This is a map of mainland China.
























China is called Zhongguo in Mandarin Chinese and is literally interperated as 'central state'. The chinese are known for four main inventions: paper, the compass, gunpowder, and printing. They are also known to be one of the first cilivizations to create a writing system. The Qin dynasty was the first dynasty to unite China in 221-206 BCE. Mandarin is the most widely spoken dialect in China, accounting for 70% of the total population. The People's Republic of China is officially and known for being secular and atheist but does allow other religious practices. Some of the most practiced religions in China are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

A simple history of China:
221 BCE- Qin Dynasty unites China
1912-1949- China ends Qing Dynasty and establishes the Republic of China
1949-Present- The People's Republic of China and the Republic of China

Currently, China's population is 1.3 billion and counting. With these numbers, China alone has one fifth of the world's population. China had been previously considered a very agriculture-based economy, however, times have changed. With modernization and industrialization, China is poised to become a global power in the coming years.

The old customs and traditions of China are slowly fading away as the younger generations become increasingly Westernized. The People's Republic of China's government today recognizes the need to preserve Chinese culture and acknowledges that traditional Chinese culture is a part of China's national identity in the world.

This is the Great Wall of China.

The Great Wall is known as Changcheng in Mandarin Chinese. It literally means 'long wall'. It was originally created during 200 BC by the first emperor of China in the hopes of keeping invaders out of northern China. Today the Great Wall is considered by many to be one of the great wondrers of the world. It is still the world's longest human-made structure- 6, 400 km (roughly 4, 000 miles) of man made wall.

The Chinese Flag.

This flag is the current flag of the People's Republic of China. It is flown in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. The large star is symbolic of the Communist Party of China.



The Chinese Dragon.

The Chinese dragon is a mythical Chinese creature that is often depicted with four claws. It is usually seen in Asian cultures as a signof auspcious power in traditional Chinese folktales and art. Many people associate the Chinese dragon with the concept of yang (male) and also as a symbol of the weather. The phoenix is believed to be the Chinese dragon's female counterpart. Although many Western cultures associate the Chinese dragon with China, The People's Republic of China usually does not use the Chinese dragon as national insignia.