About China
Country Code: +86.
Crime: China experiences various types of crimes, including theft, fraud, drug trafficking, cybercrime, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The country also faces organized crime and corruption issues.
China has a complex legal system, and punishment for crimes can range from fines and probation to imprisonment and, in severe cases, the death penalty. The Chinese government has faced criticism for its handling of the legal process, with concerns about human rights violations and lack of due process.
The Chinese government has implemented extensive surveillance and monitoring systems, including the extensive use of surveillance cameras, facial recognition technology, and social credit systems. These measures have been both praised for aiding crime prevention and criticized for infringing on individual privacy and civil liberties.
Corruption has been a longstanding issue in China, with efforts by the government to combat it through anti-corruption campaigns. Despite these efforts, corruption remains a concern at various levels of society and government.
China faces challenges related to organized crime, including triads and other criminal syndicates. These groups engage in activities such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
With the rapid growth of technology and the internet, China, like many other countries, has seen an increase in cybercrime, including hacking, online fraud, and data breaches.
China’s approach to law enforcement and crime prevention has raised human rights concerns, particularly with regards to arbitrary detentions, forced confessions, and the treatment of political dissidents and minority groups.
China has been a transit point for drug trafficking, given its location between drug-producing regions and consumer markets. The government has implemented stringent measures to combat drug-related crimes.
It is essential to recognize that discussions around crime in China can be politically sensitive, and information might be subject to censorship or state control. As such, accessing accurate and unbiased data can be challenging.
Currency: Yuan.
Electricity: Type A (2-pin flat parallel/U.S.), Type C (2-pin round), Type I (3-pin flat triangular).
Latitude and Longitude: 35.8617° N, 104.1954° E.
Population: 1.412 billion (2021).
President: Xi Jinping.
National Parks
China has a diverse range of national parks that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Chinese government has been actively promoting conservation efforts and ecotourism in these areas.
Here are some notable national parks in China.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is famous for its unique sandstone pillars and breathtaking landscapes. The park served as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”
Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park
Situated in Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou Valley is renowned for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and diverse wildlife. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many visitors each year.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) National Park
Located in Anhui Province, Huangshan is known for its stunning granite peaks, hot springs, and ancient pine trees. It has been a source of inspiration for traditional Chinese paintings and poetry.
Mount Everest (Qomolangma) National Park
Although most of Mount Everest lies in Nepal, the northern base of the world’s highest peak is in Tibet, China. The park offers breathtaking views of the mountain and attracts mountaineers and trekkers from around the world.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Part of the larger Wulingyuan area in Hunan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes several parks, such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, and Suoxi Valley. It features spectacular quartz sandstone pillars and lush forests.
Potala Palace National Park
Located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, this national park is centered around the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. The park showcases Tibetan culture, art, and history.
Tianmen Mountain National Park
Also situated in Zhangjiajie, this park is known for its cable car ride to Tianmen Cave, also called the “Heaven’s Gate.” It offers stunning vistas and unique geological formations.
Mount Tai (Tai Shan) National Park
Located in Shandong Province, Mount Tai is one of China’s Five Great Mountains and holds significant cultural and historical importance. It has been a place of worship for thousands of years.
Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
Situated in Yunnan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning rice terraces carved into the mountains by the Hani ethnic minority.
Top Tourist Attractions
China is a vast and diverse country with a rich history and stunning natural landscapes, offering a wide range of tourist attractions for visitors.
The Great Wall of China
One of the most iconic symbols of China, the Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles and was built to protect against invasions. Sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling are popular among tourists.
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City is a vast imperial palace complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming to Qing dynasties. It offers a glimpse into China’s imperial history and architecture.
The Terracotta Army
Discovered near Xi’an, the Terracotta Army is an archaeological wonder consisting of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. It was built to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
The Bund
Situated in Shanghai, the Bund is a famous waterfront area along the Huangpu River, known for its historic colonial-era buildings and stunning skyline views of modern Shanghai.
The Potala Palace
Located in Lhasa, Tibet, the Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred place in Tibetan Buddhism. It served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and is an architectural marvel.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
As mentioned earlier, this park in Hunan Province features surreal sandstone pillars, lush forests, and stunning natural beauty. It inspired the landscapes in the movie “Avatar.”
Jiuzhaigou Valley
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan Province is renowned for its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
The Yellow Mountains (Huangshan)
An awe-inspiring mountain range in Anhui Province, Huangshan is famous for its unique granite peaks, hot springs, ancient pine trees, and breathtaking views.
Li River and Yangshuo
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo offers picturesque karst landscapes, traditional fishing villages, and iconic scenes that have inspired Chinese art for centuries.
Pandas
Chengdu in Sichuan Province is famous for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can see adorable giant pandas in a semi-natural environment.
Lijiang Ancient Town
This well-preserved ancient town in Yunnan Province is characterized by cobbled streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and a rich cultural heritage.
The Summer Palace
Situated in Beijing, the Summer Palace is a beautiful imperial garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a summer retreat for the imperial family.
Weather
China is a vast country with diverse geographical features, so the weather can vary significantly from region to region.
Northern China: Winters are cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Summers are hot and can be quite humid. Spring and autumn are relatively short transitional seasons.
Southern China: Experiences a subtropical or tropical climate with milder winters and hot, humid summers. Rainfall is abundant, especially during the monsoon season.
Eastern China: Generally has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winters can be cold, and summers are warm and humid. The coastal regions might be affected by typhoons during the summer and autumn.
Western China: This region includes the vast Tibetan Plateau and the desert regions. The climate can range from arid and cold in the western deserts to milder in the eastern mountainous areas.
Central China: Features a mix of temperate and subtropical climates. Winters are cooler, while summers are hot and humid.
Tibet: The climate is cold and harsh, with long winters and short summers. The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, especially at higher altitudes.
China’s weather patterns are influenced by the Asian monsoon, which brings significant rainfall in the summer, especially in the southern and eastern regions. It’s essential to note that due to its vast size and topographical variations, China can experience extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and typhoons in different regions.