China is the gigantic landmass that dominates southeastern Asia. As the
fourth biggest country in the world, it has the globe’s largest
population and most spoken language—Mandarin Chinese. China has
had a long and powerful history, and the country is rising quickly into
modern times. The Chinese consider their ancient traditions a normal part
of modern life, a combination which creates an intriguing atmosphere of
old and new. China’s larger cities have embraced Western culture,
and visitors can expect to see historical sites and famous fashion districts
in the same day. Further inland, however, traditional customs prevail
and local communities remain many steps behind Western modernization,
often by choice. |