China Facts

Interesting Facts for Kids

China Facts: Yangshuo Fisherman | Shanghai | Great Wall of China

Here are some interesting China Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

  • Population: more than 1.4 billion people live in China (2023). The majority of the people live in cities and towns.
  • Capital: Beijing with 21 million inhabitants is not only China’s capital city but also the second biggest city after Shanghai.
  • Name: People’s Republic of China (PRC)
  • Government: Republic, communist state
  • Languages: Mandarin or Standard Chinese (official language), while Cantonese (Yue) and Shanghainese (Wu) are among other most spoken languages
  • Literacy: More than 96% can read and write.
Chinese dragon in red and yellow
 
  • Religion: No main religion, as religious memberships are not supported by the government. Main religions are Buddhist (18%), Christian 5%, Muslim 1.8%, Taoist, Hindu and Folk Religions (22%)
  • Currency: 1 Renmimbi (Yuan) equals 100 Jiao
  • Flag colors: red with five golden stars
  • National day: 1 October  – in 1949 the People’s Republic of China was formed
  • National symbols: dragon and giant panda
  • National colours: red and yellow
  • National anthem: ‘March of the Volunteers’
  • History: For many centuries, China has been one of the most advanced civilisations accomplishing major scientific and artistic treasures. The Xia and Shang dynasties are considered as the oldest Chinese civilisations. Over the centuries many emporors ruled the country, the last emperor of China, the last ruler of the Qing dynasty, was Pu Yi who abdicted in 1912. In the 20th century the world was shaken by bloody wars and from 1937-1945 Japan occupied large industrial areas in China and took over the Chinese government. Since 1949 the Communist Party of China rules the country. The president of the People’s Republic of China is Xi Jinping – since 2013.