China
festivites
1. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): This is the most important traditional festival in China, typically falling between late January and mid-February based on the lunar calendar. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, exchanging red envelopes filled with money, and setting off fireworks to ward off evil spirits.
2. Lantern Festival: This festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, usually falling on the 15th day of the first lunar month (February or March). People hang colorful lanterns, eat sweet glutinous rice balls, and watch lion and dragon dances.
3. Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day): This is a day for paying respect to ancestors and departed loved ones, generally observed on April 4th or 5th. Families visit ancestral graves to clean and sweep them, offer food and flowers, and burn incense and paper money as offerings.
4. Dragon Boat Festival: This festival commemorates the death of patriotic poet Qu Yuan and falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (May or June). People eat zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves), race dragon boats, and wear perfume sachets to ward off evil spirits.
5. Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival): Celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October), this festival is all about family reunion and appreciating the moon's beauty. People eat mooncakes, light lanterns, and enjoy moon-gazing together.
These festivals are celebrated across China, but specific customs and traditions may vary among different regions and ethnic groups.
seasons
Tourism seasons in China can vary depending on the region, but generally, the following periods are considered peak travel times:
1. Spring Festival Holidays - Dates vary depending on the lunar calendar. Generally falls between late January to mid-February. It's recommended to book accommodations and transportation well in advance due to high demand.
2. Labor Day Holidays - May 1st to May 3rd. Considered one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Popular tourist attractions may be crowded, so plan accordingly.
3. Summer Holidays - July and August. Schools are usually out during this time, so many families take vacations. Many parts of China can be quite hot during summer, so consider traveling to cooler areas.
4. National Day Holidays - October 1st to October 7th. Another busy travel period with large crowds at popular attractions. It's recommended to book accommodations and transportation in advance.
Overall, it's best to avoid these peak travel periods if possible to save money and avoid crowds. If you must travel during these times, be sure to plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible.
visa
The specific visa rules for visiting China may vary depending on the country of citizenship, but in general, most foreign citizens will need to obtain a visa before traveling to China. Here are some common visa types and their associated costs (prices may vary):
1. Tourist Visa (L Visa): This visa is typically issued to those who plan to visit China for sightseeing or family visits. The cost of a single-entry tourist visa is around $140 USD.
2. Business Visa (M Visa): This visa is issued to those who plan to visit China for business purposes such as attending trade fairs, meetings, or conducting negotiations. The cost of a single-entry business visa is around $140 USD.
3. Student Visa (X Visa): This visa is issued to foreign students who have been admitted to study at a Chinese college or university. The cost of a student visa varies depending on the length of study and the number of entries needed.
4. Work Visa (Z Visa): This visa is issued to foreign nationals who have secured employment in China. The cost of a work visa varies depending on the applicant's nationality, the duration of the visa, and other factors.
It's important to note that visa fees can change and additional fees may apply depending on the visa application processing center used. It's recommended to check with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on visa requirements and fees.
souvenirs
1. Silk products such as scarves, clothing, and bedding can be purchased in various markets throughout China, including the famous Silk Market in Beijing. The average price for a silk scarf is around 50-100 yuan ($7-$15 USD).
2. Tea is another popular souvenir to buy from China, with prices varying depending on the type of tea and the region it comes from. Prices can range from 20-200 yuan ($3-$30 USD) per 100 grams. The best places to buy tea are in tea shops or markets in cities like Hangzhou and Chengdu.
3. Chinese calligraphy supplies such as ink stones, brushes, and paper can make unique souvenirs for those interested in art. These items can be found in stationery stores and art supply markets across China with an average price of 30-100 yuan ($4-$15 USD).
4. Traditional Chinese handicrafts like porcelain, jade, and wood crafts can be found in many markets and speciality shops in China. Prices vary greatly depending on the quality and size of the item. For example, a small jade carving could cost around 100-500 yuan ($15-$75 USD), while a large porcelain vase could cost upwards of 1,000 yuan ($150 USD).
5. Chinese traditional snacks like sesame candy and preserved fruits can also make great souvenirs for friends and family back home. These can be found in supermarkets and specialty food markets across China at an average price of 10-20 yuan ($1.50-$3 USD).
It's important to note that prices can vary widely depending on the location and vendor, so it's always a good idea to compare prices and bargain when possible.
If you have 1 week
Hello there! Since you're in China, I suggest a one week itinerary that will take you to some of the most unique and fascinating places in the country. Here's what I recommend:
Day 1: Beijing
Start your week off by exploring China's bustling capital city. Visit the iconic Great Wall of China and marvel at its size and history. Check out Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City to learn more about China's rich past.
Day 2: Xi'an
Take a high-speed train to Xi'an, an ancient city known for its terracotta army. Spend your day exploring the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and learning about China's fascinating history.
Day 3: Chengdu
Head south to the city of Chengdu, home of the adorable giant pandas. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these gentle giants up close and personal.
Day 4: Lijiang
Take a flight to Lijiang, a picturesque town in Yunnan Province. Explore the ancient old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and soak in the local culture.
Day 5: Shangri-La
Travel to Shangri-La, a Tibetan town nestled in the mountains. Take a stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town and admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Day 6: Guilin
Make your way to Guilin, known for its stunning natural beauty. Take a boat ride down the Li River and marvel at the towering karst mountains along the way.
Day 7: Hong Kong
End your week with a trip to Hong Kong, a vibrant city where East meets West. Take a tram ride up to Victoria Peak for breathtaking views of the city skyline, visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, and indulge yourself in some delicious Cantonese cuisine.
That concludes my one week itinerary for you in China, I hope it offers a diverse and unforgettable experience. Enjoy your trip!
If you have 2 weeks
Hi there! How exciting that you want to plan a two-week itinerary. Based on your location in China, I suggest you start with exploring the city of Beijing, which is rich in history and culture. You can visit the Forbidden City, walk along the Great Wall of China, and enjoy some delicious Peking duck at a local restaurant.
Next, I recommend traveling to Xi'an, where you can witness the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, which is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Also, don't miss out on trying the local cuisine, including the popular Chinese hamburger-like snack called Roujiamo.
After Xi'an, hop on a plane for a short flight to explore the beautiful city of Chengdu, known for its giant pandas and spicy Sichuan cuisine. Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center to get up close and personal with these adorable animals, and then indulge in some hotpot to experience the city's famous cuisine.
Lastly, end your trip in Shanghai, a bustling metropolis that offers a blend of Western and Eastern cultures. Visit The Bund, a waterfront area showcasing colonial architecture, and take a stroll around the French Concession area for a taste of European-style buildings. Don't forget to try Shanghai's traditional breakfast food, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), which are sure to leave your taste buds satisfied.
I hope this itinerary inspires you to explore the beauty and diversity of China. Enjoy your travels!
Religion
The government of the People's Republic of China officially espouses state atheism, and has conducted antireligious campaigns to this end. Religious affairs and issues in the country are overseen by the State Administration for Religious Affairs. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by China's constitution, although religious organizations that lack official approval can be subject to state persecution.
Over the millennia, Chinese civilization has been influenced by various religious movements. The "three teachings", including Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism (Chinese Buddhism), historically have a significant role in shaping Chinese culture, enriching a theological and spiritual framework which harks back to the early Shang and Zhou dynasty. Chinese popular or folk religion, which is framed by the three teachings and other traditions, consists in allegiance to the shen, a character that signifies the "energies of generation", who can be deities of the environment or ancestral principles of human groups, concepts of civility, culture heroes, many of whom feature in Chinese mythology and history. Among the most popular cults are those of Mazu (goddess of the seas), Huangdi (one of the two divine patriarchs of the Chinese race), Guandi (god of war and business), Caishen (god of prosperity and richness), Pangu and many others. China is home to many of the world's tallest religious statues, including the tallest of all, the Spring Temple Buddha in Henan.
Clear data on religious affiliation in China is difficult to gather due to varying definitions of "religion" and the unorganized, diffusive nature of Chinese religious traditions. Scholars note that in China there is no clear boundary between three teachings religions and local folk religious practice. A 2015 poll conducted by Gallup International found that 61% of Chinese people self-identified as "convinced atheist", though Chinese religions or some of their strands are definable as non-theistic and humanistic religions, since they do not believe that divine creativity is completely transcendent, but it is inherent in the world and in particular in the human being. According to a 2014 study, approximately 74% are either non-religious or practice Chinese folk belief, 16% are Buddhists, 2% are Christians, 1% are Muslims, and 8% adhere to other religions including Taoists and folk salvationism. In addition to Han people's local religious practices, there are also various ethnic minority groups in China who maintain their traditional autochthone religions. The various folk religions today comprise 2–3% of the population, while Confucianism as a religious self-identification is common within the intellectual class. Significant faiths specifically connected to certain ethnic groups include Tibetan Buddhism and the Islamic religion of the Hui, Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and other peoples in Northwest China. The 2010 population census reported the total number of Muslims in the country as 23.14 million.
A 2021 poll from Ipsos and the Policy Institute at King's College London found that 35% of Chinese people said there was tension between different religious groups, which was the second lowest percentage of the 28 countries surveyed.
Demographics
The word "China" has been used in English since the 16th century; however, it was not a word used by the Chinese themselves during this period. Its origin has been traced through Portuguese, Malay, and Persian back to the Sanskrit word Cīna, used in ancient India. "China" appears in Richard Eden's 1555 translation of the 1516 journal of the Portuguese explorer Duarte Barbosa. Barbosa's usage was derived from Persian Chīn, which was in turn derived from Sanskrit Cīna. Cīna was first used in early Hindu scripture, including the Mahābhārata (5th century BCE) and the Laws of Manu (2nd century BCE). In 1655, Martino Martini suggested that the word China is derived ultimately from the name of the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Although usage in Indian sources precedes this dynasty, this derivation is still given in various sources. The origin of the Sanskrit word is a matter of debate, according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Alternative suggestions include the names for Yelang and the Jing or Chu state. The official name of the modern state is the "People's Republic of China". The shorter form is "China" ' from ' ("central") and ("state"), a term which developed under the Western Zhou dynasty in reference to its royal demesne. It was then applied to the area around Luoyi (present-day Luoyang) during the Eastern Zhou and then to China's Central Plain before being used as an occasional synonym for the state under the Qing. It was often used as a cultural concept to distinguish the Huaxia people from perceived "barbarians". The name Zhongguo is also translated as "Middle Kingdom" in English. China (PRC) is sometimes referred to as the Mainland when distinguishing the ROC from the PRC.
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