China’s first dynasty (the Shang Dynasty) was established in 1600 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest united civilizations. The Shang Dynasty was replaced by the Zhou around 1050 BC, but power struggles eventually led to ongoing tribal wars until the emergence of Qin Shi Huangdi, who declared himself emperor in 221 BC and in so doing created Imperial China. 

Shi wasted no time making his mark, creating a monetary system, developing the basis of the legal system, uniting the northern defensive walls to form the Great Wall, and commissioning the thousands of terra cotta soldiers that were buried with him. His dynasty was succeeded by the Han Dynasty in 206 BC that continued to develop the administration of the country while expanding its borders into central and southern Asia. At this time the silk trade began with the central kingdoms along the Silk Road. Buddhism also entered China during this dynasty.

Unity was again shaken as the Han dynasty gave way to fighting and division into the Northern and Southern Dynasties (AD 220-589). Unity was restored by the brief Sui Dynasty (581-618), but was quickly replaced by the Tang Dynasty and a golden age of Chinese history. Under Tang rule the country expanded even further, great wealth was accumulated from foreign trade, and the arts flourished. This is also when the writings considered highlights of Chinese literature were produced. When religious persecution put the Han out of favor in the 9th century, the north was ruled by nomadic people from the steppes while the south saw a string of dictatorial rulers. 

In 979 the area was again reunited by the Song Dynasty that focused its attentions inward, developing both the art and industry of China. This was followed by the Jin Dynasty and a period ruled by the Mongols, various steppe tribes that united under Genghis Kahn and invaded from the north in the 13th century. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) brought a long period of peace and prosperity. The capital was moved to Beijing where the palace known as the Forbidden City was built. Exportation of luxury goods like silk and porcelain thrived as China became a significant power at sea during the 15th century. 

Under the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) the Chinese attempted to stop trade with foreigners but met with increasing pressure, especially from the British. The first of several opium wars took place from 1840-1842, which forced China to open more ports to foreign trade and also to cede Hong Kong to England. The second Opium War in 1856 divided Shanghai into areas of French, German and British control, and the last Qing emperor abdicated on January 1, 1912 to make way for the Chinese Republic.

Political unrest among the National and Communist parties made China vulnerable to attack, which came in 1931 when the Japanese invaded Manchuria in the north. Eventually Japan controlled a large part of the north, the Yangtze valley and Shanghai until finally forced out in 1945, only to see China dissolve into civil war. Communism grew in favor during this time, allowing Mao Zedong to establish the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The country’s current leader Chiang Kai Shek was forced from office and fled to Taiwan where he set up a Nationalist government. 

China then set out to rebuild both agriculturally and industrially after so many years of unrest. The government tried to turn things right but critics of the regime soon emerged and were quickly silenced As Mao Zedong’s experiment failed he became more of a tyrant, implementing the Cultural Revolution in 1965 in hopes of completely transforming Chinese society, eliminating class and any intellectual or cultural differences.

After Chairman Mao’s death in 1976 the economy was reformed and land was returned to the peasants. Liberalization continued into the 1980s but calls for democracy led to the brutal attacks against protestors in Tian’an Men Square in 1989. During the 1980s foreigners were once again allowed into the country, as was foreign trade. China modernized and grew enormously during the 1990s. Hong Kong and Macau were returned to the Chinese and China continues today as one of the largest economies in the world.

 Centuries-old Chinese religions are slowly making a comeback after being outlawed during Communism, and though they may not be practiced as much today as in the past, they still offer insight into the country’s cultural outlook. The three major religions are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, though Buddhism originated in India. 

Confucianism came first as the religion of the ruling classes, favoring societal structure and strict adherence to moral obligations. Taoism followed as the religion of the working classes, encouraging people to follow their intuition in order to be in line with the structure of the universe—not to follow a structure imposed on their lives by others. It is from here that the idea of balance was developed, of yin and yang. In Taoism listening to your own spiritual needs will align you with you surroundings. Ancestor worship is also an important part of Chinese culture. It emerged around the same time as Taoism and is still practiced today.

The arrival of Buddhism brought not only another way of thinking about the self and its role in the universe, but also the characteristic architecture found in the many pagodas found in China today. 

Festivals, religious or otherwise, also provide visitors a glimpse into Chinese culture. The most popular, like Chinese New Year and the Mid Autumn Festival, mark agricultural changes (the coming of spring, the harvest) but are infused with superstitions and mythology, as elaborate fireworks displays chase way evil spirits and wake the dragon believed to bring rain. Special foods, colors, and rituals are different for each festival and each has its own symbolism, like the tangerines eaten for the New Year that are said to bring good luck and prosperity.

 At 3.7 million square miles, China is bigger than most of us can readily comprehend. It is bordered by 14 countries and still has a Pacific coast that stretches for 12,400 miles. Beijing, the capital, is located in the northern part of the country, inland from the Yellow Sea. The climate changes drastically between the desert north and the tropical south. The west is dominated by dry and sparsely populated high ground.

Moving south and east brings you to the mountains and woods of Tibet, past the bamboo forests of the southwest, and eventually to the rainforests of the southeast. Heading north from there you will find valleys marked by many rivers, lakes, and marshes that are heavily farmed and densely populated. This area rises into the forests of the northeast and before you know it you have arrived back at the desert. Easy. Spring and autumn give you the best chance to see the best weather across China’s many regions, though it will remain cold in some parts even during the warmest months.

 China is known for many art forms that have been perfected over the centuries. The most esteemed traditional art form is painting. Dramatic landscapes done in watercolors that are familiar to people outside of China were typically the work of Chinese scholars. This style had its heyday during the Northern Song and Yuan Dynasties from the 10th to the 14th century. Religious motifs were also popular, and came to China with the arrival of Buddhism.

China was and still is famous for its delicate and beautiful ceramics. Porcelain was invented in China during the Sui Dynasty from the late 6th to early 7th century, though other glazing methods were practiced even before that. The art form reached its height under the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and became a lucrative export as its popularity in Europe grew. The Museum of Ceramic History and Porcelain Museum in the central Chinese city of Jingdezhen, once China’s porcelain capital, display magnificent examples from across Chinese history. New ceramics are still produced and sold there as well. 

Chinese gardens are themselves a highly valued art form far more significant than the individual plants that fill them. The finest gardens, easily found all around the country, are those that create a mix of eye-catching elements and soothing relaxation that in Taoist tradition create the ideal setting for meditation. Balance among plants, water, rocks and buildings are central to the designs of these spiritual retreats.

The Chinese love food, as would any culture with such a rich and varied cuisine. Meal times are usually boisterous, informal social affairs. Food varies greatly by region, but no matter where you go the cuisine tends to adhere to the same philosophy of balance that people apply to other areas of their lives. Good food must have the proper amount of cold, dark yin to compete with hot and bright yang flavors. Eating from the many street stalls found in all Chinese cities is a safe and fun way to familiarize yourself with the specialties of each region. Wherever you choose to eat, just be prepared to have Chinese takeout back home ruined forever by the delicacies you’ll discover.

* The official language is Mandarin Chinese or Putonghua, and is used as a common language through which speakers of the country's many different dialects can communicate with each other. It will be understood everywhere, unlike English, so knowing a few useful phrases will help travelers when shopping or in restaurants.

* Tipping is not a common occurrence and is not expected. 

* Be prepared to bargain; it is expected. 

* There is no dress code for entering temples, though it is a good idea to dress somewhat conservatively as a sign of respect. Always check for prohibiting signs before taking photos in temples or at archeological sites.

* Weather can be both stiflingly hot and brutally cold, depending on where and when you plan to travel. Pack appropriately and always take necessary precautions (carrying water, wearing waterproof layers, etc). 

* Stick to bottled water, even in the larger cities.

* Many people recommend getting a vaccine for Hepatitis A before your trip.

* Political talk is avoided by the Chinese and travelers should follow suit. 

* When dining with a group, wait for your host to seat you and to give the signal to begin eating or drinking.

* Always leave a little bit of food in your bowl. Leaving an empty dish suggests your host is not able to provide enough to fill you up.

 * DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China (2005). 

* China: Its History and Culture by M. Scott Morton and Charlton M. Lewis, published by McGraw-Hill (2004).

* Chinese Art and Culture by Robert L. Thorp and Richard Ellis Vinograd, published by Prentice Hall (2002). 

* China and Globalization: The Social, Economic and Political Transformation of Chinese Society by Doug Guthrie, 

published by Routledge (2006). * Culture Smart! China: A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Kathy Flower (2003).

* Streetlife China by Michael Dutton, published by Cambridge University Press (1999).