China is a densely populated country of the world situated at the eastern part of the Asian Continent. Read below the country’s fascinating facts for your travel and exploration needs.
- Chinese follow only a single time-zone: China is estimated to be as big as European Union or the United States, but it’s weird to know that a single time zone named as Beijing Standard Time is followed throughout China. Previously, five different time-zones existed here namely Sinkiang-Tibet, Kunlun, Kansu-Szechwan, Changpai, and Chung-yuan. Due to this practice of adopting a single time zone western part of the cities would see late sunrise and in other areas afternoons would be early.
- Chinese Celebrates New Year for 15 days: The First day begins with positivity and relaxation at home. The second day involves social gatherings with family, friends, and guests. The third day being superstitious for any activity is spent in rest. Day four goes in worshipping and offerings to the deities of wealth and food with a big supper meal. The fifth day is considered to be the birthday of the god of wealth, so local businesses begin to operate, its also a good day to break free from any taboos. For the sixth day, homes are cleaned to get rid of garbage and poverty. The seventh day dedicated to goddess Nu Wa, the human creator. Foods like fish salad, vegetable soup, and noodles are eaten for longevity. The Eight-day of celebration marks the importance of rice as a staple food for Chinese. Day nine is for the birthday celebration of the deity of Taoism- Jade Emperor with offerings and feasts in his memory. Day ten to twelfth is more about feasting with families and close acquaintances. On the thirteenth day, Chinese would prefer shopping for lanterns and eat vegetable diet. Day fourteen goes in preparing traditional food called yang tang and decorate lanterns. Fifteenth is the final day when yang tang food is consumed, and lantern festival celebrated with much grandeur.
- Summer Olympic Games 2008: The famous Olympic sports was held in Beijing the capital city of China in the year 2008 with a total cost of $40 billion. About 10,942 athletes had participated out of which 6,305 were men and 4,637 women.
- Yangtze River: Known to be the largest river in China and the fourth longest river in the world, stretches to about 6300kilometres in length. The spectacular Three Gorges, namely Wu, Qutang and Xiling situated across the Yangtze River is the most massive hydroelectric dam project built in the world. The Giant Pandas can mostly be spotted near the Yangtze river.
- The economy of China: China has retained its position for being the second largest economy in the world. Ever since the inception of economic reforms of 1978, the GDP rose to about USD 9.2 trillion. Achieved by factors like reducing poverty, debts and improving conditions of employment, savings of middle-class, export of cheaper goods, more FDI options, labor-intensive productivity, etc.
