After the birth of new China in 1949, the Chinese government formulated and implemented the policy of religious freedom and established a new relationship between politics and religions in accordance with the actual condition of the country. Chinese citizens are free to choose and express their religious belief as well as demonstrate their religious status. All religions are equally and coexist harmoniously with one another and there is so far no such thing as dispute among different religions. Religious believers and non-believers also respect to each other and they live together peacefully.
The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China stipulates: “Citizens of the People’s Republic of China enjoy freedom of religion. No state organ, public organization or individual may compel citizens to believe in, or not to believe in, any religion; nor may they discriminate against citizens because they do, or do not believe in religion. The state protects normal religious activities.” The Constitution also stipulates: “nobody can make use of religion to engage in activities that disrupt social order, impair the health of citizens or interfere with the educational system of the state. Religious organizations and religious affairs are not subject to any foreign dominance.”
China’s National Regional Autonomy Law, Civil Law, Education Law, Labor Law, Compulsory Education Law, Electoral Law of People’s Congress, Organic Law of Villagers’ Committee and Advertisement Law also stipulate: “citizens, no matter they are religious believer or not, enjoy the right of election and to be elected; legitimate property of religious organizations is protected by law; education is separate from religion and citizens, religious believers or non-believers, enjoy the equal opportunity of education according to law; people of all nationalities respect the languages, customs and religious belief of one another; citizens are not discriminated in employment because of their different religious beliefs; advertisement and trade mark may not carry content that discriminates against any nationality or religion.”
In January 1994, the Chinese government promulgated the Regulation on the Management of Places for Religious Activities to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of these places; in that February, the Chinese government also promulgated the Regulation on the Management of Foreigners’ Religious Activities in the People’s Republic of China in order to respect the religious freedom of foreigners in China and to protect foreigners’ friendly exchange and cultural and academic communication concerning religion with people from Chinese religious circle.
Chinese laws also stipulate that normal missionary affairs and religious services in places of religious activities or at home of believers in accordance with religious practice, such as paying homage to the Buddha, reciting scripts on religious classics, worship services, prayer, interpreting religious works, preaching, Mass, baptism, being initiated into monkhood or nunhood, practicing abstinence during Ramadan, observing religious festivals, sacrament in critical situations and recollection of late figures, should be completely carried out by religious organizations and believers and are protected by law. No one may interfere with these activities.
Like many other countries in the world, China adopts the principle of separating religion from state education and except in several colleges and research institutes that are responsible for the education and study of religion, religion is not taught in public education. Schools founded by religious organizations are entitled to carry out systematic education on religion according to their actual conditions.
Over the long period of historical development, religious culture in China has become a component of traditional Chinese ideological culture. All religious organizations value the principle of making contribution in the service of society and people. For instance, Buddhism advocates the principle of making the country powerful and people’s life prosperous, Catholicism and Christianity underline the doctrine of glorifying God and benefiting people, Taoism upholds the proposition of rendering utmost love to everyone and serving the society by subliming the temperament of others and Islam embraces the faith of achieving happiness in both this life and aftertime.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Chinese Religious Community's Communication with Foreign Countries
Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity are all introduced to China from foreign countries and all these religions are international ones and therefore very influential in the world. In addition, these religions boast a great many believers in many countries across the world and some of them are regarded as national religions in some countries.
Chinese religious community’s communication with foreign countries has been developing since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and various religious groups in China have been contacting with their foreign counterparts in a comprehensive manner. For instance, Chinese Buddhist circle often conducts non-governmental religious exchanges in various ways with Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Over the past a few years, the relics of Buddhist teeth in China have been welcomed and worshiped by believers in Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka and Thai Buddhist community has established regular Buddhist exchange mechanism with Tibetan religious circle in China.
In addition, the major religious groups in China are often invited to visit countries in Western Europe and Northern America to get more knowledge about local religious situation and enhance local people’s understanding about religions in China.
Chinese religious community’s communication with foreign countries has been developing since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and various religious groups in China have been contacting with their foreign counterparts in a comprehensive manner. For instance, Chinese Buddhist circle often conducts non-governmental religious exchanges in various ways with Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Over the past a few years, the relics of Buddhist teeth in China have been welcomed and worshiped by believers in Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka and Thai Buddhist community has established regular Buddhist exchange mechanism with Tibetan religious circle in China.
In addition, the major religious groups in China are often invited to visit countries in Western Europe and Northern America to get more knowledge about local religious situation and enhance local people’s understanding about religions in China.
Status Quo of Religion in China
China is a multi-religious country and Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity are the major religions here.
Statistics show that at present there are more than one hundred million believers of varied religions, over 85 thousand religious sites, some three hundred thousand religious personnel, over three thousand religious groups and 74 religious colleges in China.
The national religious organizations in China include the Buddhist Association of China, the Taoist Association of China, the Islamic Association of China, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, the Chinese Catholic Bishops College, the Chinese National Christian “Three-Self” Patriotic Movement Committee and the Christian Council of China. All religious groups elect their leaders and form the leadership under their own regulations; they are also entitled to deal with its own religious affairs without others’ interference and establish religious schools, distribute copies of classic religious scriptures, issue religious publications and participate in public welfare according to the actual situations.
Statistics show that at present there are more than one hundred million believers of varied religions, over 85 thousand religious sites, some three hundred thousand religious personnel, over three thousand religious groups and 74 religious colleges in China.
The national religious organizations in China include the Buddhist Association of China, the Taoist Association of China, the Islamic Association of China, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, the Chinese Catholic Bishops College, the Chinese National Christian “Three-Self” Patriotic Movement Committee and the Christian Council of China. All religious groups elect their leaders and form the leadership under their own regulations; they are also entitled to deal with its own religious affairs without others’ interference and establish religious schools, distribute copies of classic religious scriptures, issue religious publications and participate in public welfare according to the actual situations.
Major Religions in China
Buddhism
Buddhism was introduced to China around the first century A.D. Since the fourth century A.D, it was widely spread and gradually became the most influential religion in China. Buddhism in China is divided into three branches according to varied language families, namely, Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Pali Buddhism and there are about 200 thousand Buddhist monks and nuns under these three branches. At present, there are more than 13 thousand Buddhist temples that are open to the public, 33 Buddhist colleges and nearly 50 types of Buddhist publications in China.
As one branch of Buddhism in China, Tibetan Buddhism is mainly spread in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province with some 7 million believers from Tibetan, Mongolian, Yugu, Monba, Luoba and Tu nationalities. Pali Buddhism is popular in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture and Simao region in southwestern China’s Yunnan Province with over one million believers from Dai, Bulang, Achang and Va nationalities. The believers of Chinese Buddhism are mainly Han people, who live all over China.
Taoism
Taoism is a typically traditional religion in China with a history of more than 18 hundred years since the second century A.D. It advocates the worship of natural objects and ancestors as was practiced since time immemorial and had various factions in the history; later, it evolved into two major factions, namely, Quanzhen and Zhengyi Taoism, and was fairly influential among Han people. It is difficult to calculate the exact number of Taoist believers because there are no formal ceremonies or specific regulations concerning the admission to Taoism. At present, there are more than 15 hundred Taoist temples in China with over 25 hundred male and female Taoists there.
Islam
Islam was introduced to China in the seventh century A.D with nearly 18 million believers from Hui, Uygur, Tartar, Kirgiz, Kazakh, Ozbek, Dongxiang, Sala and Baoan nationalities. Most of the Muslims in China live in compact communities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan Provinces; besides, some Muslims in small groups live in other provinces or cities in China. At present, there are more than 30 thousand mosques in China with over 40 thousand imams or ahungs.
Catholicism
Catholicism was first introduced to China in the seventh century and widely spread across the country after the Opium War in 1840. At present, Chinese Catholic Church boasts one hundred parishes, some five million believers, nearly five thousand cathedrals and places for religious activities and twelve theological seminaries. Over the past two decades, the Catholic Church in China have cultivated more than 15 hundred young bishops who are able to hold consecration and among them over one hundred have been sent abroad for further study. In addition, three thousands young girls have been crowned the nunhood after their admission and two hundred nuns have decided to dedicate all their lives to the church. Every year, more than 50 thousand clerics from the Chinese Catholic Church preside over baptism and the church prints over three million copies of Bible.
Christianity
Christianity was introduced to China in early 19th century and widely spread after 1840s. In 1950, the church called on its believers to shake off the vestige of foreign imperialist influence and uphold patriotism in order to achieve self-administration, self-supporting and self-propagation, which are the cardinal principle of Chinese Christianity. At present, there are about ten million Christian believers, 18 thousand priests and 12 churches or religious sites in China.
Buddhism was introduced to China around the first century A.D. Since the fourth century A.D, it was widely spread and gradually became the most influential religion in China. Buddhism in China is divided into three branches according to varied language families, namely, Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Pali Buddhism and there are about 200 thousand Buddhist monks and nuns under these three branches. At present, there are more than 13 thousand Buddhist temples that are open to the public, 33 Buddhist colleges and nearly 50 types of Buddhist publications in China.
As one branch of Buddhism in China, Tibetan Buddhism is mainly spread in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province with some 7 million believers from Tibetan, Mongolian, Yugu, Monba, Luoba and Tu nationalities. Pali Buddhism is popular in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture and Simao region in southwestern China’s Yunnan Province with over one million believers from Dai, Bulang, Achang and Va nationalities. The believers of Chinese Buddhism are mainly Han people, who live all over China.
Taoism
Taoism is a typically traditional religion in China with a history of more than 18 hundred years since the second century A.D. It advocates the worship of natural objects and ancestors as was practiced since time immemorial and had various factions in the history; later, it evolved into two major factions, namely, Quanzhen and Zhengyi Taoism, and was fairly influential among Han people. It is difficult to calculate the exact number of Taoist believers because there are no formal ceremonies or specific regulations concerning the admission to Taoism. At present, there are more than 15 hundred Taoist temples in China with over 25 hundred male and female Taoists there.
Islam
Islam was introduced to China in the seventh century A.D with nearly 18 million believers from Hui, Uygur, Tartar, Kirgiz, Kazakh, Ozbek, Dongxiang, Sala and Baoan nationalities. Most of the Muslims in China live in compact communities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Gansu, Qinghai and Yunnan Provinces; besides, some Muslims in small groups live in other provinces or cities in China. At present, there are more than 30 thousand mosques in China with over 40 thousand imams or ahungs.
Catholicism
Catholicism was first introduced to China in the seventh century and widely spread across the country after the Opium War in 1840. At present, Chinese Catholic Church boasts one hundred parishes, some five million believers, nearly five thousand cathedrals and places for religious activities and twelve theological seminaries. Over the past two decades, the Catholic Church in China have cultivated more than 15 hundred young bishops who are able to hold consecration and among them over one hundred have been sent abroad for further study. In addition, three thousands young girls have been crowned the nunhood after their admission and two hundred nuns have decided to dedicate all their lives to the church. Every year, more than 50 thousand clerics from the Chinese Catholic Church preside over baptism and the church prints over three million copies of Bible.
Christianity
Christianity was introduced to China in early 19th century and widely spread after 1840s. In 1950, the church called on its believers to shake off the vestige of foreign imperialist influence and uphold patriotism in order to achieve self-administration, self-supporting and self-propagation, which are the cardinal principle of Chinese Christianity. At present, there are about ten million Christian believers, 18 thousand priests and 12 churches or religious sites in China.
Major Festivals of Ethnic Minorities in China
Minority people in China boast various festivals and almost every nationality has its own major festivals. Typical examples are New Year Festival according to Tibetan Calendar for Tibetan people, Water-Splashing Festival for Dai people, Torch Festival for Yi People, Temple and Trade Fair in March for Bai people, Singing Carnival for Zhuang people and Nadam Fair for Mongolian people. In addition, some local governments have set traditional festivals for minority people as legal festivals, such as New Year Festival according to Tibetan Calendar and Corban Festival.
Corban Festival
Corban is a traditional annual festival for Islamic people, which is called Eid-al-Adjha in Arabic. Eid means festival and Adjha sacrifice, therefore this day is also called Corban. It is on Dec. 10th according to Islamic calendar and is the common festival celebrated by Chinese minority nationalities that believe in Islam, including Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Ozbek, Tajik, Tartar, Kirgiz, Sala, Dongxiang and Baoan. Before Corban, all Islamic families would clean up their houses and be busy making various cakes for the festival. In the morning of Corban, Islamic people would tidy their clothes after taking a bath and listen to imams’ interpretation of Koran in the mosques. Meanwhile, all families would butcher sheep, camels or oxen and distribute them to relatives, friends and guests. Corban also provides an optimum opportunity for conversation during which many Islamic people get together and share mutton, cakes, melons and fruits with others. In addition, Uygur people in Xinjiang would hold large singing and dancing performance during Corban and Kazakh, Kirgiz, Tajik and Ozbek people would hold various games to celebrate the festival, including sheep-hunting, horse racing and wrestling.
The Festival of Fast Breaking
Fast breaking is called Eid-al-Fitr in Arabic. It is in the beginning of October according to Islamic calendar and serves as the common festival celebrated by some Chinese minority nationalities, including Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Ozbek, Tajik, Tartar, Kirgiz, Sala, Dongxiang and Baoan. Every September according to Islamic calendar is called Ramadan, which lasts for 29 or 30 days. During this period, Muslim people must finish their pre-fasting meal before sunrise and they are not allowed to eat or drink anything in the daytime no matter how hungry or thirsty they are. Meanwhile, smoking is also prohibited during Ramadan. In addition, all Muslim people are supposed to curb all their personal desires, including that of sexual intercourse, and practice abstinence during this time in order to show their allegiance to Allah. Children, elderly people and women who are undergoing menstruate are allowed not to practice fasting but they should limit their diet and must not eat or drink in public. Patients and those who are on their journey are also permitted not to conduct fasting, but they have to make up for it later; otherwise, they must hand in some property as punishment. In the evening when the bells in the mosques ring, people could suspend their fasting and begin to have their meal. During this period, even a hungry stranger passing by would be warmly welcomed in local households.
Grant and glamorous are the activities marking the festival of fast breaking and it is a common practice for Islamic people to whitewash their houses, clean up their yard, and have haircut and bath before the festival. Fast breaking is also the day favored by many young lovers to have their weddings.
New Year Festival According to Tibetan Calendar
New Year festival according to Tibetan calendar is the most important and glamorous festival for Tibetan people. It usually lasts for 15 days from the first day of a new year according to Tibetan calendar. In the morning of the festival, young people will dress up and greet one another to express their best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year. They will also go to the temples nearby to pay homage to the Buddha, or go to the streets in large groups for singing and dancing spree; however, they don’t pay a visit to the home of their relatives and friends during this time.
Nadam Fair
Nadam fair is a traditional annual festival for Mongolian people living in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang. It is held during the golden period of autumn between July and August when the grass on the meadows is ripe and the livestock in their best physical condition. Nadam means entertainment or game in Mongolian and it enjoys a long history. In the past, large-scale sacrificial rites were held during this festival and lamas would light incense and candles, recite classic Buddhist works and pray for Buddha’s blessing and a happy and prosperous life. At present, the major traditional events of Nadam fair include wrestling, horse racing and archery and in some places, athletic events such as track and field matches, tug-of-war, volleyball and basketball games are also held during this festival.
Corban Festival
Corban is a traditional annual festival for Islamic people, which is called Eid-al-Adjha in Arabic. Eid means festival and Adjha sacrifice, therefore this day is also called Corban. It is on Dec. 10th according to Islamic calendar and is the common festival celebrated by Chinese minority nationalities that believe in Islam, including Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Ozbek, Tajik, Tartar, Kirgiz, Sala, Dongxiang and Baoan. Before Corban, all Islamic families would clean up their houses and be busy making various cakes for the festival. In the morning of Corban, Islamic people would tidy their clothes after taking a bath and listen to imams’ interpretation of Koran in the mosques. Meanwhile, all families would butcher sheep, camels or oxen and distribute them to relatives, friends and guests. Corban also provides an optimum opportunity for conversation during which many Islamic people get together and share mutton, cakes, melons and fruits with others. In addition, Uygur people in Xinjiang would hold large singing and dancing performance during Corban and Kazakh, Kirgiz, Tajik and Ozbek people would hold various games to celebrate the festival, including sheep-hunting, horse racing and wrestling.
The Festival of Fast Breaking
Fast breaking is called Eid-al-Fitr in Arabic. It is in the beginning of October according to Islamic calendar and serves as the common festival celebrated by some Chinese minority nationalities, including Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Ozbek, Tajik, Tartar, Kirgiz, Sala, Dongxiang and Baoan. Every September according to Islamic calendar is called Ramadan, which lasts for 29 or 30 days. During this period, Muslim people must finish their pre-fasting meal before sunrise and they are not allowed to eat or drink anything in the daytime no matter how hungry or thirsty they are. Meanwhile, smoking is also prohibited during Ramadan. In addition, all Muslim people are supposed to curb all their personal desires, including that of sexual intercourse, and practice abstinence during this time in order to show their allegiance to Allah. Children, elderly people and women who are undergoing menstruate are allowed not to practice fasting but they should limit their diet and must not eat or drink in public. Patients and those who are on their journey are also permitted not to conduct fasting, but they have to make up for it later; otherwise, they must hand in some property as punishment. In the evening when the bells in the mosques ring, people could suspend their fasting and begin to have their meal. During this period, even a hungry stranger passing by would be warmly welcomed in local households.
Grant and glamorous are the activities marking the festival of fast breaking and it is a common practice for Islamic people to whitewash their houses, clean up their yard, and have haircut and bath before the festival. Fast breaking is also the day favored by many young lovers to have their weddings.
New Year Festival According to Tibetan Calendar
New Year festival according to Tibetan calendar is the most important and glamorous festival for Tibetan people. It usually lasts for 15 days from the first day of a new year according to Tibetan calendar. In the morning of the festival, young people will dress up and greet one another to express their best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year. They will also go to the temples nearby to pay homage to the Buddha, or go to the streets in large groups for singing and dancing spree; however, they don’t pay a visit to the home of their relatives and friends during this time.
Nadam Fair
Nadam fair is a traditional annual festival for Mongolian people living in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang. It is held during the golden period of autumn between July and August when the grass on the meadows is ripe and the livestock in their best physical condition. Nadam means entertainment or game in Mongolian and it enjoys a long history. In the past, large-scale sacrificial rites were held during this festival and lamas would light incense and candles, recite classic Buddhist works and pray for Buddha’s blessing and a happy and prosperous life. At present, the major traditional events of Nadam fair include wrestling, horse racing and archery and in some places, athletic events such as track and field matches, tug-of-war, volleyball and basketball games are also held during this festival.
Economy of Ethnic Minorities in China
China’s economy has witnessed a rapid development, so has that in regions where ethnic minorities live.
Stockbreeding serves as one of the major industries in minorities’ economy and since the endorsement of individual responsibility system for meadows and livestock in 1980s, livestock are sold to individuals and right to the use of meadow endowed to households; meanwhile, measures have been strengthened to boost the development of meadow and improve its protection and management. At present, rapid development has been achieved in China’s major pasture regions, including Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. Statistics shows that at present the total number of livestock in China’s pasture regions and semi-pasture and semi-farming regions has reached over 100 million each year. The rate of mature livestock has raised and the survival rate and the commercialization rate of livestock have also witnessed a significant increase. In addition, there are family-run ranches in some of China’s pasture regions and their production capacity and business performance have been greatly enhanced due to large-scale business management and adoption of advanced techniques in their production.
Being the absorber of a great deal of economic resources and major place for non-agricultural social and economic activities, cities play a pivotal role in the economic development in the regions where ethnic minorities live. Like their counterparts in other parts of China, cities of minorities have witnessed rapid economic development since 1980s. Statistics shows that the total number of industrial enterprises in regions where national autonomy is practiced has reached more than one million and the business layout featuring coexistence of varied economies, including large modern enterprises, private industry, commerce and service industry, has been shaped. In addition, urbanization in regions such as Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang has exceeded the average level in China, which plays a leading role in the general economic development in regions where ethnic minorities live.
Non-public economy has become an important factor that no one could ignore in the urban economic growth in regions where ethnic minorities live. For instance, by the end of 20th century, non-public economy has accounted for over 40 percent of the GNP in Qinghai Province.
In addition, in the course of opening up to the outside world, many cities in regions where ethnic nationalities live have gradually expanded and deepened their international communication and cooperation, including that of economy and technology. At present, these regions boast some large corporation groups that are renowned both home and abroad, such as Erdos Cashmere Group Corporation Limited in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Tianye Corporation Limited in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Stockbreeding serves as one of the major industries in minorities’ economy and since the endorsement of individual responsibility system for meadows and livestock in 1980s, livestock are sold to individuals and right to the use of meadow endowed to households; meanwhile, measures have been strengthened to boost the development of meadow and improve its protection and management. At present, rapid development has been achieved in China’s major pasture regions, including Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. Statistics shows that at present the total number of livestock in China’s pasture regions and semi-pasture and semi-farming regions has reached over 100 million each year. The rate of mature livestock has raised and the survival rate and the commercialization rate of livestock have also witnessed a significant increase. In addition, there are family-run ranches in some of China’s pasture regions and their production capacity and business performance have been greatly enhanced due to large-scale business management and adoption of advanced techniques in their production.
Being the absorber of a great deal of economic resources and major place for non-agricultural social and economic activities, cities play a pivotal role in the economic development in the regions where ethnic minorities live. Like their counterparts in other parts of China, cities of minorities have witnessed rapid economic development since 1980s. Statistics shows that the total number of industrial enterprises in regions where national autonomy is practiced has reached more than one million and the business layout featuring coexistence of varied economies, including large modern enterprises, private industry, commerce and service industry, has been shaped. In addition, urbanization in regions such as Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang has exceeded the average level in China, which plays a leading role in the general economic development in regions where ethnic minorities live.
Non-public economy has become an important factor that no one could ignore in the urban economic growth in regions where ethnic minorities live. For instance, by the end of 20th century, non-public economy has accounted for over 40 percent of the GNP in Qinghai Province.
In addition, in the course of opening up to the outside world, many cities in regions where ethnic nationalities live have gradually expanded and deepened their international communication and cooperation, including that of economy and technology. At present, these regions boast some large corporation groups that are renowned both home and abroad, such as Erdos Cashmere Group Corporation Limited in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Tianye Corporation Limited in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Education of Ethnic Minorities in China
Education serves as the cornerstone of science and technology advancement and Chinese government has adopted a series of preferential policies and treatments to develop education of ethnic minorities as follows: it highlights and helps the ethnic groups to develop their own education and establishes special institutions for democratic education management; Meanwhile, it entitles and respects ethnic minorities and places where national autonomy are practiced to develop education in their own way, attaches great importance to the education of minorities’ corresponding languages and bilingual education and redoubles its efforts to develop textbooks written in their languages; besides, it strengthens measures to develop minorities’ own teaching staffs and provides special financial treatment to ethnic minorities and places where they live; furthermore, it establishes various types of school in accordance with the actual situation of ethnic minorities and their residential areas and it adopts special enrollment policy in designated regions where ethnic groups live in compact community in order to cultivate more people with corresponding expertise for these regions; last but not least, it provides favorable treatment in enrollment and campus life for ethnic students and encourages developed regions in other part of China to establish regular tie of assistance with corresponding areas where ethnic minorities live.
Chinese government has taken a series of effective measures to boost the education of school in regions where ethnic minorities live and made use of all means to establish various types of primary school, secondary school and university. Meanwhile, it takes into full consideration the actual situation of ethnic groups and encourages those minorities who have their own written languages to conduct education in their mother tongues in primary and secondary schools. In addition, the number of minority students in schools of various levels or types in China has greatly increased and China’s northwestern, northeastern and southwestern region where ethnic minorities live in compact community all boast universities or colleges for minorities with thousands of students from various ethnic groups.
Statistics shows that China’s 55 ethnic minorities all boast their own college student and some ethnic groups even have postgraduates with master degree or doctorate.
Chinese government has taken a series of effective measures to boost the education of school in regions where ethnic minorities live and made use of all means to establish various types of primary school, secondary school and university. Meanwhile, it takes into full consideration the actual situation of ethnic groups and encourages those minorities who have their own written languages to conduct education in their mother tongues in primary and secondary schools. In addition, the number of minority students in schools of various levels or types in China has greatly increased and China’s northwestern, northeastern and southwestern region where ethnic minorities live in compact community all boast universities or colleges for minorities with thousands of students from various ethnic groups.
Statistics shows that China’s 55 ethnic minorities all boast their own college student and some ethnic groups even have postgraduates with master degree or doctorate.
Technology of Ethnic Minorities in China
In order to spur the technological development in ethnic minorities’ regions, the Chinese government has adopted a series of preferential policies as follows: it gives priority to the cultivation and training of science and technology personnel from ethnic groups, admits minority students to public universities according to special enrollment plans, opens classes on campus exclusively for minority students and establishes popular majors in minorities universities or colleges to bring up more people with relevant expertise that are in short supply in society. Meanwhile, it has taken effective measures to train the existing technology personnel from minority groups, help introduce more talents and advanced equipment for minority people and their regions and upgrade traditional industries and products to enhance the business performance. Moreover, the Chinese government has established and improved the system for technology promotion in rural and pasture areas in order to boost the education and training of practical technology and help translate scientific achievements into real productivity in these regions. In addition, it has adopted some preferential policies concerning work condition and living standard to encourage more science and technology experts to make achievements in ethnic minorities’ regions. Last but not least, the government has urged the developed regions in other parts of China to take measures to expand their technology assistance to minority regions. These measures include: inviting experts to take a part-time job in minority regions, encouraging technology personnel to give lectures or work for a short-term period in these regions, help train their counterparts from ethnic groups and carry out technology cooperation with them. At present, a number of research institutes which are related to the national economy development, the need of people’s life and the actual condition of ethnic groups have been established in regions where ethnic minorities live and the scientific research system with various disciplines and research team with corresponding research orientations have also been shaped.
Statistics shows that the number of scientists and engineers from ethnic minority regions has reached nearly 100 thousand and these technology experts are playing an increasingly important role in the scientific and technological advancement of our country. Some of them are academicians of Chinese Academy of Science and Chinese Academy of Engineering, some leaders of scientific projects, and some outstanding contributors for translating scientific achievements into real products. For instance, academician Wang Shiwen of Chinese Academy of Science, who comes from Hui nationality, devotes herself to the clinic and scientific research and teaching of cardiopathy and first aid study for the elderly and makes remarkable contribution to the development of medical study of elderly people in China as an emerging discipline. Academician Wei Yu of Chinese Academy of Engineering, who comes from Zhuang nationality, holds the doctorate of the Technological University of Aachen in Germany and is one of the trial-blazers of electro-biology and bio-computation as brand-new arenas in the world. Senior researcher of agricultural science Zheng Huiyu, who comes from Korean nationality, dedicates herself into the study of breeding and variety resources of soybean and one of her masterpieces is the Jilin No.20 Soybean with small granule.
Statistics shows that the number of scientists and engineers from ethnic minority regions has reached nearly 100 thousand and these technology experts are playing an increasingly important role in the scientific and technological advancement of our country. Some of them are academicians of Chinese Academy of Science and Chinese Academy of Engineering, some leaders of scientific projects, and some outstanding contributors for translating scientific achievements into real products. For instance, academician Wang Shiwen of Chinese Academy of Science, who comes from Hui nationality, devotes herself to the clinic and scientific research and teaching of cardiopathy and first aid study for the elderly and makes remarkable contribution to the development of medical study of elderly people in China as an emerging discipline. Academician Wei Yu of Chinese Academy of Engineering, who comes from Zhuang nationality, holds the doctorate of the Technological University of Aachen in Germany and is one of the trial-blazers of electro-biology and bio-computation as brand-new arenas in the world. Senior researcher of agricultural science Zheng Huiyu, who comes from Korean nationality, dedicates herself into the study of breeding and variety resources of soybean and one of her masterpieces is the Jilin No.20 Soybean with small granule.
Culture of Ethnic Minorities in China
In order to inherit and develop the culture of ethnic minorities, the governments of all national autonomous regions and prefectures have established the associations of writers, operas, music, dancing, fine arts, movies and photography according to the actual situation in their regions. Universities and minority colleges in some of these regions have opened the major of ethnic minorities’ literature and some local governments have set up art schools of various types, including conservatory, drama school and movie school, in order to cultivate minority people with literary and artistic expertise as many as possible. Taking minority medicine for example, Tibetan, Mongolia and Uygur medical colleges as well as intermediate schools devoted to minorities’ medical study have been established in Tibet, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang.
At present, a group of writers and artists from ethnic minorities has been shaped in China and among them writer Lao She from Manchu nationality, poet Kang Langying from Dai nationality and writer Wu Baixin from Hezhe nationality are outstanding examples. Meanwhile, many professional and amateur troupes made up of minority artists have been established and their performances are very popular in rural areas, pasture regions and towns where ethnic groups live.
Meanwhile, a series of information concerning folk literature and art of ethnic minorities has been published. For instance, a great deal of them has been included in 10 collections of Chinese literature and artistic works initiated 20 years ago, including the record of traditional Chinese operas and the collections of Chinese folk songs, Chinese music of traditional operas, Chinese folk musical instruments, Chinese music of folk arts, Chinese folk dancing, Chinese folk stories, Chinese ballads, Chinese proverbs and Chinese folk arts.
In addition, the publication of minorities’ literature and art has also witnessed a steady development. At present, there are more than 100 types of publication concerning literature and art of Chinese minority nationalities and in some places journals concerning local ballads, music, fine arts, movies and operas have been created, among which over 20 types are written and published in minorities’ languages. The number of books, newspapers and other publications in places where national autonomy is practiced has increased rapidly and among the books published more than 3400 are written in minorities’ languages.
At present, a group of writers and artists from ethnic minorities has been shaped in China and among them writer Lao She from Manchu nationality, poet Kang Langying from Dai nationality and writer Wu Baixin from Hezhe nationality are outstanding examples. Meanwhile, many professional and amateur troupes made up of minority artists have been established and their performances are very popular in rural areas, pasture regions and towns where ethnic groups live.
Meanwhile, a series of information concerning folk literature and art of ethnic minorities has been published. For instance, a great deal of them has been included in 10 collections of Chinese literature and artistic works initiated 20 years ago, including the record of traditional Chinese operas and the collections of Chinese folk songs, Chinese music of traditional operas, Chinese folk musical instruments, Chinese music of folk arts, Chinese folk dancing, Chinese folk stories, Chinese ballads, Chinese proverbs and Chinese folk arts.
In addition, the publication of minorities’ literature and art has also witnessed a steady development. At present, there are more than 100 types of publication concerning literature and art of Chinese minority nationalities and in some places journals concerning local ballads, music, fine arts, movies and operas have been created, among which over 20 types are written and published in minorities’ languages. The number of books, newspapers and other publications in places where national autonomy is practiced has increased rapidly and among the books published more than 3400 are written in minorities’ languages.
The Cultivation and Selection of Ethnic Minority Cadres
Chinese government attaches great importance to the cultivation of ethnic minority cadres. The number of ethnic minority cadres has greatly increased and many of them have been selected to hold a leading position in governments of county level or above. At present, the chairpersons of 5 autonomous regions, as well as the heads of 30 autonomous prefectures and 119 autonomous counties or banners in China, are all from ethnic groups.
People from all ethnic groups participate in the management of state’s political and social affairs on a comprehensive basis and all 56 nationalities in China have their own deputies or commissioners to sit in the people’s congress and people’s political consultative conference of various levels, accounting for more than 10 percent of the total.
People from all ethnic groups participate in the management of state’s political and social affairs on a comprehensive basis and all 56 nationalities in China have their own deputies or commissioners to sit in the people’s congress and people’s political consultative conference of various levels, accounting for more than 10 percent of the total.
Nationalities Whose Population Is above 5 Million
Han Nationality
Han people enjoy the largest population among China’s 56 nationalities and this population size also ranks first in the world. At present, the number of Han people has reached about 1.2 billion. Originally known as “Cathay”, Han people used to live in the central part of China; later, it assimilated and integrated with other nationalities and eventually boasts a 5 thousand years’ history of civilization. Since the beginning of Han Dynasty, the name “Han” was adopted to call this nationality. Han nationality has its own spoken and written language, which belong to Chinese-Tibetan language family. Its language falls into 8 categories of dialect, namely, dialect of northern China, dialect of south of the lower reaches of Yangtze River, Hunan dialect, Jiangxi dialect, Hakka dialect, dialect of southern Fujian, dialect of northern Fujian and Cantonese and the common language of these 8 dialects is Mandarin. Chinese letter is one of the most ancient letters in the world; it evolved from inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty and Nuchen letters and eventually became present-day Chinese characters. There are altogether over 80 thousand Chinese characters, among which about 7000 are commonly used. At present, Chinese has become one of the international languages. The staple food of Han people is grain crop and meat and vegetables are the non-staple foodstuffs. Over the long period of development, Han people have developed the habit of having three meals for each day and rice and flour serve as two major components of their staple food. In addition, other coarse crops, such as corn, sorghum, cereal and potato, are also part of the staple food in different regions of China. Due to various factors, there are varied types of cuisine in the food culture of Han people and when it comes to the Han and other nationalities’ preference of taste of food, people living in different parts of China are often termed as follows: the southern citizens are lovers of sweet food, the northern of salty food, the eastern of hot food and the western of sour food. At present, there are 8 typical cuisines with unique flavors in different parts of China, including Hunan cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, cuisine of northeastern China and Cantonese food. Wine and tea are two major beverages for Han people. Being the place of origin of tea and one of the first developers of brewing technology, China boasts long history of wine and tea culture. Except for wine and tea, some products made of fruits also serve as beverages for people in varied regions and seasons. There are myriads of festivals for Han people and China’s Lunar New Year is the most traditional one. Besides, the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month of lunar calendar, the Tomb-sweeping day on Apr.5th, the Dragon Boat Festival on the 5th day of the fifth lunar month and the Middle Autumn Day on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month are also important festivals.
Zhuang Nationality
Zhuang nationality is one of the most populous minority nationalities in China and its people mainly live in compact community in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. It adopts Zhuang language, which belongs to the Chinese-Tibetan language family. Zhuang people is an aboriginal nationality in southern China and boasts a long history. The predecessors of Zhuang people began to live southern China as early as thousands of years ago and in 1958 the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was established. Zhuang people are mainly engaged in agricultural production and they usually plant rice and corn. They love singing and their community is famed as “the ocean of songs”. Delicate and elegant is the Zhuang brocade, which is the traditional handicraft of Zhuang people. Zhaung people used to worship the Nature and primitive religion based upon polytheism and during the period of Tang and Song Dynasty, Buddhism and Taoism were successively introduced to their community. After 1840, Christianity and Catholicism also came to this region, but their influence was limited.
Hui Nationality
Hui nationality has a population of more than 9.8 million, who mainly live in concentrated community in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Besides, many Hui people either live in compact community or scatter in other parts of China and it is therefore fair to say that Hui people enjoy the largest distribution all across China. Most Hui people speak Chinese because they have lived with Han people for a long time and those who live with other minority nationality can also speak the corresponding language of that ethnic group. Some Hui people master Arabian and Persian. The origin of Hui nationality can be dated back to the 7th century A.D when Arabian and Persian merchants came to China for business expansion and then settled down in some southeastern coastal cities such as Guangzhou and Quanzhou; after several hundred years’ development, those people gradually became part of Hui nationality. In addition, in early 13th century A.D, a large number of middle Asians, Persians and Arabians were driven by wars to northwestern China and they gradually formed Hui nationality after assimilating with Han, Uygur and Mongolian nationality through marriage and religion. Hui people believe in Islam and they live around the mosques in their cities, townships and villages. They have their own dietetic habits and those restaurants and food stores scattered in many places of China with the name “Hui” or “Islam” are exclusively for Hui people. The level of economic and cultural development of Hui nationality is comparatively high, which plays an important role in China’s historical development.
Mongolian Nationality
Mongolian nationality has a population of over 5.8 million, who live in compact community in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and other autonomous prefectures or counties for Mongolian people in Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning. They speak Mongolian, which belongs to the Altai language family. The name “Mongolia” first appeared in Tang Dynasty when it was just used to call a certain tribe among Mongolian community. This tribe originated in the eastern bank of Erguna River and then moved westward. At that time, Mongolian community was haunted by protracted wars among tribes for pillaging people, livestock and wealth. In 1206, Tiemuzhen was chosen as the Khan of Mongolia known as Genghis Khan and the Mongolian Kingdom was established, marking the birth of Mongolian nationality, the first strong, stable and development-oriented ethnic group in northern China. Henceforth, Genghis Khan unified all Mongolian tribes and China before the establishment of Yuan Dynasty. Most Mongolian people believe in Lamaism and they have made great contribution in many fields in China, including politics, military affairs, economy, science and technology, astronomical calculation, culture, art and medical science.
Han people enjoy the largest population among China’s 56 nationalities and this population size also ranks first in the world. At present, the number of Han people has reached about 1.2 billion. Originally known as “Cathay”, Han people used to live in the central part of China; later, it assimilated and integrated with other nationalities and eventually boasts a 5 thousand years’ history of civilization. Since the beginning of Han Dynasty, the name “Han” was adopted to call this nationality. Han nationality has its own spoken and written language, which belong to Chinese-Tibetan language family. Its language falls into 8 categories of dialect, namely, dialect of northern China, dialect of south of the lower reaches of Yangtze River, Hunan dialect, Jiangxi dialect, Hakka dialect, dialect of southern Fujian, dialect of northern Fujian and Cantonese and the common language of these 8 dialects is Mandarin. Chinese letter is one of the most ancient letters in the world; it evolved from inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells of the Shang Dynasty and Nuchen letters and eventually became present-day Chinese characters. There are altogether over 80 thousand Chinese characters, among which about 7000 are commonly used. At present, Chinese has become one of the international languages. The staple food of Han people is grain crop and meat and vegetables are the non-staple foodstuffs. Over the long period of development, Han people have developed the habit of having three meals for each day and rice and flour serve as two major components of their staple food. In addition, other coarse crops, such as corn, sorghum, cereal and potato, are also part of the staple food in different regions of China. Due to various factors, there are varied types of cuisine in the food culture of Han people and when it comes to the Han and other nationalities’ preference of taste of food, people living in different parts of China are often termed as follows: the southern citizens are lovers of sweet food, the northern of salty food, the eastern of hot food and the western of sour food. At present, there are 8 typical cuisines with unique flavors in different parts of China, including Hunan cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, cuisine of northeastern China and Cantonese food. Wine and tea are two major beverages for Han people. Being the place of origin of tea and one of the first developers of brewing technology, China boasts long history of wine and tea culture. Except for wine and tea, some products made of fruits also serve as beverages for people in varied regions and seasons. There are myriads of festivals for Han people and China’s Lunar New Year is the most traditional one. Besides, the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month of lunar calendar, the Tomb-sweeping day on Apr.5th, the Dragon Boat Festival on the 5th day of the fifth lunar month and the Middle Autumn Day on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month are also important festivals.
Zhuang Nationality
Zhuang nationality is one of the most populous minority nationalities in China and its people mainly live in compact community in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. It adopts Zhuang language, which belongs to the Chinese-Tibetan language family. Zhuang people is an aboriginal nationality in southern China and boasts a long history. The predecessors of Zhuang people began to live southern China as early as thousands of years ago and in 1958 the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was established. Zhuang people are mainly engaged in agricultural production and they usually plant rice and corn. They love singing and their community is famed as “the ocean of songs”. Delicate and elegant is the Zhuang brocade, which is the traditional handicraft of Zhuang people. Zhaung people used to worship the Nature and primitive religion based upon polytheism and during the period of Tang and Song Dynasty, Buddhism and Taoism were successively introduced to their community. After 1840, Christianity and Catholicism also came to this region, but their influence was limited.
Hui Nationality
Hui nationality has a population of more than 9.8 million, who mainly live in concentrated community in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Besides, many Hui people either live in compact community or scatter in other parts of China and it is therefore fair to say that Hui people enjoy the largest distribution all across China. Most Hui people speak Chinese because they have lived with Han people for a long time and those who live with other minority nationality can also speak the corresponding language of that ethnic group. Some Hui people master Arabian and Persian. The origin of Hui nationality can be dated back to the 7th century A.D when Arabian and Persian merchants came to China for business expansion and then settled down in some southeastern coastal cities such as Guangzhou and Quanzhou; after several hundred years’ development, those people gradually became part of Hui nationality. In addition, in early 13th century A.D, a large number of middle Asians, Persians and Arabians were driven by wars to northwestern China and they gradually formed Hui nationality after assimilating with Han, Uygur and Mongolian nationality through marriage and religion. Hui people believe in Islam and they live around the mosques in their cities, townships and villages. They have their own dietetic habits and those restaurants and food stores scattered in many places of China with the name “Hui” or “Islam” are exclusively for Hui people. The level of economic and cultural development of Hui nationality is comparatively high, which plays an important role in China’s historical development.
Mongolian Nationality
Mongolian nationality has a population of over 5.8 million, who live in compact community in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and other autonomous prefectures or counties for Mongolian people in Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning. They speak Mongolian, which belongs to the Altai language family. The name “Mongolia” first appeared in Tang Dynasty when it was just used to call a certain tribe among Mongolian community. This tribe originated in the eastern bank of Erguna River and then moved westward. At that time, Mongolian community was haunted by protracted wars among tribes for pillaging people, livestock and wealth. In 1206, Tiemuzhen was chosen as the Khan of Mongolia known as Genghis Khan and the Mongolian Kingdom was established, marking the birth of Mongolian nationality, the first strong, stable and development-oriented ethnic group in northern China. Henceforth, Genghis Khan unified all Mongolian tribes and China before the establishment of Yuan Dynasty. Most Mongolian people believe in Lamaism and they have made great contribution in many fields in China, including politics, military affairs, economy, science and technology, astronomical calculation, culture, art and medical science.
Ethnic Minorities Whose Population Is below 100 Thousand
There are 20 ethnic minorities in China whose population is below 100 thousand, namely, Blang, Tajik, Achang, Pumi, Owenki, Nu, Ching, Jinuo, Deang, Paoan, Russian, Yuku, Uzbek, Monba, Oroqen, Dulong, Tartar, Hezhe, Gaoshan and Luoba.
Dulong Nationality:
Dulong nationality has a population of over 7400 people, who live in compact community in the river valley along the Dulong River in Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County of Yunnan Province. Its spoken language is Dulongnese, which belongs to the Chinese-Tibetan language family, but it has no letter of its own. Dulong people believe that everything has its soul and they worship nature objects. The name of this nationality first appeared as “Qiao” according to the folkways in Lijiang area recorded in the chorography of Yuan Dynasty; later in the Ming and Qing Dynasty, this minority group was called “Qiu” or “Qu”. After the founding of new China, the name “Dulong” was adopted at the will of this ethnic group. In the past, the level of social productive force development of Dulong nationality was very low because they were mainly engaged in primitive agricultural production with simple production tools made of wood and bamboo; in addition, collection of ready-made products, fishing and hunting are indispensable supplement to their production. It was not until the founding of People’s Republic of China in 1949 that the backward situation of Dulong people was completely addressed. Dulong people are industrious, hospitable and attach great importance to friendship. In Dulong community, it is not unusual that all the villagers render their help to the family that is in need or difficulty and the game animals are always shared by all who participate in the hunting. In addition, Dulong people are famed for their trustworthiness, fulfillment to their commitment and good traditional ethics and virtues based upon honesty and simplicity, therefore, in their community there are no such things as to shut the households’ doors at night to prevent burglary or to take possession of things lost by others on the road.
Jinuo Nationality
Jinuo nationality has a population of more than 20 thousand, who mainly live in compact community on large mountain in Xishuangbanna prefecture of China’s south western Yunnan Province. They speak Jinuonese, which belongs to the Chinese-Tibetan language family, but has no letter of their own. Jinuo people used to believe that everything has its soul and they usually worship their ancestors. “Jinuo” is the name they call themselves and there is no written record about the origin of this ethnic group. Jinuo people revere Zhuge Liang, an outstanding strategist and prime minister of Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms Period in Chinese history, and it is said that Jinuo people were part of Zhuge Liang’s expeditionary troop to the south, who came from Pu’er, Mojiang and even places afar in northern China. After the founding of new China, Jinuo people made a great historical leap forward, directly from primordial society to socialism, putting an end to its backward outlook, such as primitive means of production with reaphook and fire, making historical record by carving on the bamboo, barter trade and resorting to worship of ghosts for medical treatment. At present, Jinuo people have already had its own cadres, doctors, merchants and technology experts of agricultural production.
Oroqen Nationality
Oroqen nationality has a population of over 8 thousand, who live in concentrated community in Big and Small Xing’anling area bordering upon Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Heilongjiang Province, and there is an Oroqen autonomous banner in Hulunbeir of Inner Mongolia. Oroqen people speak Oroqenese, which belongs to the Altai language family and they adopt Chinese letters because they don’t have their own. “Oroqen” is the name they call themselves, which means “people living on the mountain”, and this name appeared in historical record as early as in early Qing Dynasty. Over the long period of time, Oroqen people have mainly lived on hunting with collection of ready-made natural products and fishing as the supplementary means of their livelihood. Almost all men of Oroqen nationality are excellent horse riders and arrow shooters, who enjoy a great deal of knowledge about the temperament of various wild animals and their life habits as well as rich experience of hunting. In 1940s, Oroqen people were still a nomadic tribe marked with trace of primitive commune and they retained some habits of primordial society characterized by common consumption and equal distribution: for instance, the game animals were equally distributed in their community and those elderly, weak, injured and handicapped members could be given an even larger share. After the establishment of new China, Oroqen people made a great leap forward into socialism and now they have settled down and become the protectors of forests and wild animals instead of hunters in previous time. Oroqen people enjoy a good reputation of their craftsmanship and they can make elegant handicrafts out of bark of birches, such as clothes, shoes, box, kitbag, barrel, trunk and even exquisite boat made of birch bark. These handicrafts are delicate, enduring, and bold and decorated with beautiful designs. Most Oroqen people believe in shaman and adore natural object. In addition, they believe everything has its soul and worship of their ancestors is prevalent.
Dulong Nationality:
Dulong nationality has a population of over 7400 people, who live in compact community in the river valley along the Dulong River in Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County of Yunnan Province. Its spoken language is Dulongnese, which belongs to the Chinese-Tibetan language family, but it has no letter of its own. Dulong people believe that everything has its soul and they worship nature objects. The name of this nationality first appeared as “Qiao” according to the folkways in Lijiang area recorded in the chorography of Yuan Dynasty; later in the Ming and Qing Dynasty, this minority group was called “Qiu” or “Qu”. After the founding of new China, the name “Dulong” was adopted at the will of this ethnic group. In the past, the level of social productive force development of Dulong nationality was very low because they were mainly engaged in primitive agricultural production with simple production tools made of wood and bamboo; in addition, collection of ready-made products, fishing and hunting are indispensable supplement to their production. It was not until the founding of People’s Republic of China in 1949 that the backward situation of Dulong people was completely addressed. Dulong people are industrious, hospitable and attach great importance to friendship. In Dulong community, it is not unusual that all the villagers render their help to the family that is in need or difficulty and the game animals are always shared by all who participate in the hunting. In addition, Dulong people are famed for their trustworthiness, fulfillment to their commitment and good traditional ethics and virtues based upon honesty and simplicity, therefore, in their community there are no such things as to shut the households’ doors at night to prevent burglary or to take possession of things lost by others on the road.
Jinuo Nationality
Jinuo nationality has a population of more than 20 thousand, who mainly live in compact community on large mountain in Xishuangbanna prefecture of China’s south western Yunnan Province. They speak Jinuonese, which belongs to the Chinese-Tibetan language family, but has no letter of their own. Jinuo people used to believe that everything has its soul and they usually worship their ancestors. “Jinuo” is the name they call themselves and there is no written record about the origin of this ethnic group. Jinuo people revere Zhuge Liang, an outstanding strategist and prime minister of Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms Period in Chinese history, and it is said that Jinuo people were part of Zhuge Liang’s expeditionary troop to the south, who came from Pu’er, Mojiang and even places afar in northern China. After the founding of new China, Jinuo people made a great historical leap forward, directly from primordial society to socialism, putting an end to its backward outlook, such as primitive means of production with reaphook and fire, making historical record by carving on the bamboo, barter trade and resorting to worship of ghosts for medical treatment. At present, Jinuo people have already had its own cadres, doctors, merchants and technology experts of agricultural production.
Oroqen Nationality
Oroqen nationality has a population of over 8 thousand, who live in concentrated community in Big and Small Xing’anling area bordering upon Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Heilongjiang Province, and there is an Oroqen autonomous banner in Hulunbeir of Inner Mongolia. Oroqen people speak Oroqenese, which belongs to the Altai language family and they adopt Chinese letters because they don’t have their own. “Oroqen” is the name they call themselves, which means “people living on the mountain”, and this name appeared in historical record as early as in early Qing Dynasty. Over the long period of time, Oroqen people have mainly lived on hunting with collection of ready-made natural products and fishing as the supplementary means of their livelihood. Almost all men of Oroqen nationality are excellent horse riders and arrow shooters, who enjoy a great deal of knowledge about the temperament of various wild animals and their life habits as well as rich experience of hunting. In 1940s, Oroqen people were still a nomadic tribe marked with trace of primitive commune and they retained some habits of primordial society characterized by common consumption and equal distribution: for instance, the game animals were equally distributed in their community and those elderly, weak, injured and handicapped members could be given an even larger share. After the establishment of new China, Oroqen people made a great leap forward into socialism and now they have settled down and become the protectors of forests and wild animals instead of hunters in previous time. Oroqen people enjoy a good reputation of their craftsmanship and they can make elegant handicrafts out of bark of birches, such as clothes, shoes, box, kitbag, barrel, trunk and even exquisite boat made of birch bark. These handicrafts are delicate, enduring, and bold and decorated with beautiful designs. Most Oroqen people believe in shaman and adore natural object. In addition, they believe everything has its soul and worship of their ancestors is prevalent.
Chinese Government's Policy toward Ethnic Minorities
China is a united and multi-national country. The Chinese government adopts the policy of equality, unity and mutual assistance among different nationalities and respects and protects the religious freedom and customs of ethnic minorities.
Regional national autonomy is an important political system in China. It means under the leadership of Chinese central government, regional autonomy is practiced in areas where people of minority nationalities live in concentrated communities and organs of self-government are established in these areas to exercise the power of autonomy. The central government ensures areas where regional national autonomy is practiced implement laws and policies of China according to their actual situations; it also encourages and supports the cultivation of a number of cadres of all levels, professionals of various fields and skilled workers among minority nationalities. People of various nationalities in areas where regional autonomy is practiced, together with all the others in China, are concentrating on the socialist modernization drive under the leadership of the Communist Party of China in order to accelerate the economic and cultural development of these areas and make their self-governed hometowns more stable and prosperous.
After decades of practice, the Communist Party of China, which is the ruling party in China, has drawn some experience concerning its fundamental viewpoints and policies of Chinese nationalities as follows:
Firstly, the birth, development and wane of nationalities is a protracted historical process and issues related to nationalities would exist for a long time.
Secondly, all nationalities in China could achieve common prosperity in the phase of socialism when their common ground expands and their distinctive characteristics and differences remain.
Thirdly, nationality issue is part of the general social issue, which could only be gradually addressed in the process of handling the entire social issue and the present-day nationality issue in China could only be appropriately handled in socialist modernization drive which is the common pursuit of all Chinese people.
Fourthly, all Chinese nationalities, irrespective of their population size, length of history and level of development, have made their due contribution to the civilization of China and should thus be treated equally. Unity among all Chinese nationalities should be embraced and further strengthened in order to safeguard national unity.
Fifthly, to boost economic development is the fundamental task of socialism as well as that of present-day nationalities affairs in China. People of all nationalities should help one another in order to achieve common development and prosperity.
Sixthly, regional national autonomy is the important theoretical contribution made by the Communist Party of China to the standpoint of nationality in Marxism and is the fundamental means to appropriately handle nationality affairs in China.
Seventhly, to cultivate a strong team of cadres from minority nationalities who are qualified both in moral integrity and work proficiency is the key to appropriately handle nationality affairs and resolve related problems.
Eighthly, nationality and religious affairs often interweave with each other and it is therefore essential to implement the government’s policies on religion in a comprehensive and correct manner when handling nationality affairs.
In addition, while committing itself to the economic, cultural and educational development in areas where minority people live, including improving the material and cultural life of a great many religious believers from ethnic minorities, the Chinese government attaches great importance to respecting the religious belief of people from minority nationalities and protecting their cultural heritage. For instance, it carries out surveys on cultural heritage and folk arts, including religious cultural, of all nationalities in China, collects and studies related material, and release relevant information in various publications. In addition, the government spends a great deal of money revamping and restoring temples and religious facilities which are of great historical and cultural value in areas where minority people live.
Regional national autonomy is an important political system in China. It means under the leadership of Chinese central government, regional autonomy is practiced in areas where people of minority nationalities live in concentrated communities and organs of self-government are established in these areas to exercise the power of autonomy. The central government ensures areas where regional national autonomy is practiced implement laws and policies of China according to their actual situations; it also encourages and supports the cultivation of a number of cadres of all levels, professionals of various fields and skilled workers among minority nationalities. People of various nationalities in areas where regional autonomy is practiced, together with all the others in China, are concentrating on the socialist modernization drive under the leadership of the Communist Party of China in order to accelerate the economic and cultural development of these areas and make their self-governed hometowns more stable and prosperous.
After decades of practice, the Communist Party of China, which is the ruling party in China, has drawn some experience concerning its fundamental viewpoints and policies of Chinese nationalities as follows:
Firstly, the birth, development and wane of nationalities is a protracted historical process and issues related to nationalities would exist for a long time.
Secondly, all nationalities in China could achieve common prosperity in the phase of socialism when their common ground expands and their distinctive characteristics and differences remain.
Thirdly, nationality issue is part of the general social issue, which could only be gradually addressed in the process of handling the entire social issue and the present-day nationality issue in China could only be appropriately handled in socialist modernization drive which is the common pursuit of all Chinese people.
Fourthly, all Chinese nationalities, irrespective of their population size, length of history and level of development, have made their due contribution to the civilization of China and should thus be treated equally. Unity among all Chinese nationalities should be embraced and further strengthened in order to safeguard national unity.
Fifthly, to boost economic development is the fundamental task of socialism as well as that of present-day nationalities affairs in China. People of all nationalities should help one another in order to achieve common development and prosperity.
Sixthly, regional national autonomy is the important theoretical contribution made by the Communist Party of China to the standpoint of nationality in Marxism and is the fundamental means to appropriately handle nationality affairs in China.
Seventhly, to cultivate a strong team of cadres from minority nationalities who are qualified both in moral integrity and work proficiency is the key to appropriately handle nationality affairs and resolve related problems.
Eighthly, nationality and religious affairs often interweave with each other and it is therefore essential to implement the government’s policies on religion in a comprehensive and correct manner when handling nationality affairs.
In addition, while committing itself to the economic, cultural and educational development in areas where minority people live, including improving the material and cultural life of a great many religious believers from ethnic minorities, the Chinese government attaches great importance to respecting the religious belief of people from minority nationalities and protecting their cultural heritage. For instance, it carries out surveys on cultural heritage and folk arts, including religious cultural, of all nationalities in China, collects and studies related material, and release relevant information in various publications. In addition, the government spends a great deal of money revamping and restoring temples and religious facilities which are of great historical and cultural value in areas where minority people live.
General Introduction of Nationalities in China
China is a united and multi-national country, which is also one of the most populous ones in the world. At present, there are 1.3 billion people from 56 nationalities in China.
The nationalities in China include: Han, Mongolian, Hui, Tibetan, Uygur, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Bouyei, Korean, Manchu, Dong, Yao, Bai, Tujia, Hani, Kazakh, Dai, Li, Lisu, Va, She, Gaoshan, Lahu, Shui, Dongxiang, Naxi, Jingpo, Kirgiz, Tu, Dahur, Mulao, Qiang, Bulang, Sala, Maonan, Gelo, Sibo, Achang, Pumi, Tajik, Nu, Ozbek, Russian, Owenke, Deang, Baoan, Yugu, Jing, Tartar, Dulong, Oroqen, Hezhe, Monba, Luoba, Jinuo. In addition, there are a few people from unidentified nationalities in China.
In China, Han people accounts for about 92 percent of the whole population and the rest of the people from other nationalities over 8 percent. The 55 nationalities except Han are usually called minority nationalities because of their relatively smaller population size compared with Han people, and most of them live in the northwest, southwest and northeast of China.
During the long process of historical development, many people from various minority nationalities gradually get used to living in compact communities in areas mainly populated by Han people. Except Hui and Manchu people who commonly speak Chinese, the rest of the minority nationalities use their own languages or Chinese. Over the years, people from the 56 nationalities labor and multiply in the vast area of 9.6 million square kilometers and all of them have made their own contribution to China’s splendid civilization in the long period of history.
The nationalities in China include: Han, Mongolian, Hui, Tibetan, Uygur, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Bouyei, Korean, Manchu, Dong, Yao, Bai, Tujia, Hani, Kazakh, Dai, Li, Lisu, Va, She, Gaoshan, Lahu, Shui, Dongxiang, Naxi, Jingpo, Kirgiz, Tu, Dahur, Mulao, Qiang, Bulang, Sala, Maonan, Gelo, Sibo, Achang, Pumi, Tajik, Nu, Ozbek, Russian, Owenke, Deang, Baoan, Yugu, Jing, Tartar, Dulong, Oroqen, Hezhe, Monba, Luoba, Jinuo. In addition, there are a few people from unidentified nationalities in China.
In China, Han people accounts for about 92 percent of the whole population and the rest of the people from other nationalities over 8 percent. The 55 nationalities except Han are usually called minority nationalities because of their relatively smaller population size compared with Han people, and most of them live in the northwest, southwest and northeast of China.
During the long process of historical development, many people from various minority nationalities gradually get used to living in compact communities in areas mainly populated by Han people. Except Hui and Manchu people who commonly speak Chinese, the rest of the minority nationalities use their own languages or Chinese. Over the years, people from the 56 nationalities labor and multiply in the vast area of 9.6 million square kilometers and all of them have made their own contribution to China’s splendid civilization in the long period of history.
Know How about Using Currency in China
Chinese Currency
The currency of China is called Ren Min Bi, issued by the People's Bank of China. The unit of Ren Min Bi is yuan and change is jiao and fen. 1 yuan is 10 jiao, and I jiao is 10 fen. Yuan has notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Jiao has notes of 1, 2, and 5. Fen has 1, 2 and 5. The abbreviation of Ren Min Bi is RMB￥.
Foreign Currency Exchange
The following foreign currencies can be exchanged in China: US Dollar, UK Pound, Japanese Yen, Euro, Australian Dollar,Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Switzerland Franc, Denmark Krone, Norway Krone, Sweden Krone, New Zealand Dollar,Singapore Dollar,and Macao Patac. Conversion to RMB and vice versa is completed by foreign exchange companies and banks.
According to the current foreign exchange administration regulations of China, foreign currency is prohibited to circulate or purchase goods and services in the People's Republic of China. To facilitate foreign travelers and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots, the Bank of China and other appointed foreign exchange banks can handle foreign travelers checks and foreign credit cards. For the convenience of foreign travelers, some hotels, restaurants and shops can also exchange foreign currency to RMB. Any remaining RMB can be changed back to foreign currency with the foreign exchange receipt within the effective period of six months before exit. The exchange rate fluctuates according to market conditions. To exchange traveler checks, credit cards and remittance, the purchasing price is used. The selling price is taken to convert foreign currency including cash back to RMB. The cash purchasing price is used to exchange foreign cash to RMB cash.
Foreign Credit Card Commissioned in China
Today, the foreign credit cards that can be commissioned in China mainly include Master Card, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Card.
The currency of China is called Ren Min Bi, issued by the People's Bank of China. The unit of Ren Min Bi is yuan and change is jiao and fen. 1 yuan is 10 jiao, and I jiao is 10 fen. Yuan has notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Jiao has notes of 1, 2, and 5. Fen has 1, 2 and 5. The abbreviation of Ren Min Bi is RMB￥.
Foreign Currency Exchange
The following foreign currencies can be exchanged in China: US Dollar, UK Pound, Japanese Yen, Euro, Australian Dollar,Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Switzerland Franc, Denmark Krone, Norway Krone, Sweden Krone, New Zealand Dollar,Singapore Dollar,and Macao Patac. Conversion to RMB and vice versa is completed by foreign exchange companies and banks.
According to the current foreign exchange administration regulations of China, foreign currency is prohibited to circulate or purchase goods and services in the People's Republic of China. To facilitate foreign travelers and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots, the Bank of China and other appointed foreign exchange banks can handle foreign travelers checks and foreign credit cards. For the convenience of foreign travelers, some hotels, restaurants and shops can also exchange foreign currency to RMB. Any remaining RMB can be changed back to foreign currency with the foreign exchange receipt within the effective period of six months before exit. The exchange rate fluctuates according to market conditions. To exchange traveler checks, credit cards and remittance, the purchasing price is used. The selling price is taken to convert foreign currency including cash back to RMB. The cash purchasing price is used to exchange foreign cash to RMB cash.
Foreign Credit Card Commissioned in China
Today, the foreign credit cards that can be commissioned in China mainly include Master Card, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Card.
Know How about the Custom of China
Travelers must obey Chinese Customs regulations to enter or exit the country. To ensure smooth and efficient passage, we remind you of the following before proceeding:
Application
Passengers who carry the following objects into or out of the country must declare them to customs:
Objects or goods which are subject to levies or duties;
Objects for personal use or undeclared items;
Objects that China prohibits from entering or leaving the country, such as cultural relics, currency, gold and silver products, presswork and sound and image products;
Cargo, cargo samples and other items not included with the passenger's bagge.
Red and Green Paths
For passengers who need to pay taxes or apply for check and discharge approval, please choose the "Red Path" and proceed through customs. Other passengers can go through customs via the "Green Path".
General Rules
Please let the customs officer check all luggage. Do not claim or transport the luggage that has not been discharged by customs.
Declare the baggage to be conveyed separately on the "Declaration Form of Passenger Luggage". The customs officer will check and discharge the baggage 6 months after the passengers enter.
The stamped certificate "Declaration Form of Passenger Luggage" should be kept in a safe place for entry and exit procedures.
In addition, passengers must declare to the customs officer any cultural relics they may be taking from the country. For any items purchased from shops (Cultural Relics Store or Friendship Store) with certified to sell cultural relics, the customs officer will check and discharge the item according to "the Unified Export Voucher of Cultural Relics" and the authentication stamp of China Cultural Relics Administration Department. Cultural relics acquired from other channels, such as family heritage and presents given by friends, must be authenticated by the cultural relics administration department of China to be carried out of the country. So far, 8 such organizations have been established in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou. These organizations should issue export approval for cultural relics that can be exported after authentication. At the exit point, the customs officer will discharge the relics according to the export approval.
Application
Passengers who carry the following objects into or out of the country must declare them to customs:
Objects or goods which are subject to levies or duties;
Objects for personal use or undeclared items;
Objects that China prohibits from entering or leaving the country, such as cultural relics, currency, gold and silver products, presswork and sound and image products;
Cargo, cargo samples and other items not included with the passenger's bagge.
Red and Green Paths
For passengers who need to pay taxes or apply for check and discharge approval, please choose the "Red Path" and proceed through customs. Other passengers can go through customs via the "Green Path".
General Rules
Please let the customs officer check all luggage. Do not claim or transport the luggage that has not been discharged by customs.
Declare the baggage to be conveyed separately on the "Declaration Form of Passenger Luggage". The customs officer will check and discharge the baggage 6 months after the passengers enter.
The stamped certificate "Declaration Form of Passenger Luggage" should be kept in a safe place for entry and exit procedures.
In addition, passengers must declare to the customs officer any cultural relics they may be taking from the country. For any items purchased from shops (Cultural Relics Store or Friendship Store) with certified to sell cultural relics, the customs officer will check and discharge the item according to "the Unified Export Voucher of Cultural Relics" and the authentication stamp of China Cultural Relics Administration Department. Cultural relics acquired from other channels, such as family heritage and presents given by friends, must be authenticated by the cultural relics administration department of China to be carried out of the country. So far, 8 such organizations have been established in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou. These organizations should issue export approval for cultural relics that can be exported after authentication. At the exit point, the customs officer will discharge the relics according to the export approval.
Famous Travel Agencies of China
There are 11,615 travel agencies across China, including 1,358 international travel agencies and 10,257 domestic ones. Famous travel agencies include:
Beijing
China International Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-85228866
Add: 1, Dongdan North
Street, Dongcheng
District, Beijing
China Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-64622288
Add: 2 Beisanhuan
East Road, Beijing
China Youth Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-64656380
Add: 1 Zuojiazhuang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
China Comfort International Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-65940885
Add: 5 Nongzhanguan
South Road, Beijing
Shanghai
Shanghai Fasco International Tour & Travel Co. Ltd.
Tel: 86-21-63500170
Add: 800 Nanjing
East Road, Shanghai
Shanghai Yangtze International Travel Service
Tel: 86-21-62999403
Add: 595 Guilin Road, Caohejing Hitech Development Zone, Shanghai
Guangzhou
Guangzhou TianmaInternational Travel Service
Tel: 86-20-81881880
Add: 113 Yanhe West Road, Guangzhou
Xi'an
Xi'an Education International Travel Service
Tel: 86-29-5361018
Add: 447 Chang'an South Road, Xi'an
Shenzhen
Shenzhen Press International Travel Service
Tel: 86-755-82101915
Add: 1014 Shennan Middle Road, Shenzhen
Chengdu
Chengdu Overseas Tourist Corporation
Tel: 86-28-86741113
Add: Shunji Mansion, Shuncheng Street, Chengdu
Beijing
China International Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-85228866
Add: 1, Dongdan North
Street, Dongcheng
District, Beijing
China Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-64622288
Add: 2 Beisanhuan
East Road, Beijing
China Youth Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-64656380
Add: 1 Zuojiazhuang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
China Comfort International Travel Service
Tel: 86-10-65940885
Add: 5 Nongzhanguan
South Road, Beijing
Shanghai
Shanghai Fasco International Tour & Travel Co. Ltd.
Tel: 86-21-63500170
Add: 800 Nanjing
East Road, Shanghai
Shanghai Yangtze International Travel Service
Tel: 86-21-62999403
Add: 595 Guilin Road, Caohejing Hitech Development Zone, Shanghai
Guangzhou
Guangzhou TianmaInternational Travel Service
Tel: 86-20-81881880
Add: 113 Yanhe West Road, Guangzhou
Xi'an
Xi'an Education International Travel Service
Tel: 86-29-5361018
Add: 447 Chang'an South Road, Xi'an
Shenzhen
Shenzhen Press International Travel Service
Tel: 86-755-82101915
Add: 1014 Shennan Middle Road, Shenzhen
Chengdu
Chengdu Overseas Tourist Corporation
Tel: 86-28-86741113
Add: Shunji Mansion, Shuncheng Street, Chengdu
Know How about Sanitation Quarantine
State Administration for Entry Exit Inspection and Quarantine is an international inspection and quarantine executive department authorized by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. It and its local inspection and quarantine organization carry on inspection and quarantine of people who enter or exit China. It ensures special objects and items are only permitted into the country according to the approval issued by the inspection and quarantine organization.
Handbags, checked luggage or objects belonging to passengers or crew that may contain possible diseases must be inspected. Inspection and Quarantine department should dispose or destroy food, drink, or water products contaminated by contagious diseases. A certificate is issued that permits customs to destroy the contaminated product.
People from yellow fever epidemic areas must show a valid yellow fever vaccine certificate to the inspection and quarantine department at the point of entry. For those who hold invalid yellow fever vaccine certificates, the inspection and quarantine department will issue a quarantine order for six days and provide vaccinations if necessary. Once a certificate has been received, they may be discharged.
The entry or exit of vehicles, people, food, drink and other objects should be inspected in addition to insect and animal carriers of illness.
The inspection and quarantine organizations forbid foreigners with AIDS, venereal diseases, lepra, psychosis and open TB from entering China.
Handbags, checked luggage or objects belonging to passengers or crew that may contain possible diseases must be inspected. Inspection and Quarantine department should dispose or destroy food, drink, or water products contaminated by contagious diseases. A certificate is issued that permits customs to destroy the contaminated product.
People from yellow fever epidemic areas must show a valid yellow fever vaccine certificate to the inspection and quarantine department at the point of entry. For those who hold invalid yellow fever vaccine certificates, the inspection and quarantine department will issue a quarantine order for six days and provide vaccinations if necessary. Once a certificate has been received, they may be discharged.
The entry or exit of vehicles, people, food, drink and other objects should be inspected in addition to insect and animal carriers of illness.
The inspection and quarantine organizations forbid foreigners with AIDS, venereal diseases, lepra, psychosis and open TB from entering China.
Know About Chinese Visas
Before planning a trip to China, it is important to learn about obtaining a visa. Our foreign friends need to apply for a travel visa from the Chinese Consulates or Embassies stationed in their respective countries. For groups of 9 or more, they can apply for a group travel visa. Foreigners intending to visit Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Xiamen Special Economic Zones must apply for "Special Economic Zone Travel Visa" from the embassies or consulates. For travelers planning to stay in Hainan Province for no more than 15 days, they can apply for an entry visa at the port of Haikou or Sanya. If foreigners in Hong Kong wish to travel to Shenzhen Ecomony Zone in a group and stay for no more than 72 hours, they need not apply for an entry visa. Foreign holders of travel visa can only enter the country by passing through appropriate border checkpoints.
You can travel to areas open to foreigners in China based on your own up-to-date passport and travel visa. The Chinese Government protects the legal rights of foreigners in China. However, as a foreigner holding a travel visa you cannot engage in any activity not aligned with your status such as employment, religious promotion, or journalistic reporting. This could result in penalties against the foreigner. In China, you must obey the Chinese law and respect Chinese customs.
As long as the visa is valid, you may travel within China. If your visa is close to expiration, you may apply for an extension through a local police station if necessary. At the end of your travel, you need to exit by passing through a border control check before the expiration of your visa.
You can travel to areas open to foreigners in China based on your own up-to-date passport and travel visa. The Chinese Government protects the legal rights of foreigners in China. However, as a foreigner holding a travel visa you cannot engage in any activity not aligned with your status such as employment, religious promotion, or journalistic reporting. This could result in penalties against the foreigner. In China, you must obey the Chinese law and respect Chinese customs.
As long as the visa is valid, you may travel within China. If your visa is close to expiration, you may apply for an extension through a local police station if necessary. At the end of your travel, you need to exit by passing through a border control check before the expiration of your visa.
Famous Hotels of China
Today, there are 8,880 hotels in 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions of China (excluding Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao). Together, there are nearly 900,000 rooms. Among them, 175 are five star hotels, 635 are four star hotels, 2,846 are three stars, 4,414 two stars and 810 one star.
Major Five-star Hotels List:
Beijing
Beijing Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65137766
Add: 33 Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng District
China World Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65052266
Add: 1 Jianguomengnei Street
Great Wall Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65905566
Add:10 Dongsanhuan North
Road, Chaoyang District
Kun Lun Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65003388
Add: Xinyuan South Road, Chaoyang District
Hotel New Otani Changfugong
Tel: 86-10-65125555
Add: 26 Jianguomenwai Street
The Grand Hotel Beijing
Tel: 86-10-65137788
Add: 35 East Chang'an Street, Beijing, China
Shangri-La Hotel
Tel: 86-10-68512211
Add: Zizhuyuan Road,
Haidian District
Peninsula Palace Hotel
Te: 86-10-65128899
Add: Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
（the picture is Beijing Kun Lun Hotel）
Shanghai
Jin Jiang Tower
Tel: 86-21-64151188
Add: 161 Changle Road, Shanghai
Hilton Hotel
Tel: 86-21-62480000
Add: 250, Huashan Road, Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-la Hotel
Tel: 86-21-68828888
Add: 33 Fucheng Road,
Pudong New District,
Shanghai
Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Tel: 86-21-62798888
Add: 1376 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Tianjin
Sheraton Hotel
Tel: 86-22-3343388
Add: Jinshan Road, He District, Tianjin
Guangzhou
Guangzhou White Swan Hotel
Tel: 86-20-81886968
Add: 1 Shamian South
Street, Guangzhou
Guangzhou Garden Hotel
Tel: 86-20-83338989
Add: 368 Huanshi East Road, Guangzhou
China Hotel
Tel: 86-20-86663388
Add: Liuhua Rad, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Dalian
Furama Hotel
Tel: 86-411-82630888
Add: 60 Renmin Road,
Dalian, China
Xi'an
Hyatt Regency Xi'an
Tel: 86-29-7231234
Add: 158 Dongdajie Street, Xi'an
Sheraton Hotel
Tel: 86-29-4261888
Add: 12 Fenggao Road,
Xi'an
Major Five-star Hotels List:
Beijing
Beijing Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65137766
Add: 33 Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng District
China World Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65052266
Add: 1 Jianguomengnei Street
Great Wall Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65905566
Add:10 Dongsanhuan North
Road, Chaoyang District
Kun Lun Hotel
Tel: 86-10-65003388
Add: Xinyuan South Road, Chaoyang District
Hotel New Otani Changfugong
Tel: 86-10-65125555
Add: 26 Jianguomenwai Street
The Grand Hotel Beijing
Tel: 86-10-65137788
Add: 35 East Chang'an Street, Beijing, China
Shangri-La Hotel
Tel: 86-10-68512211
Add: Zizhuyuan Road,
Haidian District
Peninsula Palace Hotel
Te: 86-10-65128899
Add: Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
（the picture is Beijing Kun Lun Hotel）
Shanghai
Jin Jiang Tower
Tel: 86-21-64151188
Add: 161 Changle Road, Shanghai
Hilton Hotel
Tel: 86-21-62480000
Add: 250, Huashan Road, Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-la Hotel
Tel: 86-21-68828888
Add: 33 Fucheng Road,
Pudong New District,
Shanghai
Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Tel: 86-21-62798888
Add: 1376 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
Tianjin
Sheraton Hotel
Tel: 86-22-3343388
Add: Jinshan Road, He District, Tianjin
Guangzhou
Guangzhou White Swan Hotel
Tel: 86-20-81886968
Add: 1 Shamian South
Street, Guangzhou
Guangzhou Garden Hotel
Tel: 86-20-83338989
Add: 368 Huanshi East Road, Guangzhou
China Hotel
Tel: 86-20-86663388
Add: Liuhua Rad, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Dalian
Furama Hotel
Tel: 86-411-82630888
Add: 60 Renmin Road,
Dalian, China
Xi'an
Hyatt Regency Xi'an
Tel: 86-29-7231234
Add: 158 Dongdajie Street, Xi'an
Sheraton Hotel
Tel: 86-29-4261888
Add: 12 Fenggao Road,
Xi'an
About Sichuan Dish
Among the eight major cuisines of China, Sichuan cuisine is the most popular.
Chuan Dish is an example of Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan cooking has a long history and has become famous for its special flavour. Sichuan is known for its attention to color, smell, and presentation with an emphasis on taste. Sichuan is well known for the richness, broadness and thickness of its taste. It is mainly composed of "numbing, hot, salty, sweet, sour, bitter and fragrant". The flexible combination of different flavors creates several compounded tastes such as numb and hot, sour and hot, red pepper oil and white pepper oil, among others. The richness and excellence of flavor helps rank Sichuan the top Chinese dish. It has won the praise of "one dish, one style, a hundred dishes, a hundred tastes".
Sichuan dish is good at agile exertion and specific managing according to material, climate and the diners' requests. More that 30 methods of cooking are included --- stir fry, sauté, deep fry, grill, preserve, bittern, bake and pickle.
As the production develops and economy prospers, Sichuan absorbs the strength of northern and southern food to form a fusion between a northern dish with Sichuan style and a southern dish with Sichuan taste. It is complemented as "Food in China, taste in Sichuan."
Sichuan concentrates on the changing of taste, which differs in thickness and heaviness. You can not make a Sichuan dish without chili, prickly ash and pepper. Chili, for example, can be used in various ways. Sometimes it can be the main ingredient, or sometimes it can be a secondary ingredient used for seasoning. The taste of Sichuan can differ largely according to climate and the diner's personal tastes. For instance, the hotness is quite rich in winter and spring because the weather is cold. However the hotness should be reduced by 30% in summer and autumn due to the warm and dry weather. The taste of Sichuan is very delicate and flexible. Therefore, Sichuan is famous for its rich, thick and heavy flavor in addition to its lightness. People who have eaten Sichuan keep praising it and can not forget the beautiful experience.
Chuan Dish is an example of Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan cooking has a long history and has become famous for its special flavour. Sichuan is known for its attention to color, smell, and presentation with an emphasis on taste. Sichuan is well known for the richness, broadness and thickness of its taste. It is mainly composed of "numbing, hot, salty, sweet, sour, bitter and fragrant". The flexible combination of different flavors creates several compounded tastes such as numb and hot, sour and hot, red pepper oil and white pepper oil, among others. The richness and excellence of flavor helps rank Sichuan the top Chinese dish. It has won the praise of "one dish, one style, a hundred dishes, a hundred tastes".
Sichuan dish is good at agile exertion and specific managing according to material, climate and the diners' requests. More that 30 methods of cooking are included --- stir fry, sauté, deep fry, grill, preserve, bittern, bake and pickle.
As the production develops and economy prospers, Sichuan absorbs the strength of northern and southern food to form a fusion between a northern dish with Sichuan style and a southern dish with Sichuan taste. It is complemented as "Food in China, taste in Sichuan."
Sichuan concentrates on the changing of taste, which differs in thickness and heaviness. You can not make a Sichuan dish without chili, prickly ash and pepper. Chili, for example, can be used in various ways. Sometimes it can be the main ingredient, or sometimes it can be a secondary ingredient used for seasoning. The taste of Sichuan can differ largely according to climate and the diner's personal tastes. For instance, the hotness is quite rich in winter and spring because the weather is cold. However the hotness should be reduced by 30% in summer and autumn due to the warm and dry weather. The taste of Sichuan is very delicate and flexible. Therefore, Sichuan is famous for its rich, thick and heavy flavor in addition to its lightness. People who have eaten Sichuan keep praising it and can not forget the beautiful experience.
Eight Major Cuisines of China
Shandong Cuisine
Genre: composed by the local dish style of Jinan and Jiaodong.
Characteristics: thick taste, prefers scallion and garlic. Special in cooking seafood, soup with meat inside.
Famous dish: Fried Shrimp, Fried Conch, Sweet and Crispy Carp.
Sichuan Cuisine
Genre: divided into Chengdu and Chongqing genre.
Characteristics: famous for rich, broad, thick and deep taste.
Famous dish: Kung Bo Chicken, Top Class Bare Palm, Fish Flavor Pork Shreds, Dry Fried Shark's Fin, Fried Spicy Crabs.
Jiangsu Cuisine
Genre: developed from Yangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing local dishes.
Characteristics: well known for braising, stewing and roasting. Pay attention to soup and savour the original sauce.
Famous dish: Dried Tofu Shreds Boiled in Chicken Broth, Crystal Hoofs, Braised Crab Meat Balls.
Zhejiang Cuisine
Genre: composed by Hangzhou, Ningbo and Shaoxing local dishes. And the most famous one is Hangzhou dish.
Characteristics: Fresh, tender, soft, smooth, fragrant and not greasy.
Famous dish: Dragon Well Shelled Shrimps, Beggar's Chicken, West Lake Vinegar Fish.
Canton Cuisine
Genre: Divided into 3 sub genres, Guangzhou, Chaozhou and Dongjiang dishes, represented by the Guangzhou dish.
Characteristics: Outstanding sautéing, deep frying, braising, boiling. Taste is featured by clearness, lightness, crispiness and freshness.
Famous dish: Gathering of Dragon, Tiger and Phoenix. Roast Suckling Pig, Winter Melon Cup and Sweet and Sour Pork.
Hunan Cuisine
Genre: Pay attention to the various kinds of spices: fragrant, numbing, regular, burning numb and fresh. And the most popular taste is sour and spicy.
Famous dish: Rock Sugar with Lotus, Braised Shark's Fin.
Fujian Cuisine
Genre: Developed from Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen dishes. Represented by the Fuzhou dish.
Characteristics: Seafood is the main ingredient. Pay attention to sweetness, sourness, saltiness and fragrance. Beautiful color combines with delicious taste.
Famous dish: Snowflake Chicken, Jiaji Fish in Orange Sauce, Taiji Shrimps and Dry Fried Fish.
Anhui Cuisine
Genre: Made of the local cuisines of southern Anhui and Huai River range. Represented by the southern Anhui dish.
Characteristics: Ham is often the main ingredient and accompanies rock sugar. Famous for roasting and braising. Focus on heat control.
Famous dish: Gourd Duck, Fuliji Roast Chicken.
Genre: composed by the local dish style of Jinan and Jiaodong.
Characteristics: thick taste, prefers scallion and garlic. Special in cooking seafood, soup with meat inside.
Famous dish: Fried Shrimp, Fried Conch, Sweet and Crispy Carp.
Sichuan Cuisine
Genre: divided into Chengdu and Chongqing genre.
Characteristics: famous for rich, broad, thick and deep taste.
Famous dish: Kung Bo Chicken, Top Class Bare Palm, Fish Flavor Pork Shreds, Dry Fried Shark's Fin, Fried Spicy Crabs.
Jiangsu Cuisine
Genre: developed from Yangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing local dishes.
Characteristics: well known for braising, stewing and roasting. Pay attention to soup and savour the original sauce.
Famous dish: Dried Tofu Shreds Boiled in Chicken Broth, Crystal Hoofs, Braised Crab Meat Balls.
Zhejiang Cuisine
Genre: composed by Hangzhou, Ningbo and Shaoxing local dishes. And the most famous one is Hangzhou dish.
Characteristics: Fresh, tender, soft, smooth, fragrant and not greasy.
Famous dish: Dragon Well Shelled Shrimps, Beggar's Chicken, West Lake Vinegar Fish.
Canton Cuisine
Genre: Divided into 3 sub genres, Guangzhou, Chaozhou and Dongjiang dishes, represented by the Guangzhou dish.
Characteristics: Outstanding sautéing, deep frying, braising, boiling. Taste is featured by clearness, lightness, crispiness and freshness.
Famous dish: Gathering of Dragon, Tiger and Phoenix. Roast Suckling Pig, Winter Melon Cup and Sweet and Sour Pork.
Hunan Cuisine
Genre: Pay attention to the various kinds of spices: fragrant, numbing, regular, burning numb and fresh. And the most popular taste is sour and spicy.
Famous dish: Rock Sugar with Lotus, Braised Shark's Fin.
Fujian Cuisine
Genre: Developed from Fuzhou, Quanzhou and Xiamen dishes. Represented by the Fuzhou dish.
Characteristics: Seafood is the main ingredient. Pay attention to sweetness, sourness, saltiness and fragrance. Beautiful color combines with delicious taste.
Famous dish: Snowflake Chicken, Jiaji Fish in Orange Sauce, Taiji Shrimps and Dry Fried Fish.
Anhui Cuisine
Genre: Made of the local cuisines of southern Anhui and Huai River range. Represented by the southern Anhui dish.
Characteristics: Ham is often the main ingredient and accompanies rock sugar. Famous for roasting and braising. Focus on heat control.
Famous dish: Gourd Duck, Fuliji Roast Chicken.
Brief Chinese Cuisines
There are many cuisines in Chinese food. The most influential, representative and socially acknowledged are Lu, Chuan, Yue, Min, Su, Zhe, Xiang and Hui cuisines, often noted as the "Eight Major Cuisines".A cuisine cannot exist without its long history and unique cooking. It is influenced by the natural geography, climate, products, resources, and eating habits. Someone one said Su and Zhe Cuisines are like the elegant beauties of the south; Lu and Wan Cuisines are like the strong earthy men of the north; Yu and Min are like romantic gentlemen; Chuan and Yue cuisines are like elites rich of talents.
Small Charming Towns of China
Chinese towns all have long histories. Certain small towns, which have existed for hundreds of years are especially full of charm. One of these is Lijiang in Yunan Province, which has made the World Cultural Heritage list. The history and culture of some small towns, along with the combination of past and present culture has attracted visitors from home and abroad. Thus, Zhouzhuang, Phoenix Town, Yangshuo, Wuzhen, Nanxun and Dali have become key destinations for travelers.ZhouzhuangLocated in Jiangsu Province in the east of China, Zhouzhuang is only 38 kilometers away from Suzhou. Wu Guanzhong, the famous Chinese painting artist, once wrote, "Yellow Mountain gathers the landscape beauty of China, Zhouzhuang gathers the water town beauty of China". Overseas press calls Zhouzhuang the "No. 1 Water Town of China".
There are more than 30 rivers throughout Zhouzhuang, Deng Lake, White Inkstone Lake, Dingshan Lake and South Lake. Large houses with ancient aromas are all built along rivers presenting a scene of simplicity, tranquility and neatness. 60% of the local residential houses were built during the Ming dynasty. There are nearly one hundred classical houses and over 60 brick carving doors within no more than half a square kilometer. 14 ancient bridges are well protected. Zhouzhuang is a quiet place suitable for reading, and boasts over 20 Jinshi and Juren during its history. Countless scholars added to the culture and reputation of the small town in the forms of literature and art. Zhang Han (the litterateur in West Jin Period), Liu Yuxi and Lu Guimeng (poets in Tang Dynasty) all lived in Zhouzhuang.Some major sights in Zhouzhuang include Quanfu Temple, Chengxu Taoist Temple, Shen's House, Fu'an Bridge, and Milou Tower. The picture is of the Fu'an Bridge.Since Zhouzhuang lies between Suzhou and Shanghai, the transportation is very convenient. Zhouzhuang is so close to Shanghai that travelers can have a round trip in a single day. As a result, there are not many hotels in Zhouzhuang. Those that exist are operated by the locals. While they don't have all the amenities, they are good facilities and are quite clean. Phoenix Ancient TownPhoenix Town, located in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous State of Hunan Province in the middle of China, was once called "one of the most beautiful small towns of China" by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley. The "Phoenix Ancient Town" was built during Kangxi reign of Qing Dynasty. This piece of "Xiangxi Pearl" is so "small" that there is only one decent east-west street.
Phoenix Ancient Town is divided into two sections: new and old. The old section lies against mountains and beside rivers. Shallow Tuo River runs through with red sandstone walls lining each side. Nanhua Mountain provides a perfect backdrop for the old town tower, built during the Qing Dynasty. A narrow wood bridge over a wide river was constructed under the north gate of the town wall on stone frusta. People have to enter the bridge from the side, which was once the only passage to go out of town.Phoenix town is also famous for being the hometown of Shen Congwen, a well-known Chinese modern writer. Sheng Congwen's former residence, located in the deep Shiban alley along the Zhongying Street, has two courtyards similar to the small quadrangles in Beijing. The whole residence is made up of brick and wood. The culture emanates from the gray tiles, white walls and wooden carved windows. "Eight Major Sceneries", Sunrise at East Mountain, Forest of Nanhua, Morning Bell of Mountain Temple, Fishing Light at Dragon Pool, Beauty of Odd Peak, Woodman Song at Orchid Pathway, Wave of Fange Pavilion and Creek, Bridge, and Night and Moon are all major tourist sites. To visit Phoenix Town, you may take a plane to Jishou of Hunan Province and drive into town.Primitive Water Wheel at Riverside.
There are more than 30 rivers throughout Zhouzhuang, Deng Lake, White Inkstone Lake, Dingshan Lake and South Lake. Large houses with ancient aromas are all built along rivers presenting a scene of simplicity, tranquility and neatness. 60% of the local residential houses were built during the Ming dynasty. There are nearly one hundred classical houses and over 60 brick carving doors within no more than half a square kilometer. 14 ancient bridges are well protected. Zhouzhuang is a quiet place suitable for reading, and boasts over 20 Jinshi and Juren during its history. Countless scholars added to the culture and reputation of the small town in the forms of literature and art. Zhang Han (the litterateur in West Jin Period), Liu Yuxi and Lu Guimeng (poets in Tang Dynasty) all lived in Zhouzhuang.Some major sights in Zhouzhuang include Quanfu Temple, Chengxu Taoist Temple, Shen's House, Fu'an Bridge, and Milou Tower. The picture is of the Fu'an Bridge.Since Zhouzhuang lies between Suzhou and Shanghai, the transportation is very convenient. Zhouzhuang is so close to Shanghai that travelers can have a round trip in a single day. As a result, there are not many hotels in Zhouzhuang. Those that exist are operated by the locals. While they don't have all the amenities, they are good facilities and are quite clean. Phoenix Ancient TownPhoenix Town, located in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous State of Hunan Province in the middle of China, was once called "one of the most beautiful small towns of China" by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley. The "Phoenix Ancient Town" was built during Kangxi reign of Qing Dynasty. This piece of "Xiangxi Pearl" is so "small" that there is only one decent east-west street.
Phoenix Ancient Town is divided into two sections: new and old. The old section lies against mountains and beside rivers. Shallow Tuo River runs through with red sandstone walls lining each side. Nanhua Mountain provides a perfect backdrop for the old town tower, built during the Qing Dynasty. A narrow wood bridge over a wide river was constructed under the north gate of the town wall on stone frusta. People have to enter the bridge from the side, which was once the only passage to go out of town.Phoenix town is also famous for being the hometown of Shen Congwen, a well-known Chinese modern writer. Sheng Congwen's former residence, located in the deep Shiban alley along the Zhongying Street, has two courtyards similar to the small quadrangles in Beijing. The whole residence is made up of brick and wood. The culture emanates from the gray tiles, white walls and wooden carved windows. "Eight Major Sceneries", Sunrise at East Mountain, Forest of Nanhua, Morning Bell of Mountain Temple, Fishing Light at Dragon Pool, Beauty of Odd Peak, Woodman Song at Orchid Pathway, Wave of Fange Pavilion and Creek, Bridge, and Night and Moon are all major tourist sites. To visit Phoenix Town, you may take a plane to Jishou of Hunan Province and drive into town.Primitive Water Wheel at Riverside.
Famous Tourist Cities of China
Famous Tourist Cities of China
China is a vast country with numerous nationalities. Developments are different in each city. There is the capital of China in the northeast, China's economic hub in Shanghai in the east, Lhasa with beautiful scenery in the west and Kunming with rich displays of all four seasons. Charming and prosperous cities, like pearls, decorate the land of consisting of 960 square kilometers.
In China, 137 cities have been honored as National Excellent Tourist Cities including Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Dalian, Nanjing, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Qingdao, Ningbo, Xi'an, Harbin, Jinan, Changchun and Lhasa. In addition, ten famous historical and cultural cities have been selected, including Harbin, Jilin, Zhengzhou, Zhaoqing, Liuzhou, and Qingdao.
Beijing
As the capital of China, Beijing is the political and cultural center of the country. It is located in the northern part of Northeast Plain. Beijing lies in the same latitude as Rome in Italy and Madrid in Spain. Beijing has a continental monsoon climate. Its winter and summer are long while spring and autumn are short and dry. The annual average temperature is 11.8 oC.
Beijing has been a city for more than 3000 years. Since the Spring and Autumn and Warring State Periods (770 BC --- 221 BC), Beijing had become the capital of the leud kingdom and the town of military importance in north China. Beijing became the national capital during the Jin dynasty. Afterwards, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties all claimed Beijing as the capital. There were 34 emperors who once gave orders here and governed the country.
Beijing has continued to be the capital of the People's Republic of China. During more than 20 years of reforms and opening up the country, the visage of Beijing is changing dramatically. As the modern buildings are set up and international communication is gradually enhanced, Beijing is confidently becoming a world class and modern metropolis. Here, ancient history and modern style combine perfectly, attracting visitors from all over the world. Beijing receives millions of foreign visitors and thousands of domestic travelers every year.
Beijing's long history has left a large number of cultural relics and interesting historical sites. If you love cultural and historical relics, you many climb the magnificent Great Wall, visit the very large Forbidden City, or enjoy the imperial gardens like the Summer Palace, Beihai Park, Fragrant Mountain and Temple of Heaven. These beautiful sites and splendid architecture will attract you to linger and want to return. If you are interested in ancient culture you can visit numerous former personal residences or enjoy the Beijing Opera. If you want to learn about politics, the economy, science, technology and military of China, you may enter hundreds of museums all over Beijing. To enjoy natural scenery, you can go to Beijing's suburbs to view the beautiful landscape and mountains.
So far, national 4A scenery zones in Beijing include the Temple of Heaven, Ming Tomb, Summer Palace, Beijing Aquarium, Badaling Great Wall, Beihai-Coal Hill, Chinese Ethnic Culture Park, China Science and Technology Museum, Beijing Zoo and Beijing Botanical Gardens.
Xi'an
Located in the northwest of China, Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province and is regarded as the political, economic and transportation center of the northwest and inland.
Among the 6 major ancient capitals (Xi'an, Luoyang, Nanjing, Kaifeng, Hangzhou and Beijing) Xi'an was established the earliest and has lasted the longest, succeeding through most dynasties. Its fame in historical and cultural circles is beyond comparison. The West Zhou, Qin, West Han, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, West Wei, North Zhou, Sui and Tang dynasties took Xi'an as capital. As a result, the historical influence of Xi'an, the ancient capital of thousands of years, cannot be compared to other cities.
As one of the four ancient capitals in the world, Xi'an is a famous tourist attraction. The Terra Cotta Warriors, called "The Eighth Wonder of the World", are located in Lintong District of Xi'an. With over 6,000 pieces it is known as the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Additionally, Wild Goose Pagoda, Huaqing Pool and Huanshan Mountain are all famous sightseeing spots.
Lhasa
Lhasa, as the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, covers 29,052 square kilometers. It lies on the north side of the Himalayas Mountains. As a result, there is much less rainfall and more sunshine year round. Winter is not extremely freezing and summer is not extremely hot. It belongs to the plateau monsoon half dry climate and the average annual temperature is 7.4oC. Rainfall is centralized in July, August and September. Annual rainfall is about 500 mm. The city experiences over 3000 hours of sunshine each year, which is why Lhasa is called "Sunshine City". Lhasa, with fresh air, sunny skies, and moderate temperatures has become a popular summer destination for tourists.
Located on the "Roof of World", Qingzang Plateau, Lhasa has average altitude of 3,600 meters. Due to the low air pressure and low air density, the oxygen contained in the air is 25% - 30% less than inland. New residents to the plateau are known to experience altitude sickness, including headaches or shortness of breath. To remedy this, visitors are advised to rest on their first day visiting Lhasa. April to October is the best season to visit.
In Tibetan language, Lhasa means the sacred resident of god. Lhasa has a long history and strong religious atmosphere. Major tourist sites in the city include Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Potala Palace. (the picture is the distance shot of Potala Palace)
China is a vast country with numerous nationalities. Developments are different in each city. There is the capital of China in the northeast, China's economic hub in Shanghai in the east, Lhasa with beautiful scenery in the west and Kunming with rich displays of all four seasons. Charming and prosperous cities, like pearls, decorate the land of consisting of 960 square kilometers.
In China, 137 cities have been honored as National Excellent Tourist Cities including Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Dalian, Nanjing, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Qingdao, Ningbo, Xi'an, Harbin, Jinan, Changchun and Lhasa. In addition, ten famous historical and cultural cities have been selected, including Harbin, Jilin, Zhengzhou, Zhaoqing, Liuzhou, and Qingdao.
Beijing
As the capital of China, Beijing is the political and cultural center of the country. It is located in the northern part of Northeast Plain. Beijing lies in the same latitude as Rome in Italy and Madrid in Spain. Beijing has a continental monsoon climate. Its winter and summer are long while spring and autumn are short and dry. The annual average temperature is 11.8 oC.
Beijing has been a city for more than 3000 years. Since the Spring and Autumn and Warring State Periods (770 BC --- 221 BC), Beijing had become the capital of the leud kingdom and the town of military importance in north China. Beijing became the national capital during the Jin dynasty. Afterwards, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties all claimed Beijing as the capital. There were 34 emperors who once gave orders here and governed the country.
Beijing has continued to be the capital of the People's Republic of China. During more than 20 years of reforms and opening up the country, the visage of Beijing is changing dramatically. As the modern buildings are set up and international communication is gradually enhanced, Beijing is confidently becoming a world class and modern metropolis. Here, ancient history and modern style combine perfectly, attracting visitors from all over the world. Beijing receives millions of foreign visitors and thousands of domestic travelers every year.
Beijing's long history has left a large number of cultural relics and interesting historical sites. If you love cultural and historical relics, you many climb the magnificent Great Wall, visit the very large Forbidden City, or enjoy the imperial gardens like the Summer Palace, Beihai Park, Fragrant Mountain and Temple of Heaven. These beautiful sites and splendid architecture will attract you to linger and want to return. If you are interested in ancient culture you can visit numerous former personal residences or enjoy the Beijing Opera. If you want to learn about politics, the economy, science, technology and military of China, you may enter hundreds of museums all over Beijing. To enjoy natural scenery, you can go to Beijing's suburbs to view the beautiful landscape and mountains.
So far, national 4A scenery zones in Beijing include the Temple of Heaven, Ming Tomb, Summer Palace, Beijing Aquarium, Badaling Great Wall, Beihai-Coal Hill, Chinese Ethnic Culture Park, China Science and Technology Museum, Beijing Zoo and Beijing Botanical Gardens.
Xi'an
Located in the northwest of China, Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province and is regarded as the political, economic and transportation center of the northwest and inland.
Among the 6 major ancient capitals (Xi'an, Luoyang, Nanjing, Kaifeng, Hangzhou and Beijing) Xi'an was established the earliest and has lasted the longest, succeeding through most dynasties. Its fame in historical and cultural circles is beyond comparison. The West Zhou, Qin, West Han, Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, West Wei, North Zhou, Sui and Tang dynasties took Xi'an as capital. As a result, the historical influence of Xi'an, the ancient capital of thousands of years, cannot be compared to other cities.
As one of the four ancient capitals in the world, Xi'an is a famous tourist attraction. The Terra Cotta Warriors, called "The Eighth Wonder of the World", are located in Lintong District of Xi'an. With over 6,000 pieces it is known as the greatest discovery of the 20th century. Additionally, Wild Goose Pagoda, Huaqing Pool and Huanshan Mountain are all famous sightseeing spots.
Lhasa
Lhasa, as the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, covers 29,052 square kilometers. It lies on the north side of the Himalayas Mountains. As a result, there is much less rainfall and more sunshine year round. Winter is not extremely freezing and summer is not extremely hot. It belongs to the plateau monsoon half dry climate and the average annual temperature is 7.4oC. Rainfall is centralized in July, August and September. Annual rainfall is about 500 mm. The city experiences over 3000 hours of sunshine each year, which is why Lhasa is called "Sunshine City". Lhasa, with fresh air, sunny skies, and moderate temperatures has become a popular summer destination for tourists.
Located on the "Roof of World", Qingzang Plateau, Lhasa has average altitude of 3,600 meters. Due to the low air pressure and low air density, the oxygen contained in the air is 25% - 30% less than inland. New residents to the plateau are known to experience altitude sickness, including headaches or shortness of breath. To remedy this, visitors are advised to rest on their first day visiting Lhasa. April to October is the best season to visit.
In Tibetan language, Lhasa means the sacred resident of god. Lhasa has a long history and strong religious atmosphere. Major tourist sites in the city include Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Potala Palace. (the picture is the distance shot of Potala Palace)
Famous Natural Sights of China
China has rich natural resources. Besides famous landscapes such as Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie, and the Huanglong Scenery Zone that have all been listed in World Natural Heritage, (regarding world heritage, there is a special introduction in "China Nature and World Heritage" on this web site) there are numerous attractive scenic sites in China. For example, Guilin in the southwest, Changbai Mountain in the northeast, Siguniang Mountain in Guizhou, the tropical Xishuangbanna in Yunnan and Coco Island View in Hainan Island are all worth visiting.
Guilin Landscape
Guilin has a mild and humid climate and is located in Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southwest China. There is no freezing winter or extremely hot summer; the annual average temperature is 19 oC.
Guilin boasts a good natural ecology environment. According to geological research, Guilin did not exist 300 million years ago. Due to the movement of the earth's crust, the deposit lime rock was raised to become land. Years of airslake and water erosion created the graceful peak forest, deep and remote water-eroded caves and mythical underground rivers. These land formations combined with the charming Li River and beautiful scenery have formed the unique, world famous "Guilin Landscape", honored "No.1 Landscape in the World" with "green mountains, graceful water, odd caves and charming rocks".
2110 years of history has resulted in a rich history for Guilin. There are now 109 Key Cultural Relics Protection Organizations at national, autonomous regional or municipal levels. Decades of scholars highly praised the poesy of the Guilin scenery, Buddhism statues and caves all over the mountains. "Stele Forest of Guilin Sea" and "Moya Engraving of West Hill" are the two most famous. The well-known scenery spots include Green Lotus Peak, Seven Star Park, Longsheng Hot Springs, Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Today, there are 28 international star hotels, 18 international travel agencies and over 1,000 guides and interpreters speaking foreign languages in Guilin. In recent years, the tourism infrastructure has been improved. There are more than 40 direct flight courses to domestic and international cities.
Famous Natural Landscape of ChinaChangbai Mountain
Changbai Mountain, located in Jilin Province northeast of China, is the border mountain between North Korea and China. It is also the origin of Tumen River, Yalu River and Songhua River. The vast forest sea and its unique animal residents resulted in its inclusion in the UN International Biology Protection Zone early in 1980. Today, Changbai Mountain has become the National 4A Landscape Zone of China.
Called "No. 1 Mountain in Guandong", Changbai Mountain is also the most famous mountain in northeastern China. Historically, Changbai Mountain has long been the living and working place of northeasterners. It was also the birthplace of Manchu people. Therefore, in the Qing Dynasty, it was called "Sacred Land". It has since become a world famous tourist attraction.
Changbai Mountain was named due to the white pumice and snow on its main peak. As a dormant volcano, it was recorded having erupted 3 times since the 16th century. The unique landform of Changbai Mountain is magnificent. Famous sights include Heavenly Pool, Yue Birch Forest, Underground Forest, Beauty Pines, Grand Canyon, Gaoshan Garden, Main Peak, Hot Spring, Black Wind Mouth and Pumice Forest.
Changbai Mountain is the major production site for three treasures of the northeast: ginseng, marten and deer antler. Many rare biological resources are in the mountain such as plants like beauty pines, mountain grape, wild mushrooms and Jindalai. There are also animals, such as the northeast tiger and red-crowned crane.
Transportation around Changbai Mountain is very convenient. You may easily take a flight from Bejing, Shanghai or Shenyang to Yanji. Transit buses are available once you arrive. Hotels ranging in class and price can be found at various locations around the mountain. About 200 RMB will be charged for overnight stay in a quality hotel. However, around 10-40 RMB per night will get a bed in an average reception house.
Guilin Landscape
Guilin has a mild and humid climate and is located in Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southwest China. There is no freezing winter or extremely hot summer; the annual average temperature is 19 oC.
Guilin boasts a good natural ecology environment. According to geological research, Guilin did not exist 300 million years ago. Due to the movement of the earth's crust, the deposit lime rock was raised to become land. Years of airslake and water erosion created the graceful peak forest, deep and remote water-eroded caves and mythical underground rivers. These land formations combined with the charming Li River and beautiful scenery have formed the unique, world famous "Guilin Landscape", honored "No.1 Landscape in the World" with "green mountains, graceful water, odd caves and charming rocks".
2110 years of history has resulted in a rich history for Guilin. There are now 109 Key Cultural Relics Protection Organizations at national, autonomous regional or municipal levels. Decades of scholars highly praised the poesy of the Guilin scenery, Buddhism statues and caves all over the mountains. "Stele Forest of Guilin Sea" and "Moya Engraving of West Hill" are the two most famous. The well-known scenery spots include Green Lotus Peak, Seven Star Park, Longsheng Hot Springs, Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Today, there are 28 international star hotels, 18 international travel agencies and over 1,000 guides and interpreters speaking foreign languages in Guilin. In recent years, the tourism infrastructure has been improved. There are more than 40 direct flight courses to domestic and international cities.
Famous Natural Landscape of ChinaChangbai Mountain
Changbai Mountain, located in Jilin Province northeast of China, is the border mountain between North Korea and China. It is also the origin of Tumen River, Yalu River and Songhua River. The vast forest sea and its unique animal residents resulted in its inclusion in the UN International Biology Protection Zone early in 1980. Today, Changbai Mountain has become the National 4A Landscape Zone of China.
Called "No. 1 Mountain in Guandong", Changbai Mountain is also the most famous mountain in northeastern China. Historically, Changbai Mountain has long been the living and working place of northeasterners. It was also the birthplace of Manchu people. Therefore, in the Qing Dynasty, it was called "Sacred Land". It has since become a world famous tourist attraction.
Changbai Mountain was named due to the white pumice and snow on its main peak. As a dormant volcano, it was recorded having erupted 3 times since the 16th century. The unique landform of Changbai Mountain is magnificent. Famous sights include Heavenly Pool, Yue Birch Forest, Underground Forest, Beauty Pines, Grand Canyon, Gaoshan Garden, Main Peak, Hot Spring, Black Wind Mouth and Pumice Forest.
Changbai Mountain is the major production site for three treasures of the northeast: ginseng, marten and deer antler. Many rare biological resources are in the mountain such as plants like beauty pines, mountain grape, wild mushrooms and Jindalai. There are also animals, such as the northeast tiger and red-crowned crane.
Transportation around Changbai Mountain is very convenient. You may easily take a flight from Bejing, Shanghai or Shenyang to Yanji. Transit buses are available once you arrive. Hotels ranging in class and price can be found at various locations around the mountain. About 200 RMB will be charged for overnight stay in a quality hotel. However, around 10-40 RMB per night will get a bed in an average reception house.
Experience Beautiful Scenery of China
China is a country with rich tourism resources including splendid landscape, graceful rivers, springs, waterfalls, magnificent ancient architectures, peculiar animals and plants, and numerous historical structures and sites. There are 29 heritage sites included in the "World Heritage List" by UNESCO, including 3 nature heritage sites, 21 culture heritage sites and 4 nature and culture bilateral heritage sites. Our nature and cultural heritage reflect the wisdom and diligence of the Chinese people.
In addition to these natural and cultural sites, China boasts countless places with beautiful scenery and a rich cultural background are countless.Visitors can enjoy the pleasant natural scenery as well as ancient culture.
In addition to these natural and cultural sites, China boasts countless places with beautiful scenery and a rich cultural background are countless.Visitors can enjoy the pleasant natural scenery as well as ancient culture.
Theme Travel
Since 1992, China's National Tourism Administration has sought to increase overseas travel to China by organizing their promotional work according to different themes that change annually. This year's theme is "Catch the Lifestyle", and will be reflected in advertisements, promotional materials, and promotional activities.
Contained within this year's theme is the offer and sincere wish that China's overseas friends will take an interest in and seek to understand the everyday lives of the Chinese people. Yes, the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian are great reasons to come to China. But this year, the National Tourism Administration is making the point: there are no tourists in China; there is no distance; it's time to live. Go deeper, immerse yourself; go native: food, costume, residence, entertainment, festival, conversation, custom, leisure – grab all you can, don't hold back – Catch the Lifestyle!
Theme Travel Programs Launched by the National Tourism Administration:
1992 Friendship Sightseeing
1993 Landscape Scenery
1994 Cultural Relics & Historical Sites
1995 Folk Customs
1996 Relaxing Vacation
1997 China Travel Year
1999 Ecology & Environment
2000 New Millennium
2001 Health & Fitness
2002 Folk Arts
2003 Culinary Kingdom
2004 Catch the Lifestyle
Contained within this year's theme is the offer and sincere wish that China's overseas friends will take an interest in and seek to understand the everyday lives of the Chinese people. Yes, the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian are great reasons to come to China. But this year, the National Tourism Administration is making the point: there are no tourists in China; there is no distance; it's time to live. Go deeper, immerse yourself; go native: food, costume, residence, entertainment, festival, conversation, custom, leisure – grab all you can, don't hold back – Catch the Lifestyle!
Theme Travel Programs Launched by the National Tourism Administration:
1992 Friendship Sightseeing
1993 Landscape Scenery
1994 Cultural Relics & Historical Sites
1995 Folk Customs
1996 Relaxing Vacation
1997 China Travel Year
1999 Ecology & Environment
2000 New Millennium
2001 Health & Fitness
2002 Folk Arts
2003 Culinary Kingdom
2004 Catch the Lifestyle
Brief Tourism Resources
China's tourism industry has become one of the hot spots in the country's already sizzling economy. As the country becomes increasingly ‘tourist-friendly' with improvements to infrastructure and transportation, especially at major tourist sites, the number of overseas visitors to China grows each year.
China possesses a near inexhaustible supply of unique attractions for the traveler to enjoy. China boasts vast terrain, splendid landscapes, rich cultures, multiple nationalities and ethnic backgrounds with various customs and exquisite arts and crafts. The possibilities for exploration and enjoyment are endless. Moreover, with the diversity of Chinese cooking, a visitor is guaranteed to find something that suits his or her appetite.
What follows is a brief outline of the must-see sights when making a trip to China.
Mount Everest:
Rising to an altitude of 8848.13 meters from the Turpan Basin, which is 155 meters below sea level. It has an total height of 9003 meters, which makes Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Hengduan Mountains:
Extreme fluctuations in the topography of the area have led to such descriptions as, "the climate differs every ten miles" and "four seasons coexist on one mountain" – apt descriptions as valleys covered in monsoon rainforest occur alongside alpine peaks covered in snow and ice.
Peking Man:
Though China is famous for being one of the birthplaces of human civilization, it is also known for its rich Paleolithic history. The discovery of Peking Man at Zhoukoudian on the outskirts of Beijing confirmed the existence of hominids older than Neanderthals, and brought international research into the beginnings of man to China.
Terra Cotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots:
Known as the eighth wonder of the world, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots of Xian were built to accompany the first emperor of China into the afterlife and took 700,000 laborers 36 years to build. They now attract millions of visitors annually.
Mogao Grottoes:
Located near Dunhuang, the Mogao Grottoes are a collection of Buddhist cave temples whose walls are covered in beautiful, well-preserved murals and statues. Some caves have thousands of exquisitely painted Buddhas lining the walls inside.
The Great Wall:
One of the grandest construction feats in the history of the world, the Great Wall winds for 6700 kilometers (4163 miles) across deserts, grasslands, mountains, and plateaus maintaining a height of 15-20 feet, and a width of up to 25 feet.
Minority Cultures:
China is home to 56 ethnic groups, each with its own history and culture.
China possesses a near inexhaustible supply of unique attractions for the traveler to enjoy. China boasts vast terrain, splendid landscapes, rich cultures, multiple nationalities and ethnic backgrounds with various customs and exquisite arts and crafts. The possibilities for exploration and enjoyment are endless. Moreover, with the diversity of Chinese cooking, a visitor is guaranteed to find something that suits his or her appetite.
What follows is a brief outline of the must-see sights when making a trip to China.
Mount Everest:
Rising to an altitude of 8848.13 meters from the Turpan Basin, which is 155 meters below sea level. It has an total height of 9003 meters, which makes Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Hengduan Mountains:
Extreme fluctuations in the topography of the area have led to such descriptions as, "the climate differs every ten miles" and "four seasons coexist on one mountain" – apt descriptions as valleys covered in monsoon rainforest occur alongside alpine peaks covered in snow and ice.
Peking Man:
Though China is famous for being one of the birthplaces of human civilization, it is also known for its rich Paleolithic history. The discovery of Peking Man at Zhoukoudian on the outskirts of Beijing confirmed the existence of hominids older than Neanderthals, and brought international research into the beginnings of man to China.
Terra Cotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots:
Known as the eighth wonder of the world, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots of Xian were built to accompany the first emperor of China into the afterlife and took 700,000 laborers 36 years to build. They now attract millions of visitors annually.
Mogao Grottoes:
Located near Dunhuang, the Mogao Grottoes are a collection of Buddhist cave temples whose walls are covered in beautiful, well-preserved murals and statues. Some caves have thousands of exquisitely painted Buddhas lining the walls inside.
The Great Wall:
One of the grandest construction feats in the history of the world, the Great Wall winds for 6700 kilometers (4163 miles) across deserts, grasslands, mountains, and plateaus maintaining a height of 15-20 feet, and a width of up to 25 feet.
Minority Cultures:
China is home to 56 ethnic groups, each with its own history and culture.
China's Important Diplomatic Documents
Sino-US:
The Sino-US Joint Communique (Shanghai Communique) (1972)
The Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and the United States (1978)
The Sino-US "August 17" Communique (1982)
Sino-Japanese:
The Sino-Japanese Joint Statement (1972)
The Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan (1978)
Sino-Russian:
The Sino-Russian Good Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (2002)
Sino-British:
The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong (1984)
The Sino-British Joint Statement (1998)
The Sino-US Joint Communique (Shanghai Communique) (1972)
The Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and the United States (1978)
The Sino-US "August 17" Communique (1982)
Sino-Japanese:
The Sino-Japanese Joint Statement (1972)
The Treaty of Peace and Friendship between China and Japan (1978)
Sino-Russian:
The Sino-Russian Good Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (2002)
Sino-British:
The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong (1984)
The Sino-British Joint Statement (1998)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ji Pengfei
Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1972 to 1974.
Head of the Chinese Diplomatic Mission to the German Democratic Republic (1950 to 1953), first Chinese ambassador to German Democratic Republic (1953 to 1955), vice minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (1955 to 1972), minister of Foreign Affairs (1972 to 1974). After 1979, he was minister of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, vice premier of the State Council and concurrently secretary-general of the State Council.
During his tenure as minister of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law of Macao Special Administrative Region, he actively implemented the lines and policies of peaceful solution to the Hong Kong and Macao issue based on the "one country, two systems" concept. He also joined in the reception of visiting British Prime Minister Mrs. Thatcher and attended the signing ceremony of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong.
Head of the Chinese Diplomatic Mission to the German Democratic Republic (1950 to 1953), first Chinese ambassador to German Democratic Republic (1953 to 1955), vice minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (1955 to 1972), minister of Foreign Affairs (1972 to 1974). After 1979, he was minister of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, vice premier of the State Council and concurrently secretary-general of the State Council.
During his tenure as minister of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Basic Law of Macao Special Administrative Region, he actively implemented the lines and policies of peaceful solution to the Hong Kong and Macao issue based on the "one country, two systems" concept. He also joined in the reception of visiting British Prime Minister Mrs. Thatcher and attended the signing ceremony of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong.
Tang Jiaxuan
State Councilor of the People's Republic of China (2003-), Foreign Minister (1998-2003)
Born in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, Tang Jiaxuan studied first in Fudan University in Shanghai and then in Peking University from 1955 to 1962. He became a member of the Communist Party of China in 1973. From 1970 to 1978, he served as Director of the People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. From 1988 to 1991, he served as Second Secretary and then First Secretary in the Chinese Embassy in Japan, Assistant Foreign Minister (1991-1993) and Vice Foreign Minister (1993-1998).
Born in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, Tang Jiaxuan studied first in Fudan University in Shanghai and then in Peking University from 1955 to 1962. He became a member of the Communist Party of China in 1973. From 1970 to 1978, he served as Director of the People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. From 1988 to 1991, he served as Second Secretary and then First Secretary in the Chinese Embassy in Japan, Assistant Foreign Minister (1991-1993) and Vice Foreign Minister (1993-1998).
Huang Hua
| Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China from 1976 to 1982 Huang Hua served as China's first delegate to the United Nations and the Security Council after China regained its seat in the United Nations in 1971. He served as Foreign Minister from 1976 and led the Chinese delegation to the 29th, 32nd, 33rd, 35th and 37th United Nations General Assemblies. He held negotiations on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the United States of America in 1978. He signed the Sino-US Communique of August 17, 1982 together with US Secretary of State Haig, escorted Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping to the United States in 1979. Huang Hua attended the annual meetings of the International Action Council between 1985 and 1995. Now he serves as president of the China International Friends Seminar, president of China Association of International Friendly Contact, chairman of China Welfare Institute and chairman of Soong Ching Ling Foundation. |
Chen Yi
| Chen Yi was a native of Lezhi, in southwest China's Sichuan Province, and awarded by the People's Republic of China the military rank of marshal; served as the country's vice premier (1954-1972) and foreign minister (1958-1972). He was a great military leader and one of the founders and leaders of the People's Liberation Army. Mayor of Shanghai from the founding of the New China to 1958, and then vice premier and foreign minister. Actively implemented diplomatic thoughts laid down by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, participated in the drafting of the long-term diplomatic strategy of the New China and assisted Zhou Enlai in a series of important diplomatic events during his diplomatic career. Attended the 19th assembly of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union as a member of the CPC delegation and met with Stalin in October 1952; Headed the Chinese party and government delegation to visit the former Democratic Republic of Germany, and paid a stopover visit to Poland in October 1954; Attended the Asian-African Conference, held at Bandung, Indonesia in April 1955 as an important assistant of Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and a member of the Chinese government delegation; Accompanied Zhou Enlai to pay a goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and made appropriate arrangements for the return of the Chinese people's voluntary army from the DPRK in February 1958; Successively paid visits to Burma, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Mongolia and Afghanistan in 1960 by accompanying Zhou Enlai or heading by himself a delegation, and signed the Treaty of Friendship and the Agreement on Economic Cooperation with Nepal, the Treaty of Friendship and Non-aggression with Cambodia, the Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance with Mongolia, and the Treaty of Friendship and Non-aggression with Afghanistan. |
Qian Qichen
| Vice Premier (1993-), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (1988-1998) Born in Jiading, Shanghai, Qian Qichen joined the Communist Party of China in 1942 and was engaged in the students' underground movement of the Communist Party in Shanghai, first as a member and then as secretary of the underground Party Committee of the Middle School Section in Shanghai. In 1954, he went to the Central Communist Youth League School in the Soviet Union to pursue studies. After 1955, he successively served as Second Secretary in the Chinese Embassy in the Soviet Union, Director of Department of Overseas Chinese Students and Deputy Director General of the Foreign Department of the Ministry of Higher Education, Councilor in the Chinese Embassy in the Soviet Union (1972-1974), Ambassador to Guinea (1974-1976) and Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau concurrently (1974-1975), Director General of Information Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1976-1982), Vice Foreign Minister (1982-1988), Foreign Minister (1988-1998), State Councilor and Foreign Minister concurrently (1991-1993), Vice Premier and Foreign Minister concurrently (1993-1998). |
Qiao Guanhua
| Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (1974-1976) Born in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, Qiao Guanhua studied in Germany in his early years and obtained a Ph.D. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, he was mainly engaged in journalism, writing commentaries on international affairs. In the autumn of 1942, he joined the New China Daily in Chongqing, editing the Column of International Affairs until the victory of the Anti-Japanese War. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, he successively held the positions of Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Policy Committee of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Assistant Foreign Minister, and Vice-Foreign Minister (1964-1974). In the day-to-day work of the Foreign Ministry, he was often responsible for drafting or preparing important diplomatic documents. After 1976, he held the position of advisor to the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. His masterpieces include "Selected Commentaries on International Affairs" and "From Munich to Dunkirk." |
Zhou Enlai
Zhou Enlai (March 5, 1898 - January 8, 1976)
Served as Minister of Foreign Affairs before 1958.
Zhou Enlai was a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military leader and diplomat and one of the main leaders of the Communist Party of China and the People's Republic of China, as well as one of the founders of the People's Liberation Army. A native of Huaian, in east China's Jiangsu Province, with his ancestral place in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province.
Zhou Enlai worked out and implemented many important diplomatic decisions and policies. He headed the Chinese delegation to attend the Geneva Conference held in April 1954. Zhou Enlai held talks with parties concerned in the spirit of seeking truth from facts, the tactics of building an international united front, and the five principles of peaceful coexistence, to solve the issue of Indo-China, and won independence and international recognition for the North Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. He headed the Chinese delegation to the Asian-African Conference held in April 1955, where Zhou Enlai further expounded the five principles of peaceful coexistence, put forward the guidelines of seeking common ground while shelving differences, participated in the drafting the ten principles of the Bandung Conference, and made friends with many leaders of newly-independent Asian and African countries. He visited dozens of countries in Europe, Asia and Africa and met with a large number of leaders and guests from around the world, which facilitated friendship between the peoples of China and the rest of the world.
China and the UN
| In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter. The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories. United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 each year. The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in the Charter, are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these ends. By September 2002, there were 191 member countries of the world body, including 49 founding nations. The UN headquarters was set up in New York. It has offices in Geneva, Switzerland, Vienna, Austria, Nairobi, Kenya and Bangkok, Thailand. China, a huge developing country, is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. China always upholds UN principles and supports justice in international affairs and has an important and special status in the UN and the world. Nowadays, the international community has focused on the UN's role in promoting the establishment of a new international political and economic order that is just and rational. China seeks to maintain peace, facilitate development and establish a new international political and economic order. China also underscores the coordination and cooperation among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in favor of world peace and development. |
China and ASEAN
| The predecessor of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) WAs the Alliance of Southeast Asia (ASA), founded in July 31, 1961. In August, 1967, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia met in Bangkok and issued the Bangkok Declaration, which formally proclaimed the establishment of ASEAN. Afterwards, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines held ministerial-level meeting in Kuala Lumpur and decided to replace ASA with ASEAN. Aims and Purposes: To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership. To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the norms governing international relations and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. To promote collaboration and mutual assistance on matters in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and other fields. To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administration spheres. To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the improvement of their transportation and communication facilities, and the raising of the living standards of their peoples. To promote Southeast Asian studies. To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves. Member Countries By 1999, the ASEAN comprised 10 member countries, namely: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Brunei. Relations with China: China has established diplomatic relations with all ASEAN member states, and became the overall dialogue partner nation of the organization in 1996. |
China and APEC
| In January 1989, during a visit to Seoul, Australian Prime Minister Hawk raised the initiative of convening a ministerial meeting on economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. After consultations with relevant countries, the first ministerial meeting was held in Canberra, Australia from 6 to 7 November 1989. Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers from Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand attended the meeting. Thus the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was set up. In November 1991, the 3rd APEC Ministerial Meeting in Seoul issued the Seoul APEC Declaration that set the objectives of "Interdependence and common interests, to develop and strengthen the open multilateral trading system and reduce regional barriers to trade". The regional organization has 21 members. Relations with China: Since its participation in APEC in 1991, China has fully taken part in various APEC activities in a spirit of cooperation and played an active role in the cooperation of APEC in recent years. Since 1993, the Chinese president has attended the APEC leaders informal meeting every year and put forward China's suggestions and clarified its stance, playing an active and constructive role in the success of the meetings. In 2001, China successfully held the APEC leaders informal meeting in Shanghai. |
China and the SCO
| The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional multilaterally-cooperative organization founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001 by six countries, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. According to the SCO Charter and the Declaration on the Establishment of the SCO, the main purposes of SCO are: strengthening mutual trust and good-neighborliness and friendship among member states；developing their effective cooperation in political affairs, economy and trade, science and technology, culture, education, energy, transportation, environmental protection and other fields; working together to maintain regional peace, security and stability; and promoting the creation of a new international political and economic order featuring democracy, justice and rationality. All members agreed to set up the SCO Secretariat in Beijing. As one of the founding members of the SCO, China has actively participated in all activities in the framework of the organization, put forward many constructive proposals and principles for its development and enlargement and made important contributions. |
China and the WTO
| In April 1994, the ministerial-level meeting of the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade was held in Morocco. The participants formally agreed to establish the World Trade Organization. WTO was established on January 1st, 1995; China formally became an observer on July 11 the same year. The aims and purposes of the organization are: to promote economic and trade development so as to improve living standards, ensure employment and the increase of actual income and effective demand; to rationally utilize world resources in accordance with the aim of sustainable development and expand production of goods and services; to make agreements on the basis of mutual benefit and reciprocation; to greatly decrease and eventually cancel tariffs and other trade barriers and eliminate unequal treatment in world trade. The WTO has 144 member states with its headquarters in Geneva. Since putting forward its proposal to reenter GATT in 1986, China has made unswerving efforts to realize its goal. On September 17, 2001, the 18th Meeting of Working Party on China approved all the legal documents of China, which brought all the negotiations on China's accession to a successful end. The Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference was held from November 9 to 13 in Doha, Qatar. The meeting made a decision on ratifying China's accession to the WTO on November 10 and China signed the Protocol the next day. According to WTO regulations, China officially became a member of the WTO on December 11. From December 19 to 20, China attended the WTO General Council meeting as a formal member state. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)