Your guide to being an expatriate in China

Demographics of China:

Religion Overview

Although China has a secular government, it is home to various religions and philosophical traditions. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the three main religions in China, and they have influenced Chinese culture over the centuries.

Major Religions

Climate

China's vast land territory and geographical location result in diverse climate conditions. The north has a continental climate with harsh winters and hot summers, while the south has a subtropical climate with pronounced monsoons. Coastal regions experience milder climates due to the influence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Economy Overview

China has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades, becoming the world's largest economy by nominal GDP in 2021. The country's economic development is associated with notable achievements in areas such as poverty alleviation, urbanization, and technological advancement.

Key Industries

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Communication Technologies
• Construction
• Retail and Consumer Goods
• Health and Biotech
• Education
• Finance

Major Companies

• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
• Agricultural Bank of China
• Bank of China
• China Construction Bank
• China Life Insurance Company
• Ping An Insurance Company Group
• China Mobile Communications Company
• Baidu
• Alibaba Group Holding Limited
• Tencent Holdings Limited

Culture and Language Overview

Chinese culture has a long and rich history, shaped by Confucianism, traditional Chinese medicine, calligraphy, operas, martial arts, and papercutting, among many other art forms. Drama, music, and dance represent essential touchstones of Chinese cultural heritage, alongside various uniquely Chinese crafts.

Cultural Highlights

• Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
• Dragon Boat Festival
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Chinese Opera
• Calligraphy and Painting
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Chinese Martial Arts
• Papercutting

Geography and Landmarks Overview

China covers an area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, encompassing diverse terrains such as desert, grassland, and mountains, as well as numerous rivers, lakes, and seas.

Notable Landmarks

• The Great Wall of China
• The Forbidden City
• The Temple of Heaven
• The Potala Palace
• The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses
• Mount Everest
• Xi'an City Wall
• The Summer Palace
• The Yangtze River
• The Pearl River

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Spring Festival (typically late January or early February)
• Qingming Festival (April 4)
• Labor Day (May 1)
• Children's Day (June 1)
• Dragon Boat Festival (typically June)
• Mid-Autumn Festival (typically September)
• National Day (October 1)
• Double Seventh Festival (August 23)
• Tomb Sweeping Day (April 5)

Political Stability

China is a socialist state governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has been the ruling party since 1949. The CCP emphasizes collective leadership, socialism, and adherence to Marxism-Leninism, Maoism, and Deng Xiaoping Theory, as well as the 'Four Cardinal Principles' developed in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. In recent decades, China's political system has become increasingly centralized, leading to some international criticism regarding freedom of speech, human rights, and the rule of law. Key political issues include human rights, trade relations, internet censorship, territorial disputes, and autonomy for Hong Kong and Macau.