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The People's Republic of China (PRC) contains many particularly large and outstanding natural landmarks, such as the world's highest lake (Nam-tso Lake), tallest mountain (Mount Everest), and furthest city from the sea (Urumqi). However, many outstanding tourist attractions within the vast country of China are manmade and famous in their own right, such as the longest fortification ever created (Great Wall of China), the highest hotel (Jinmao Tower / Grand Hyatt Shanghai), and the biggest aquarium (Ocean Park in Hong Kong). China also features the largest population on the planet, being home to in excess of one billion people.

Located in East Asia, the People's Republic of China features a particularly diverse range of landscapes, with the eastern side of the country edging both the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea, while southern China is known for its hilly areas and numerous low mountains. China's many leading cities are also quite unique in their appearance. The skyline of Shanghai stands out as a modern triumph, with other important cities including Beijing, Dalian, Qingdao, Macau and Hong Kong.

Beneath the jungle of gleaming high-rise buildings and temples, China still contains many historic imperial monuments and temples. Beijing, China's capital city, is especially appealing and home to the acclaimed Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Ming Tombs. Other popular, tourist-friendly cities in China include Shenyang, Tianjin and also Xiamen, all of which offer plenty of traditional Chinese restaurants serving authentic rice and noodle based dishes, usually washed down with Chinese green tea.

	WORLD GUIDES TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
	World Guide to Beijing, China Beijing is known the world over and has become one of the most famous cities in China. Home to some outstanding landmarks and ancient temples, Beijing is very much a buzzing city and is close to a popular stretch of China's Great Wall.
	World Guide to Dalian, China Dalian is a particularly important and prosperous Chinese city, and lies next to the Yellow Sea. With sandy beaches, towering skyscrapers and a definite holiday atmosphere, Dalian's city centre is based around its spacious Zhongshan Square.
	World Guide to Qingdao, China Qingdao is situated on the southern shore of the Shandong Peninsula and this city is quite picturesque. The coastal setting is just one of Qingdao's many draw cards, with other highlights including temples, shopping malls, eateries and nightclubs.
	World Guide to Shanghai, China Shanghai is nothing short of an epic city and is the largest of all China's cities. This modern and bustling metropolis offers plenty of things to see and do, and comprises two main areas, Pudong and Puxi, divided by the Huangpu River.
	World Guide to Shenyang, China When you first arrive in Shenyang, try to look past the hustle and bustle of this sprawling city. Shenyang has much to offer its visitors, ranging from magnificent palaces and temples, to botanic gardens and modern shopping centres.
	World Guide to Tianjin, China Being especially close to Beijing, Tianjin is a prosperous Chinese city and a spreading municipality, with a notable port next to the Bohai Bay. Tianjin comprises a compact city centre based around the Hai River, and a series of rural areas.
	World Guide to Xiamen, China Brimming with colonial charm, the coastal city of Xiamen is located within the Fujian province and on the eastern side of China. The seaside attractions of Xiamen are complemented by cobblestone alleys, cable car rides, cruises and gardens.

China Information / China Fast Facts

• Country: People's Republic of China - PRC (East Asia)
• Population: 1.3 billion
• Population Growth Rate: 0.6 percent
• Capital city: Beijng (population 14 million)
• Language: Mandarin Chinese
• Main exports: electronic products and machinery
• Area: 3,705,420 square miles / 9,597,000 square kilometres
• Currency: Chinese renminbi / 'People's Money' (RMB / CNY)
• Time zone: eight hours ahead of GMT / UTC (daylight-saving time not observed)
• Country dialing code: +20
• Religion: 60 percent not religious, remainder follow traditional beliefs, Confucianism and Taoism, or are Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims or Protestants