nî hào

This course is not only an opportunity to learn the Chinese language, but also a chance to discover the rich culture, traditions, and history of China. Together, we will explore its language, customs, and way of life, gaining a deeper understanding of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

I invite you to be curious, open-minded, and ready to share ideas as we learn.
Once again, welcome—I look forward to exploring China with you throughout this class.

THIS IS CHINA

Official name: People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Location: East Asia, the third largest country in the world by area.

Population: Over 1.4 billion people (the most populous country in the world).

Capital city: Beijing.

Other major cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hong Kong.

Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua).

Writing system: Chinese characters (Hanzi), one of the oldest in the world.

Government: Socialist republic led by the Communist Party of China.

Currency: Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan (¥).

Economy: One of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, leading in manufacturing and technology.

Culture: Rich traditions in philosophy, art, calligraphy, literature, music, and festivals such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and Mid-Autumn Festival.

History: One of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with more than 4,000 years of recorded history.

Famous landmarks: The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.