China for beginners – facts and figures:

Population:

Over 1.3 billion citizens on a ground of approximately 9.6 million square meters…

China has 23 provinces (I am situated in the south in Guangdong Province in Guangzhou.. next to Hong Kong and the Asian Las Vegas, Macao)

China and its 23 Provinces

Capital:

Beijing

 Temple of Heaven (Beijing)

 Olympia Bird Nest (Beijing)

 Forbidden City (Beijing)

 The Great Wall (Beijing)

Official Language:

Modern Standart Mandarin (Putonghua with 4 tones), but in the south, where I am, they speak Cantonese which has 6 tones…

GDP, for my economist friends ;):

GDP (PPP) 2011 estimate  -  Total $11.316 trillion^[6] (2nd)  -  Per capita $8,394^[6] (91st)
GDP (nominal) 2011 estimate  -  Total $6.988 trillion^[6] (2nd)  -  Per capita $5,184^[6] (90th)

A graph comparing the 2011 GDPs of major economies, according to IMF data.

Religion: 
China is a country of many religions and none.  The official religion is atheism, but there are practicing Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians. Many Chinese adopt philosophies, rather than religion, such as Taoism or Confucianism.

Cuisine:

Chinese cuisine is highly diverse! I will inform you another time about the food in China or Guangzhou in specific. Pictures won’t be missing as you know me ;) So be patient!

Numbers: 

The Chinese attach good and bad omens to numbers. 

4 is an unlucky number.  When you pronounce the number 4 in Chinese it is sounds similar to the word death in Chinese.  Even elevators in China don’t have a 4^th floor (apparently we do live on this floor…); instead the floor is labeled “3A”. 8 is a lucky number.  The way the number is pronounced in Chinese sounds similar to the phrase “to get a good fortune.”  Chinese people pay extra money for phone numbers and license plates that include 8.  The more the better! 73 and 84 are regarded as bad omens for the elderly.  They are considered possible years for death or illness. Doubles are a good sign.  One would never give a single vase or candlestick to a newly married couple.  These gifts are always given as a pair.

Losing Face:
The Chinese are keen not to “lose face,” or be shown in a negative light especially in public.  If they do not know an answer they will laugh to cover their embarrassment or lie. 

If you want to know something specific, just tell me and I’ll do my best to get the information…