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 Location
China is situated in eastern Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, with an area of 9.6 million square kilometers. China's continental coastline extends for about 18,000 kilometers, and its vast sea surface is studded with more than 5,000 islands, of which Taiwan and Hainan are the largest.
Population
China is the most heavily populated country in the world. Over 1.33 billion in fact, over 40% urban. Stringent population controls have been in place for several decades, and the government aims to limit the mainland population to 1.37 billion by 2010. However, the population of great Beijing, for example, is approaching 15 million, and the cities can be crowded and noisy in parts, as can the buses, trains, tourist sites etc.
Ethnic Groups
China is a multiracial country with 55 ethnic groups, including Achang, Bai, Bonan, Blang, Bouyei, Korean, Daur, Dai, De'ang, Dongxiang, Derung, Oroqen, Russian, Ewenki, Gaoshan, Gelao, Hani, Kazak, Hezhen, Hui, Jino, Gin, ingpo, Kirgiz, Lahu, Li, Lisu, Lhoba, Manchu, Maonan, Mongolian, Monba, Miao, Mulam, Naxi, Nu, Primi, Qiang, Salar, She, Sui, Tajik, Tatar, Tu, Tujia, Va, Uygur, Uzbek, Xibe, Yi, Yuigur, Yao, Tibetan, and Zhuang. The ethnical groups account for only 8 percent of the population.
Festivals
Most of the traditional festivals in China are based on the Chinese lunar calendar.
There are also three key national holiday periods in China, when a large part of the population is on the move – all travel bookings are extremely tight at these times, hotels generally increase their rates and flights and trains can be very crowded. The main, week-long holidays are: Chinese New Year in February, International Labour Day the first week of May, and to celebrate National Day the first week in October.
 Minority culture tours in Yunnan Province Tibetan Culature Discovery Tours
Native tribes driving tours in Guizhou Zhuang Ethnic Culture visit in Guangxi |
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