China
China
Over a hundred different ethnic groups have existed in China. In terms of numbers, however, the pre-eminent ethnic group in China is the Han.
Throughout history, many ethnic groups have been assimilated into neighbouring ethnicities or disappeared without a trace. The term Zhonghua Minzu is sometimes used to describe a notion of a "Chinese nationality" transcending ethnic divisions.
The government of the People's Republic of China now officially recognizes a total of 56 ethnic groups, of which the largest is the Han Chinese. China's overall population is 1.3 billion. The current global population is estimated at being 6.4 billion, making China home to approximately 20%, or one-fifth of the human species (The lack of birth control and promotion of population growth during the rule of Mao Zedong resulted in a demographic explosion). As a response to the problems this is causing, the government has enacted a birth control policy, commonly known as the one child policy.
Language
The Han speak several mutually unintelligible tongues, classified by modern linguists as being separate languages, but regarded within the Chinese languages as being "dialects" or "local languages" (topolects) within a single Chinese language.
The various spoken varieties of Chinese share a common written standard, "Vernacular Chinese" or "baihua", which has been used since the early 20th Century and is based on Standard Mandarin, the standard spoken language, in regards to grammar and vocabulary.
Culture
Home to one of the world's oldest and most complex civilizations, China boasts a history rich in over 5,000 years of artistic, philosophical, and political development.
Credited with shaping much of Chinese thought, Confucianism was the official philosophy throughout most of Imperial China's history.
With the rise of Western economic and military power at the turn of the last century, however, non-Chinese systems of social and political organization gained adherents in China. Some of these would-be reformers totally rejected China's cultural legacy, while others sought to combine the strengths of Chinese and Western cultures.
The history of 20th Century China is one of experimentation to find a new system of social, political, and economic organization.
Religion
A wide variety of religions have been practiced in China since the beginning of its history. Temples of many different religions dot the landscape of China, including Taoism, Buddhism, and Chinese folk religion.
Chinese religions, unlike many Western religions, are not organizations that demand the exclusive adherence of members. Chinese people may visit Buddhist temples while living life according to Taoist principles and participating in local ancestor worship rituals.
Most Chinese have their own conception of heaven and yin and yang. The Chinese also believe in Astrology, Feng Shui, and Geomancy.
Minority religions introduced from abroad include Islam and Christianity.
Chinese Food
Chinese cooking has a very long tradition and is one of the most varied in the world. Colour, taste, smell and beautiful arrangements are characteristic of all meals. During the preparation of a meal, close attention is paid to choice of ingredients, nutritional value and the cooking temperature.
The chinese cuisine differs a lot from the North to the South. Eating with sticks is quite a challenge initially, however with some practice even eating rice becomes possible. In China eating a meal together has become a most important social event.
Weather
The best time to travel to most areas in China is between April and the beginning of June, and between September and the middle of November. During the Summer months it gets very hot and often quite sticky in China. The Monsoon season is the Summer, and can be accompanied by longer period of rain. It can be rather cool, so if you are thinking of visiting China in summer, don't forget to take along some warm clothes.
Visa information
A visa is required on travelling to China. More detailed information can be obtained under www.china-embassy.ch. or you can also call one of our offices.
