China is a vast country in East Asia, bordered by 14 nations and stretching from the Gobi Desert in the north to tropical coastlines in the south. It is known for one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, with a history spanning thousands of years. Key features include the Great Wall, the Yangtze River, and a rich tradition of art, philosophy, and invention.
- Capital
- Beijing
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Eastern Asia
- Area
- 9,706,961 km²
- Coordinates
- 35° N, 105° E
Country facts
- China invented paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass — four innovations that transformed the world.
- Mandarin Chinese, known as Putonghua, is the official language and is spoken by more people than any other language on Earth.
- The giant panda is native to China and lives in mountain forests in Sichuan and neighboring provinces.
- The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and plays a central role in Chinese culture, agriculture, and trade.
- China's national symbol, the dragon, represents good fortune and imperial power in traditional culture — unlike the fearsome dragons of Western mythology.
Capital facts
- Beijing has served as China's capital for much of the past 700 years, including throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- The Forbidden City at its heart was the imperial palace for 24 emperors and is one of the best-preserved palace complexes in the world.
- The Temple of Heaven, built in the early 15th century, was where emperors performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests.
- Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, sits at the symbolic center of the city.
- Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008 and the Winter Olympics in 2022, making it the first city to host both.