About China

　　General

　　China is a cultural region and ancient civilization in East Asia. China refers to one of the world's oldest civilization comprising successive states and cultures dating back more than 6,000 years.

　　China has one of the world's longest periods of mostly uninterrupted civilization and one of the world's longest continuously used written language systems. The successive states and cultures of China date back more than six millennia. For centuries, China was the world's most advanced civilization, and the cultural center of East Asia, with an impact lasting to the present day. China is also the source of many great technical inventions developed throughout world history, including the four great inventions of ancient China: Paper, the compass, gunpowder, and printing.

　　Demographics

　　China's overall population exceeds 1.3 billion, about one-fifth of the world's population. 56 ethnic groups have existed in China and the largest ethnic group in China by far is the Han. This group is diverse and can be divided into smaller ethnic groups that share some traits.

　　Many ethnic groups have been assimilated into neighboring ethnicities or disappeared without a trace. Several previously distinct ethnic groups have been Sinicized into the Han, causing its population to increase dramatically. At the same time, many within the Han identity have maintained distinct linguistic and cultural traditions, though still identifying as Han. The term Chinese nation (Zhonghua Minzu) is usually used to describe a notion of a Chinese nationality that transcends ethnic divisions.

　　Sports and recreation in China

　　There is evidence that a form of football (i.e. soccer) was first played in China around 1000 CE, leading many historians to believe that it originated there. Professional football is still in its developmental stages, owing a kickstart to the recent formation of the Chinese Super League. Besides football, the most popular sports are martial arts, table tennis, badminton and more recently, golf. Basketball is especially popular with the young, in urban centers where space is limited.

　　About 100 years ago, Basketball had been introduced into China from Tianjin, a city near Beijing. Today millions of people in China play basketball in schools, factories, army units and vast countryside and it is said that basketball today has already the first sport in China. Last year, 420 million people watched CBA league on TV.

　　There are also many traditional sports. Chinese dragon boat racing occurs during the Duan Wu festival. In Inner Mongolia, Mongolian-style wrestling and horse racing are popular. In Tibet, archery and equestrian sports are part of traditional festivals.

　　China has become a sports power in the Asian region and around the world. China finished first in medal counts in each of the Asian Games since 1982, and in the top four in medal counts in each of the Summer Olympic Games since 1992. The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, will be held in Beijing, China.

　　Physical fitness is highly regarded. Morning exercises are a common activity and the elderly are often seen practicing Taiji in parks.

　　Some additional information

　　Power Outlets

　　Power in China is 220 Volts at 50 Hertz. China uses type A and type I plugs. These are usually combined into a single outlet, as seen here. The unpolarized "Type A" double blade plug is on top, and the grounded "Type I" triple blade plug is on bottom.

　　China uses the standard RJ-11 telephone jack found in Europe and America.

　　How to detect counterfeit money

　　Unfortunately, sometimes you may encounter counterfeit money in China. Foreigners must beware. The 100, 50, and 20 RMB banknotes are most commonly counterfeited. Banks and ATMs are the usual places for foreigners to get 100 RMB notes, and these usually don't give counterfeit money. 50 and 20 RMB notes are usually given in change. Banks have a great poster on display about how to identify legitimate money.

　　How to detect a legitimate banknote:

　　· First, hold the note up to the light.

　　· On the left side, you should see a watermark of Chairman Mao.

　　· Below the watermark of Chairman Mao, there is half a circle and half a square. When holding the banknote up to the light, you should see a full square inside a full circle.

　　· There is a vertical strip going through the middle of the banknote. You should see "100 RMB" printed very small, again and again.

　　· Look at the number printed in the lower left corner. It should "shimmer" and change color when you tilt the banknote back and forth.

　　· The paper should feel natural, and not too stiff.

　　· Above the large number in the middle, there is a secret number that is only visible under ultraviolet light.

　　· For only the 100 RMB note:

　　· Rub Chairman Mao's ear. The raised printing should feel slightly bumpy.

　　· Rub Chairman Mao's face against a piece of paper. A little bit of red ink should smear onto the paper.

　　If the banknote fails one of these tests, it is probably counterfeit. Do not make trouble, simply return it to the person who gave it to you, and ask for a replacement. Taxis and small shops are notorious for passing counterfeit currency, so be careful. It is not considered offensive to check the currency before accepting it. Shopkeepers will certainly check your 100 RMB notes!

　　ATM Locator

　　You can change money at your hotel, or at a bank (bring your passport). But, the easiest way is to use an international ATM to withdraw Chinese yuan. Note to for you - there are two types of ATM cash withdrawals. The first is from your bank card, which withdraws money from your bank account. The second kind is a cash advance from a credit card, which costs much more in fees and interest. It is often difficult to find a machine that will take a "real" ATM card, and not a credit card.