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KIDS’ GUIDE TO

China

Great Wall of China

Welcome to China China is one of the largest countries in the world, accounting for more than 595,000,000 square kilometers (3,700,000 square miles) of Southeast Asia. Let’s learn about China from kids like you. Yìchén lives in Xi’an, in the central part of the country. He is 10 years old.

Yìchén is a name that refers to the universe. It means “sun, moon, stars.”

Yìchén is learning taekwondo. Originating in Korea, it is one of the oldest forms of martial arts.

Yìchén wears a white uniform called a dobok. The color belt he wears represents his level of experience or rank. Since taekwondo is a combat sport that involves kicking, no shoes are worn.

Mèngyáo is Yìchén’s sister. Her name means “dreaming of jade” or “beauty.” Mèngyáo is learning how to play the piano. She takes piano lessons after school.

Music lessons are popular in China. In addition to Western instruments, students study traditional instruments such as the guzheng and dizi. Yìchén and Mèngyáo love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about China.

Where in the World? China features a vast landscape with a diverse climate. The wet southeast is covered in low, rolling mountain ranges and subtropical forests. In the north lies the Gobi Desert, and in the northwest is the Taklamakan Desert. To the west, mountains converge to form natural barriers. The Tibetan Plateau and its grasslands stretch across central China. The deltas of the country’s two major rivers, the Yangtze and the Yellow, lie east of the plateau.

Zǐhán lives in Qingdao. It is located on the south coast of the Shandong Peninsula in eastern China’s Jiaozhou Bay. It is an important port city.

CHINA

Hàoyǔ lives in Shanghai, located on China’s central coast. It is the country’s most populous city, home to over 26 million people.

Can You Find It? Chongqing

Shanghai

Harbin

Guangzhou

Xi’an Beijing

Kunming Chengdu 5

China’s diverse topography and massive land area means the country has a huge variety of climates. In the northwest, arid deserts dominate, and the southwest is primarily a tundra. Central China features an arid climate with four distinct seasons toward the north, while the south has a more tropical climate. Yīnuò lives in Shenzhen on the Pearl River Delta in southern China. The region has a subtropical climate with hot, rainy summers and mild, dry winters. Summers are long, lasting up to six months.

The amazing diversity in China’s climates and ecosystems makes it home to an abundance of wildlife. Hundreds of species of rodents, bats, birds, reptiles, and fish can be found throughout the country.

Many species of primates and bears live in China’s forests, including gibbons, apes, macaques, langurs, pandas, and sun bears. Elephants, tigers, and wolves are also common. China’s coastal waters are home to marine life such as sharks, dolphins, whales, seals, and countless species of coral fish, rays, invertebrates, and sea plants. 6

Qinghai Lake In the northeast of China’s Tibetan Plateau lies Qinghai Lake, one of China’s largest bodies of water. The lake is considered sacred by some Tibetans.

Qinghai Lake

Mount Everest

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge Located on the Jinsha River in China’s southern province of Yunnan, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world’s deepest river canyons. According to legend, it is named for a tiger that jumped across to escape a hunter.

Mount Everest The world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest stands on the border between Nepal and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Part of the Himalayas’ Mahalangur Himal sub-range, it has an elevation of 8,849 meters (29,032 feet).

History 420–589 China is divided roughly in half, with the south ruled by Han Chinese. In the north, the Sixteen Kingdoms give way to the Northern Wei, a nomadic people.

618–907 The rise of the Tang Dynasty ushers in a second golden age of civilization; during its three-century rule, the Tangs construct the second Great Wall for protection against the northern nomads.

1271 The Mongol Yuan Dynasty is ruled by Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, who relocates the capital to Beijing.

1368

Urban centers grow after the Ming Dynasty drives out the Mongols, with industry producing large quantities of silk, paper, and porcelain. Agriculture provides food and money to support a more centralized military and administrative bureaucracy. 8

1912 The Qing Dynasty succumbs to a revolt by military officers seeking dramatic political reforms. Out of the turmoil emerges the Communist Party, which establishes a base in southern China.

1949 After years of bitter conflict, Chinese nationalists retreat to Taiwan while Mao Zedong consolidates his communist victory and proclaims the People’s Republic of China.

1979 China and the United States establish formal diplomatic relations. The same year, the government initiates its onechild policy to rein in rampant population growth.

2016 China’s one-child policy comes to an end after 35 years, and families are now allowed to have two children. 9

People Most of China’s population are Han Chinese. Native to East Asia, they are the world’s largest single ethnic group. There are more than 50 other ethnic groups recognized.

Like most Chinese, Hàorán belongs to the Han ethnic group. He speaks Cantonese, the dominant language in southeastern China.

In addition, the nation is home to immigrants from throughout Southeast Asia, Japan, and the United States. China’s official language— and the most commonly spoken—is Standard Chinese, also known as Mandarin. In addition to Chinese dialects, more than 250 other languages are spoken. 10

Most of the population is either non-religious or observes Chinese folk religion, which is the traditional religion of the Han people.

The government encourages atheism; however, it recognizes five religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. The government has less tolerance for religions outside of these five denominations. Yǔtóng’s family practices Taoism, focused on living a simple and balanced life in harmony with nature. She is named for the Chinese parasol tree.

Names Qiàn

Làn

Qiàn is a Chinese name. It means “elegant” and “refined.”

Làn is a Chinese name meaning “orchid.”

Chaˉo Wěi

Wěi is a Chinese name that means “great.”

Chāo is a Chinese name meaning “to surpass” or “to overtake.”

e (Male) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Bō

Chinese

wave

Gāng

Chinese

firm, hard

Hào

Chinese

grand, vast

Jié

Chinese

heroic

Jūn

Chinese

military

Lěi

Chinese

rocky

Chinese

powerful

Chinese

handsome

Chinese Chinese

brave universe

Qiáng

Shuài

Yǒng Yǔ

e (Female) Nam

Origin

M e aning

Fāng

Chinese

fragrant

Jìng

Chinese

tranquil, calm

Lì

Chinese

beautiful

Méi

Chinese

plum

Mǐn Tíng

Chinese Chinese

sensitive graceful

Xiǎo

Chinese

small

Xuě

Chinese

snow

Yàn

Chinese

gorgeous

Yǐng

Chinese

clever, witty 13

Learn Mandarin Chinese Home to nearly 300 living languages, China’s linguistic diversity is reflected in its official languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur, Zhuang, English, and Portuguese.

nǐ hǎo

nin how (Hello)

zǎo shàng hǎo

dzao shung how (Good morning)

wǒde mínɡzi shì

wo-duh ming-dze shih_____ (My name is ___)

nǐ hǎo ma

nin how ma (How are you?)

wǒ èle

wo LEH-la (I’m hungry) wǒ kǒu kě

wo KO kwa (I’m thirsty)

xiè xiè

SHIEH shieh (Thank you)

Qǐng

ching (Please)

shì de

shih (Yes)

bù shì

boo shih (No)

zàijiàn

DZAI-jien (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals China has a rich and dynamic culture, and Chinese celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Here are a few:

International Children’s Day Celebrated on June 1, this holiday promotes the well-being of children. Enjoying a one-day respite from schoolwork, kids are treated to tours of historic sites and landmarks and given gifts and extra attention. The government encourages parents to spend the day with their kids.

Chinese New Year Customs followed on this day are intended to ensure good fortune and prosperity in the year to come. They include visiting temples, wearing new clothes, settling debts, and eating dumplings or sweet puddings made of sticky rice. Across the country, people adorn their homes with red decorations. 16

Lantern Festival Traditionally marking the end of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is when temples and houses across the country are decorated with colorful lighted lanterns. Children are often seen carrying the lanterns as they celebrate this festive occasion.

Mid-Autumn Festival Taking place during a full moon in mid- to late-September, this festival is a celebration of abundance and togetherness. Also known as the Moon Festival, it is regarded as a time for family and for reminiscing.

Dragon Boat Festival Also known as Duan Wue, this festival probably originated in ancient times as a celebration of the winter wheat harvest. It is a major sporting event in the country, with various teams composed of robust men and women competing in a number of categories. 17

Food Traditional Chinese cuisine is very simple, with rice and noodles as staples augmented by small amounts of stir-fried meat and vegetables. In the North, wheat and millet are prevalent, and noodles and steamed buns are common. Ingredients are typically prepared in bite-size pieces because they cook faster and are easier to eat with chopsticks. Fish, however, is almost always served whole, with the head on. Soups are very popular.

Baozi Also known as bao or bau, these steamed buns filled with meat or vegetarian fillings are often eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack.

Wonton Soup A wonton is a dumpling composed of a thin dough wrapper filled with ground pork or shrimp, spices, and often chopped scallions. Dumpling soups have been popular throughout China for centuries. 18

Mu Shu Pork

This northern Chinese dish is made of pork, mushrooms, and egg served in a savory pancake.

Naw Mai Faan Naw mai faan features steamed glutinous rice cooked with chopped sausage, mushrooms, roasted pork, and dried shrimp.

Almond Cookies Almond cookies originated in southern China and became signature treats that are given to family and friends at Chinese New Year.

Shui Mai A traditional steamed dumpling filled with pork, this dish originated in the tea houses of Inner Mongolia and is one of the country’s most popular dim sum options.

Fried Rice There are as many varieties of fried rice as there are ingredients. Fried rice commonly contains eggs, vegetables, and/or meat, and is usually stir-fried in a wok.

Lo Bak Go Made with Chinese turnip or law bok, this turnip cake is more like a bread. Traditionally made for Chinese New Year, it also is found in dim sum restaurants throughout the year. 20

Baat Bo Fo (Rice Pudding)

A favorite treat in China, this rice pudding can be made with white or brown rice and topped with cinnamon, whipped cream, or chopped nuts. Prep Time

5 min

Ingredients ¾ cup (140 g) glutinous rice 1½ cups (350 ml) water Salt, pinch 1 qt (1 liter) milk ½ cup (100 g) sugar ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract Topping of choice (sliced almonds, whipped cream, ground cinnamon)

Directions Combine rice, water, and salt in a large saucepan and place over medium-high heat until almost boiling, stirring often. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until most of the water has been absorbed. Stir in milk and sugar. Cook, uncovered and stirring often, for 30–40 minutes, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract. Top with sliced almonds, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and serve.

National Symbols National Bird Red-Crowned Crane (common name) Grus Japonensis (scientific name)

National Day National Day of the People’s Republic of China October 1

National Flower (unofficial) Plum Blossom (common name) Prunus mei (scientific name)

National Animal (unofficial) Giant Panda (common name) Ailuropoda melanolueca (scientific name)

National Flag First used – October 1, 1949 Nickname(s) – “Wǔ Xīng Hóng Qí” (“Five Stars Red Flag”)

National Currency China’s official currency is the yuan (renminbi), jiǎo, and fēn. 1 yuan = 10 jiǎo or 100 fēn

National Anthem “Yìyǒngjūn Jìnxíngqǔ” (“March of the Volunteers”) Lyrics by: Tian Han

Transliteration

English Translation

Qǐlai! Bùyuàn zuò núlì de rénmen! Bǎ wǒmen de xuèròu, zhúchéng wǒmen xīn de chángchéng! Zhōnghuá mínzú dàoliao zuì wēixiǎn de shíhou. Měi ge rén bèipòzhe fāchū zuìhòu de hǒushēng. Qǐlai! Qǐlai! Qǐlai! Wǒmen wànzhòngyīxīn, Màozhe dírén de pàohuǒ, qiánjìn! Màozhe dírén de pàohuǒ, qiánjìn! Qiánjìn! Qiánjìn! Jìn!

Arise! All who refuse to be slaves! Let our flesh and blood become our new Great Wall! As the Chinese nation faces its greatest peril, All forcefully expend their last cries. Arise! Arise! Arise! Our million hearts beat as one, Brave the enemy’s fire, March on! Brave the enemy’s fire, March on! March on! March on! On!

Things to See and Do Beijing Zoo Founded in 1906, Beijing Zoo is home to around 5,000 animals representing about 450 species, including exotic and rare creatures. Some of those on display are pandas, tigers, giraffes, bears, kangaroos, and zebras.

Great Wall of China Stretching for more than 6,437 kilometers (4,000 miles), the Great Wall of China is the world’s longest manmade structure. A series of fortifications made from earth, brick, and stone, it runs along Mongolia’s southern border.

Lushan National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the northern part of Jiangxi Province, Lushan National Park encompasses Mount Lu and more than 90 other mountain peaks. Additional attractions include rivulets, rock formations, waterfalls, grottoes, ravines, steles, and cliff inscriptions. 24

Nanjing Road Shanghai’s busiest pedestrian and shopping street, Nanjing Road offers the most famous brands as well as shops selling traditional and handmade specialty goods such as wool, clocks, embroidered garments, silk clothing, and jade.

Tian’anmen Square In the heart of Beijing, Tian’anmen Square has been the stage for many key events throughout history. Between ancient gates, it contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Yunnan Stone Forest Located in the province for which its named, Yunnan Stone Forest features a variety of rock formations naturally created over time by the eroding of limestone bedrock. Both big and small, they take on the shapes of animals, plants, and humans. 25

Forbidden City A palace complex in Beijing, the Forbidden City was completed in 1420 for the emperor and established as a museum in 1925. It houses the country’s largest collection of artistic and historic works.

Temple of Heaven This group of Taoist buildings was built in 1420. The landscaped grounds feature inner and outer temples, the most magnificent of which is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Jingshan Park Built as an imperial garden attached to the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is Beijing’s highest point, offering panoramic views of the city. It encompasses the Shouhuang, Yongsi, and Guande palaces.

Shanghai Grand Theater

Home of Shanghai Opera House Company, this theater features a mix of Eastern and Western architectural styles. It has three stages, a restaurant, and shopping center. 26

Shanghai Grand Theater

Jingshan Park

Temple of Heaven

Forbidden City

Yunnan Stone Forest

Tian’anmen Square

Nanjing Road

Lushan National Park

(Eastern End)

Great Wall of China

Beijing Zoo

Location Guide

Fun Facts Scaly Symbols Dragons are an important cultural symbol in China, representing power, strength, and good luck. Dragons were believed to have control over water, including rainfall and typhoons. The dragon is one of the 12 signs in the Chinese zodiac.

Crazy for Crickets Crickets are kept as pets by Chinese children, and cricket fights have been popular in the country for about 1,500 years. The crickets do not fight to their deaths, and many are released after the summer cricket fighting season ends in September.

Land of Silk Silk has been made in China since about 3,000 BCE. China was referred to by the ancient Romans as Serica—meaning “Land of Silk.” The production of silk fabric was such a closely guarded secret in China that anyone caught taking silkworm eggs or cocoons out of the country was put to death.

Red Rules The color red symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity in China, and the color is worn for festivals and special occasions such as birthdays. Wearing a red wedding dress is a Chinese tradition that goes back more than 650 years.

Amazing Inventions Among the popular inventions created in China are kites, paper, the compass, and gunpowder. Printing was invented there as well, between 200 BCE and 220 CE. The Diamond Sutra is believed to be the oldest known printed book, with the Buddhist text dating to 868 CE. 29

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

China Temple of Heaven

Li River

Great Wall of China

Terracotta Warriors

Tiananmen Square