China has over 1.3 billion people and its flag features five stars and colors that represent communism and the people. Some of China's most famous landmarks are the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the karst mountains in Yangshuo. China also has several festivals throughout the year including the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.

1. China
• The flag of China was officially adopted on October 1,
1949.
The red of the Chinese flag symbolizes the communist
revolution, and it's also the traditional color of the
people. The large gold star represents communism,
while the four smaller stars represent the social classes
of the people. In addition, the five stars together
reflect the importance placed on the number five in
Chinese thought and history.

2. Population/Demography
• As of July 2010, the People's Republic of China
has an estimated total population of
1,338,612,968. About 21% of the population
(145,461,833 males; 128,445,739 females) are
14 years old or younger, 71% (482,439,115
males; 455,960,489 females) are between 15
and 64 years old, and 8% (48,562,635 males;
53,103,902 females) are over 65 years old.
The population growth rate for 2006 was
0.6%.

3. Facts
• Capital: Beijing
Major Cities: Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang,
Wuhan, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Harbin, Chengdu
Area: 3,705,407 square miles (9,596,961 sq km)
Bordering Countries: Fourteen
Coastline: 9,010 miles (14,500 km)
Highest Point: Mount Everest at 29,035 feet
(8,850 m)
Lowest Point: Turpan Pendi at -505 feet (-154 m)

4. Festivals
Event: Lantern Festival
Date: 15th of the first lunar month
Activities: Lanterns expositions, garden parties, firework displays and
folk dances.
Event: Dragon Boat Festival
Date: Date: 5th day of the 5th lunar month
Activities: Dragon Boat races and eating Zong Zi (pyramid shaped rice
wrapped in reed or bamboo leaves
Event: Mid-Autumn Festival
Date: 15th of the 8th lunar month
Activities: Dragon Boat racing, enjoying moonlight and eating moon
cakes.
Event: Qingming
Date: 12th of the 3rd lunar month, usually around April 4th or 5th.
Activities: Cleaning ancestors' graves and holding memorial
ceremonies, spring outing, and flying kites

5. 1. The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, or Palace Museum, sits at the center of Beijing, directly north of
Tiananmen Square where the famous portrait of Mao Zedong hangs on the palatial
crimson wall. It was the imperial seat for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors from 1420
until 1912 when the last emperor, Pu Yi, abdicated. It was listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1987.
2. The Great Wall
The Great Wall winds its way across China covering over 5,500 miles (8,850 km). While the
latest construction occurred after 1368 during the Ming Dynasty, construction of the
Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago.

6. 3. The Terracotta Warriors
Discovered in 1974 when a local farmer was digging a well, the terracotta
army, buried in 210 BC with the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, is a
breathtaking site.
4. Karst Mountains in Yangshuo
Illustrating the 20 Renminbi (Chinese currency) note, the karst mountains are
famously beautiful in China.
5. Hangzhou - Paradise on Earth
China's "Paradise on Earth", Hangzhou is a lovely city centered around the
famed West Lake. This green city is full of gardens, tranquil temples and
pavilions and bustling historic streets to venture through.

7. Links
• http://www.shanghaifinance.com/festival/chi
nesefestival.php
• http://geography.about.com/od/chinamaps/a
/china.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China#Politics
• http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/c
ountrys/asia/china.htm
• http://gochina.about.com/od/whattosee/tp/C
hinaTop10_2See.htm