Great Walls, terracotta warriors and Forbidden Cities from an ancient past, contrast with a dynamic modern-day society to make China one of the world’s most compelling destinations.

Capital city: Beijing
Population: 1,375,000,000 (2015 est)
Size of country: 9,596,961 sq km
Currency: Chinese Yuan or Renminbi
Power supply: 220 volts
Sockets: Mainly flat three-pin variety
Language: Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect)
Time difference: GMT plus 8 hours
Visas: British nationals require a visa which must be obtained in advance.
Religion: Officially Atheist; some Buddhism, Daoism, Islam and Christianity.
Popular dishes: In northern China, the hotpot (sometimes known as a steamboat) is a very popular dish. It is equivalent to a fondue broth and all manner of thinly sliced meats and vegetables are cooked in it at the table.
Popular drinks: Tea is the national drink - especially green teas or flower teas. Beer and brandy are the most common alcoholic drinks.
Did you know: Despite the oft-repeated myth, the Great Wall cannot be seen from outer space – only from an airplane.
FCDO advice: FCDO travel advice

China