversity and uniqueness of the local culture makes visiting China an interesting and memorable experience.
Geography of China
According to itypemba, China covers territory in both the central and eastern parts of Asia. The western part of the country borders with Tajikistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the south has common borders with India, Bhutan, Laos, Nepal, as well as Vietnam, in the north with Russia, North Korea, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The state also has almost 3.5 thousand islands in its possessions and is washed by the waters of four seas (South China, Bohai, Yellow, and East China). The relief is very diverse, on its territory lie the mountains of the Tibetan Plateau, and the average height above sea level here is about 4,500 meters. In the north of the country there are large rocky deserts, and in the southeast – tropical forests.
The capital
Beijing
Area
The area of China is 9,640,011 km2. sq., occupies the 3rd place in the world by area.
Population
1,339,724,852 people.
Currency
The national currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY).
Language
The official language is Mandarin.
Visa to China
A Russian citizen who does not have a diplomatic passport needs an L (tourist) visa to visit China. This type of visa can be issued both to one person and to a group of people of at least five people who visit the country at the same time, through the same checkpoint. After submitting the documents, a visa is issued within one week, it is also possible to obtain an urgent visa (in three days), but for this you need to present tickets and pay an additional fee for the urgency of registration. On a tourist visa, you can stay in the country for up to 30 days, and its validity period is 90 days.
Weather in China
In China, three climatic zones are distinguished at once: temperate continental with hot summers and cold winters, subtropical in the center of the country, and tropical in the south. In summer, the air humidity in the center and in the south of the country is very high. In winter, in the northern part of China, the average temperature is -7 C, but it is not uncommon for it to drop to -20C, while in summer it is dry, +22C. In the center of the state, in winter 0 -5C, and in summer + 20C, in the south it is quite hot in winter – +5 + 15C, and in summer the temperature rises above + 25C. It is best to travel around the country in late spring (May) or autumn. If you are planning a trip to the south, then it is advisable to go in winter (November-December).
Currency exchange in China
As of August 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD = 6.38 CNY. The national currency is the Chinese yuan (renminbi). Officially, banks here are open from 09.00 to 17.00 with a two-hour lunch break, but it is possible that the bank can set its own working hours. The most favorable rate is observed in bank branches located at airports. Currency exchange is possible only upon presentation of a document that proves your identity. In no case should you change money from money changers that are in the markets, as this is illegal and fraught with criminal liability. You can use credit cards not everywhere, but only in state-owned department stores, restaurants and international class stores. Cash withdrawal is possible only in the branches of the Bank of China, where the commission is 4%.
Electricity
220V/50Hz (American and European sockets).
Religion
Officially, all Chinese citizens are atheists, but there are followers of Confucianism, Buddhism and Lamaism.
Security
It is not desirable to be located near the border of Laos and Tibet, where until recently a visit was possible with special visas. It is better to visit Tibet with special groups and according to the planned route. Be careful in the markets, as many sellers like to cheat foreigners, and pickpockets “work” in crowded places.
Health
Before entering China, it is recommended to be vaccinated against malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and cholera. Cases of infection with tuberculosis and rabies are possible. It is advisable to have health insurance with you. It is also worth taking “gastric” drugs with you, as unusual food often causes indigestion.
