With an array of diverse cultures, languages and climates, China is a vast country that counts over 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, each with its own customs and traditions. Referred to as the Middle Kingdom, China has a strong and ancient culture that is traced back thousands of years. From the Taklamakan Desert in the north to the subtropical rain forests of Yunnan in the south, this country of over 1.4 billion people offers a huge number of regional experiences.
Here are a few that you should know about.
Tibet
Tibet is an autonomous region located in the Himalayan area of China. It is home to 2.7 million people and is known for its stunning snow-capped mountains and its unique culture. Buddhism is the most widely practiced religion in Tibet and its culture is heavily influenced by ancient Hindu practices and mythology. Due to its secluded location and harsh climate, Tibet is still relatively untouched by the outside world and is incredibly rich in wildlife and numerous breathtaking landscapes.
Mongolia
Just north of Tibet lies the Grasslands of Mongolia, a region inhabited by nomadic herders who follow the seasonal cycle of the landscapes they have inhabited for centuries. Mongolia is the home of the vast Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan and is still a largely untouched wilderness abundant with wildlife and cultural heritage. It has a diverse geographical beauty ranging from the steppe grassland of the Gobi Desert to the Taiga forests of the north.
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region in northern China and its populace is primarily comprised of nomadic and nomadic-influenced people, such as the Mongols, Khalkha Mongols, and Evenki. While their nomadic semi-nomadic lifestyle still thrives, the region is also home to large urban cities such as Hohhot and Baotou. Inner Mongolia is known for its unique landscape as it encompasses much of the Chinese portion of the Mongolian Plateau and includes areas of grassland, desert, wetland and marsh. In summer, the area is known for its mild and temperate climate, while in winter its temperatures often drop below -20°C.
Xinjiang
Xinjiang is the largest geographical region in China and its semi-autonomous population is composed mostly of ethnic Uyghurs. This region has had a long history of conquest and the majority of the population is Muslim. The area has an incredibly diverse landscape ranging from the Taklamakan Desert to the Tian Shan mountain range and is home to a mixture of wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas. As a result, Xinjiang is known for its vibrant culture, diverse regional cuisines, and preserved traditional customs.
Guangxi
Located in the south of China, Guangxi is a province of over 40 million people and is home to a mixture of ethnicities from both the Han and minority groups. This area is characterized by its mountainous terrain and winding rivers, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting and rock climbing. As part of the famed ‘Canton’ region, Guangxi is known for its hearty cuisines, spectacular karst landforms, and its many minority villages and scenic destinations. Traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Dragon Boat Festival in summer, are celebrated throughout the province.
China is a vast and diverse country that is a true feast for the senses. With so many different cultures, ethnicities and landscapes, it’s impossible to explore it all in a single trip. From the snow-capped mountains of Tibet to the lush wetlands of Guangxi, there are so many wonderful places to explore and experience. A journey through the various regions of China is sure to be filled with discovery and discovery upon discovery.