Life in China
Life in China
Territory

China is located at the east coast of the largest continent (Eurasia) as well as the western margin of the largest ocean (Pacific). It has a land area of about 9.6 million square km, occupying 6.5 percent of the total land area of the world. From the confluence of the Heilong River and its tributary, the Wusuli River, westward to the Pamir Plateau, the distance is more than 5200 km. From midstream of the Heilong River north of Mohe, southward to Zengmu Shoal of the Nansha Islands near the equator, the distance is more than 5500 km. Its population of more than 1.3 billion accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world population.


China has more than 32000 km of coastline (including the mainland shore more than 18,000 km and island shore more than 14000 km), and a boundary line of more than 20,000 km, bordered to the north-east by DPR Korea, to the north by Russia and Mongolia, to the west and south-west from north to south by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sikkin, Bhutan and to the south by Burma, Laos and Viet Nam.


The country is marketed the following geographical co-ordinates: Latitude from about N53 31 to about N3 50 Longitude from E73 40 to 135 05


Climate

The climate in China is generally moderate with four distinct seasons, so it is a favorable place for habitation and living. In most areas it’s cold and dry in winter, with great differences through the south to the north, while it’s hot and humid in summer, with little differences between the south and the north. Precipitation decreases from the southeast coast to the northwest inland gradually.


Population

China has the world largest population. By the end of 2010, there are 1.392 billion people (not including the population in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan province) in China, taking up one fifth of the world population. China is also one of the countries with relatively high population density in the world.


Ethnic Groups

China has since ancient times been a united multi-ethnic country. After the foundation of People’s Republic of China, there are total 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the central government, the largest being the Han ethnic group.


Languages

The standard language in China is Mandarin Chinese, a universal language used by every ethnic group. The state council announced in February 6, 1956 that mandarin should be promoted and supplemented the concept of mandarin: Mandarin has Beijing pronunciation as its standard pronunciation, northern dialect as its basic dialect, and the typical modern vernacular Chinese as its grammatical standard. In addition to mandarin there are 80 languages in this multinational and multilingual nation. Most minorities have their own languages. Even for Chinese itself, almost every region has its own dialect, which can be very different from each other. Local people talk in their own dialects while learn Mandarin at school.

Territory

China is located at the east coast of the largest continent (Eurasia) as well as the western margin of the largest ocean (Pacific). It has a land area of about 9.6 million square km, occupying 6.5 percent of the total land area of the world. From the confluence of the Heilong River and its tributary, the Wusuli River, westward to the Pamir Plateau, the distance is more than 5200 km. From midstream of the Heilong River north of Mohe, southward to Zengmu Shoal of the Nansha Islands near the equator, the distance is more than 5500 km. Its population of more than 1.3 billion accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world population...

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Study in Hangzhou

A garden style city in China by its landscape and culture, neighboring with Shanghai.
City Type: Cultural Cities

Climate: Moderate

Air Quality: Good Air Quality

Average: 2180 -- 2780 RMB

University Amount: 15

Hangzhou Transportation

Hangzhou is well served by an extensive public bus and trolleybus network and an excellent citywide bike rental system. A brand new subway system is due to open at the end of the year. Hangzhou is also ideally located to make excursions to other parts of China. Shanghai is less than an hour away by high-speed train and the surrounding area is home to some of China’s most beautiful scenery.

Hangzhou Weather

Hangzhou weather is generally warm and mild year round, with abundant sunshine and rainfall. There are four clear-cut seasons – a short and rainy spring, a hot and humid summer, a cool and clear autumn, and a dry and cold winter.

Four Seasons in Hangzhou

Hangzhou’s climate is comfortable year-round. The average annual temperature is 17 °C (62 °F), with monthly averages ranging from 4 °C (40 °F) in January to 28 °C (83 °F) in July.

There are two rainy seasons in the region – one is the Plum Rain Season beginning in late June through early July; the other comes with heavy rains and potential typhoons in August and September. High tourist season occurs in spring (Mar. to May) and autumn (Sep. to Nov.) when the average temperature is 17 °C (63 °F).

Hangzhou is an extremely comfortable and pleasant place for foreigners to live.


Hangzhou Local Cuisine

Hangzhou local cuisine is noted for its elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing flavors. Local specialties include Beggar's Chicken (a chicken baked in clay), West Lake Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce (vinegar coated fish fresh caught from the lake), Dongpo Pork (braised pork) and Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea.

Dongpo Pork

Dongpo Pork (braised pork), is cooked by braising fine-skinned and thin pieces of fat streaky bacon with famous Shaoxing wine in a sealed pot. When the dish is ready, the bacon will be moist and red, and the sauce will be thick and tasty. It tastes savory, sweet and full of body, but not greasy. It is said that Braised Dong Po Pork was first made by the great litterateur Su Dongpo (Su Shi), he helped people in the flood in Xuzhou when he was the governor. In order to thank him, citizens sent him plentiful pork when knowing that he was fond of that.

West Lake Fish

West Lake Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce is a famous dish with traditional flavor. It is cooked with live grass carp. The fish needs to be put in a tank to starve it for two or three days, to let go the trash in its bowels and the smell of soil. The fire need to be strictly controlled when cooking it.

Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea

Fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea is prepared with shelled fresh water shrimps and the well-known Dragon Well (Long Jing) green tea leaves. It is beautiful in color, and has a special taste.

National Museums

A number of national museums can be found in Hangzhou which are representatives of Chinese culture. Fine examples are the National Silk Museum and Tea Museum. Along with other museums in Hangzhou, they provide a fascinating insight into the history of Chinese traditional products.

At night, Hangzhou has much to offer, from traditional teahouses to hip bars. Choosing one overlooking the West Lake for a pleasant chat over a cup of tea is sure to make you feel relaxed and refreshed.

The West Lake

Hangzhou is known as one of China’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. The most celebrated attraction is undoubtedly the West Lake, which has inspired China’s finest poets for centuries. Surrounded by mountains, the serene 6 sq.m. lake is noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with famous historical and cultural sites like temples and pagodas.