Introduction of China
...ain. The Tibetan region which is a high plateau where winters are severe with frequent light snow and frost, while summers are warm during the day but drop to extremes at night. Rainfall is also heaviest in summer. The western interior zone which has an arid desert climate with cold winters and rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year. Inner Mongolia which comprises the mountain ranges and semi-desert lowlands has an extreme continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Rainfall is vast while strong winds in winter and spring make the temperatures even colder. Average temperature ranges in Shanghai are from 1 to 8 degrees Celsius (34 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit) in January, from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius (73 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) in July or August. China's cultural riches and 5000 years of tumultuous history place it, without doubt, among the world's greatest travel destinations. The Great Wall, Xian's Terracotta Army, the Forbidden Palace and Tiananmen Square: the very names reverberate with history and legend. Chinese food -- from noodles to Imperial banquets -- ranks among the world's great cuisines. From acrobatics to martial arts, calligraphy to Chinese opera, the vibrant, distinctive culture of this great land is everywhere to be seen. China is one of the safest countries in the world, and there's no need to worry about the language barrier -- the Chinese are unfailingly friendly so help is always at hand. China's tourism infrastructure is rapidly improving. Celebrated places and sights abound -- this is the land of the Yangzi River, the Silk Route and the bamboo forests of the panda. Spectacular Guilin brings the vistas of rivers and misty peaks in traditional ink paintings to life, while far to the west the fabled Tibetan city of Lhasa beckons pilgrims to the 'roof of the world'. Whether you choose to climb Mount Tai, delight in traditional performing arts or lose yourself in high-tech wonderland, China is a truly unforgettable destination. Jan 1-2 New Year. May 1-3 Labour Day. Oct 1-3 National Day. The Spring Festival usually (Chinese new year) in Jan or Feb (2003). In addition to the above, other holidays may be observed locally and certain groups have official public holidays on the following dates: Mar 8 International Women's Day. May 4 National Youth Day. Jun 1 International Children's Day. China's main natural attractions are its scenic mountains, waterfalls, caverns and great rivers and lakes. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (also known as the 'roof of the world') is one of the world's most famous mountaineering destinations. Some of the world's highest mountains define the southern border of Tibet, including Mount Everest (or Qoomolangma) 8848m (29,021ft), Namcha Barwa 7756m (25,445ft), around which the Brahmaputra River carves a fantastic gorge to enter India, and Gurla Mandhata 7728m (25,355ft). Among the 14 peaks on earth above 8000m, five are located in Tibet. The Tibetan approach to Mount Everest provides far better views than the Nepal side. Some 27,000 sq km around Everest's Tibetan face have been designated as the Qoomolangma Nature Reserve. For travellers, the Everest Base Camp has become the most popular trekking destination in Tibet. The two access points are Shegar and Tingri, along the Friendship Highway to Nepal, but visitors should note that these treks are very demanding and that the altitude requires some acclimatisation. Four-wheel-drive vehicles can also take visitors all the way to base camp along the Shegar track. For practicalities on how to enter Tibet. Martial arts: The ancient 'shadow art' of Tai Chi, a series of linked movements performed in a slow relaxed manner using the entire body whilst focusing the mind, is traditionally practised in towns throughout China, particularly in the early morning ho...