What Makes China Truly Famous and Why the World Can't Ignore It
Beatriz•May 23, 2025
From ancient dynasties to futuristic cities, China isn’t just a place on the map, it’s a country that’s shaped the world in unimaginable ways.
In this article, we’ll look at what China is known for and why it’s more relevant than ever today. Whether you’re curious about its history, thinking of visiting, or just want to understand its place in the world, this guide will give you the full picture.
What Makes China Truly Famous
The Land of Dynasties: A History Etched in Stone, Silk, and Strategy
China’s history is one of long and complex events that include both division and unity. One of the most important turning points came with the rise of the Qin Dynasty around 221 to 206 BCE. China was united under a single central government for the first time.
The first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, made many important changes to unify the country. He made the writing system the same everywhere, so people across China could understand each other better. He also created a single currency and set standard weights and measurements to make trade and daily life easier.
These changes helped connect the different regions and made it simpler for the government to manage the whole empire. The Qin rulers built ambitious projects like the first version of the Great Wall to protect against attacks from northern tribes. They also created the famous Terracotta Army, where thousands of clay soldiers were buried with the emperor to guard him in the afterlife. Even though the Qin Dynasty only lasted for a short time, its ideas about running the country influenced all future Chinese governments.
The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) restored strong central control over China after a period of division and instability. They explored the seas with large fleets led by Zheng He, boosting China’s presence in the Indian Ocean. The Ming finished building the Great Wall as we see it today and encouraged art, literature, and city development. Both the Han and Ming periods are seen as golden ages in Chinese history because of their cultural and economic successes.
Following the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty ruled China from 1644 until 1912. After centuries of imperial rule, the Qing’s collapse in 1912 marked the end of the dynastic era and the beginning of the Republic of China.
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Iconic Landmarks That Tell Stories (If You Know Where to Look)
China is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, each telling a story of power, art, and everyday life.
While the Great Wall is famous, many visitors don’t realize that some of its most fascinating stretches lie away from the crowds. Places like Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai offer not just impressive views but layers of history. In fact, parts of the wall here date back to the Northern Qi dynasty and reveal how the structure evolved over centuries to defend China’s northern frontier.
In Beijing, the Forbidden City was once the home of emperors. It has almost 1,000 buildings and many interesting spots like the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where ceremonies were held, and the emperor’s own living space. There are also other hidden treasures like the Gallery of Clocks and the Treasure Gallery. Nearby, Tiananmen Square and Jingshan Park help place the imperial palace in a broader historical and cultural context.
Near the city of Xi’an, the Terracotta Army is one of the most incredible discoveries in China. Thousands of clay soldiers were buried to protect the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. Each figure is different, showing the emperor’s reach and ambition even in the afterlife.
But China’s famous sites don’t stop at the well-known. The Fujian Tulou are large, round or square buildings where many families live together. They were strong and built to last. The Mogao Caves near Dunhuang hold vivid murals and statues tracing a thousand years of Buddhist art and Silk Road culture. Other places like Zhangjiajie, with its tall stone pillars, and the desert town of Dunhuang, show China’s natural beauty and cultural variety.
These landmarks, famous and hidden, help us understand China’s past and the different people and cultures that shaped it.
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A Nation of Many: The Cultures and People That Make Up China
China is a country famous for its deep traditions, diverse people, and modern growth. While the Han ethnic group makes up the majority, China officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups, including 55 minority groups like the Uyghur, Tibetan, Zhuang, Hui, and Miao. These groups live in autonomous regions and have their own languages, religions, and customs.
Even with all the changes in modern life, some traditions are still part of daily routines. Tea and Tai Chi are two good examples. Tea culture goes back thousands of years and is linked to ideas of balance and peace in Taoism. In ancient neighborhoods like the hutongs of Beijing, people still hold tea ceremonies where guests learn about different types of tea and how to serve them. Tai Chi, a slow and gentle martial art known for helping with health, balance, and staying calm, is often practiced in parks. In cities like Beijing and Chengdu, it’s common to see people doing Tai Chi in the morning.
Festivals in China are known for reflecting important values like family, nature, and renewal. One of the biggest, the Chinese New Year, is about cleaning away the old, welcoming the new, and reuniting with family. People give red envelopes, honor ancestors, and enjoy traditional meals. Another major celebration is The Mid-Autumn Festival, with roots in moon worship and harvest traditions. Today, it’s a time for families to come together, eat mooncakes, and admire the full moon, which represents unity and togetherness. Other traditional events like the Dragon Boat Festival and Lantern Festival highlight values such as remembrance, community, and respect for the natural cycles of life.
Beyond festivals and traditions, daily life in China is also shaped by long-standing values. Respect for elders, strong family ties, and the importance of harmony are central to Chinese culture. These values influence how people interact at home, in the community, and even in the workplace.
Language, Identity, and Everyday Life
China is a country where over a billion people speak different Chinese languages. The two main ones are Mandarin and Cantonese. While Mandarin is the official language in most of China and Taiwan, which uses simpler writing called simplified characters, Cantonese is mostly spoken in southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and uses traditional characters.
They sound very different. Mandarin has four tones, which means the pitch changes to give words different meanings. Cantonese has even more tones, between six and nine. They also have different grammar rules and vocabulary. For example, Cantonese keeps many ancient Chinese words and uses more English words in places like Hong Kong.
China’s biggest cities show an impressive variety. For example, Beijing, with over 21 million residents, centers around politics and history, filled with government offices and ancient landmarks. Shanghai, even larger with more than 24 million people, focuses on business and global connections, with a fast-moving, modern tone. Cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chongqing each have their own local culture and industries, from trade to technology to manufacturing.
In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, many young people and professionals can speak some English, especially in places like businesses, schools, and tourist areas. However, outside these cities, English is much less common. If you travel in China, it helps to know some basic Mandarin or Cantonese and to use translation apps. Signs in big cities often include English, but outside urban areas, they usually don’t.
China Now: Tech, Trade, and the Cities of the Future
China is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing cities, with Shanghai and Shenzhen standing out as prime examples.
Shanghai, China’s economic and financial center, is a city of skyscrapers, global businesses, and rich cultural institutions such as the Shanghai Museum and Power Station of Art. It also hosts the Shanghai Stock Exchange, one of the largest in the world, and is a major center for banking, trade, and logistics. The city is known for its dense clusters of multinational headquarters, modern infrastructure, large-scale commercial districts like Lujiazui, and commercial skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building.
Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai Shi, China. Photo by zhang kaiyv
Shenzhen, on the other hand, has become a leading center for technology, manufacturing, and innovation. Located just north of Hong Kong, it is the headquarters of global tech firms like Huawei, Tencent, DJI, and BYD. The city developed incredibly fast after being designated China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1980. Today, Shenzhen is a core part of China’s hardware supply chain, producing electronics, telecommunications equipment, and electric vehicles. It also has a strong startup ecosystem, with thousands of new tech companies registered each year. The city has been named a UNESCO Creative City for its achievements in design and innovation.
But there’s more to China than just Shanghai and Shenzhen. Other cities across the country are also growing fast. Hangzhou, for example, is home to Alibaba and is a leader in online shopping, digital payments, and cloud technology. Suzhou is known for its beautiful old canals and gardens, but it’s also a major center for high-tech manufacturing, including robotics and nanotechnology. In the southwest, Kunming is growing as a gateway for trade with Southeast Asia, with big investments in transport and clean energy. Xi’an, once the starting point of the Silk Road, is now a modern city focused on research, space technology, and education. Together, these cities show how China’s growth is happening not just in a few places, but all across the country.
In short, what makes China famous? Its ability to grow, innovate, and lead in tech. Cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen show the world what China’s future looks like.
Serene urban canal with blossoming trees in Shenzhen, China. Photo by Orange Ocean
With so much to explore in China’s megacities, staying connected on the go is a must. Whether you’re scanning QR codes to pay, booking high-speed train tickets, or sharing photos from the top of Shanghai Tower, mobile data makes everything easier.
Get a free eSIM from Yoho Mobile before you travel. It’s a convenient and affordable way to stay online in China without paying for roaming fees. If you want to get your eSIM plan afterwards, use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
Global Footprint: How China’s Influence Touches Your Life
China’s global presence is felt in everyday life. It shows up in daily life in ways that are hard to ignore. Look around at the tech you use—phones, laptops, home gadgets— a huge chunk of that is either made or assembled in China, making the country one of the largest producers in the global tech supply chain. That app everyone is on, TikTok, was created by a Chinese company, ByteDance. It’s now one of the biggest platforms shaping global music, memes, and pop culture.
In fashion, China is behind the scenes, powering much of what’s seen in stores. As one of the biggest producers of textiles and garments, Chinese factories fuel fast fashion and major clothing brands. But it’s not just about manufacturing anymore, China is investing in design and innovation, too, shaping trends that ripple across global style.
Then there’s the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s massive effort to build partnerships, open trade routes, and expand influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Think ports, roads, and railways connecting regions for smoother trade and stronger partnerships. It’s China’s way of expanding influence through development and diplomacy, rather than wars and conflict.
Hong Kong, Macau, and the “Two Systems” Experiment
As you’ve seen, China is famous for many things, but one of the most unique aspects of the country lies in the distinct identities of Hong Kong and Macau. Though both are part of China, they function under a framework known as “One Country, Two Systems.” This gives them a level of autonomy that sets them apart from the mainland, especially in their legal, economic, and administrative systems.
Hong Kong, handed over by Britain in 1997, and Macau, returned by Portugal in 1999, each has its own Basic Law, like a mini-constitution that allows them to maintain their own courts, immigration rules, and even currencies. Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), while Macau uses the Macanese Pataca (MOP).
City skyline under the blue sky in Macau, China. Photo by Gary Chan
What makes these cities truly stand out is how history has shaped their culture. Thanks to their colonial pasts, both Hong Kong and Macau are either wholly Eastern or Western, but something uniquely in-between. This cultural mix can still be seen in the widespread use of English, double-decker buses, and common law courts. In Macau, Portuguese architecture, language, and Catholic churches stand next to Chinese temples and markets. This fusion of traditions creates a place unlike anywhere else in Asia.
Such diversity of Chinese and Western roots also defines how these cities do business. Economically, Hong Kong is a powerhouse in global finance and trade, famous for its skyscrapers, bustling ports, and stock exchange. Macau leans into tourism and gaming, earning a global reputation as one of the world’s top gambling destinations.
What adds another layer of complexity and curiosity is how both cities handle border control. Despite being part of China, they require separate visas and customs checks. So traveling between Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland isn’t as simple as crossing city lines.
All of this makes China famous not just for its vast mainland, but for these two cities that feel like different worlds within the same country. They are a unique opportunity to witness how history, law, and culture intertwine in unexpected ways.
Cultural Etiquette That Can Make or Break Your Experience
The real China experience goes far beyond its landmarks and facts; it’s the culture that surrounds everyday life, from small gestures to grand traditions.
Cultural etiquette, the way people interact through gestures, greetings, and unspoken rules, shapes a trip as much as the sights themselves. Respect, politeness, and saving face are deeply valued. Something as simple as removing shoes at the door or handing over a business card with both hands speaks volumes.
Gift-giving comes with its own set of traditions. Certain items like clocks, umbrellas, or anything sharp are best avoided since they’re tied to bad luck or farewells. At meals, even chopstick placement matters. Stick them upright in rice, and it’s seen as a funeral gesture. Little things, but they matter.
Chinese food is so much more than what’s found in takeout boxes. Every region has its own flavor story. In Chengdu, breakfast might mean a bowl of hot and numbing noodles like yibin ranmian (宜宾燃面), tossed with chili oil, crushed peanuts, and preserved vegetables or douhua (豆花), soft tofu in a spicy, savory broth. It’s a fiery way to start the day and reflects the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine.
In a quiet Beijing hutong, breakfast leans toward the comforting and familiar steamed jiaozi (饺子) stuffed with pork and napa cabbage, served with black vinegar and garlic, or a warm bowl of zhajiangmian (炸酱面), noodles topped with fermented soybean paste and ground meat.
Down south in Guangzhou, the focus shifts to freshness, seafood, and lighter seasoning. A traditional dim sum spread might include har gow (shrimp dumplings with translucent wrappers), siu mai (pork and mushroom dumplings), and Cheung fun (steamed rice noodle rolls filled with beef or shrimp), all served with delicate teas and meant to be enjoyed slowly, with conversation.
Beyond flavors, meals in China are full of unspoken rules. Dishes are shared family-style, placed in the center of a round table to encourage connection. Chopsticks are the main utensils, and using them properly shows respect. Never stick them upright in rice, as it resembles funeral rituals. When serving others, it’s polite to use the opposite end of the chopsticks. Meals often begin only after the host invites everyone to eat.
Toasts are also an important part of dining, especially at formal gatherings. When raising a glass, lowering it slightly below an elder’s shows humility. Conversation tends to avoid sensitive topics like politics, and criticism, especially of the food or host, can cause discomfort. On the flip side, complimenting the meal is a simple way to show appreciation and build goodwill.
If You Only Had 7 Days in China
If you only have 7 days in China, a great way to see the country is by visiting three main cities: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. Start in Beijing to see famous sites like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall at Mutianyu. You can also explore traditional neighborhoods called hutongs, visit the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, and try local food like Peking Duck.
Then, head to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors, explore the ancient city wall, and visit the Muslim Quarter for local street food. The city is famous for being the start of the Silk Road.
Finish your trip in Shanghai, where you can walk along the Bund, visit the traditional Yu Garden, shop and eat in the French Concession, and explore the Shanghai Museum. This plan gives you a good balance of history, culture, and modern city life.
For more tailored suggestions based on interests and personality, visit our guide on the best things to do in China.
China Is More Than a Bucket List Stop, It’s a Mirror of Change
Traveling through China or diving into its story is seeing the world differently. China shows that modernization doesn’t have to copy the West. Instead, it can focus on improving life for everyone and keeping cultural traditions alive. China also reminds us that today’s world is deeply connected. Projects like the Belt and Road Initiative show how countries can grow by working together.
But to really understand China, we need to look past the headlines and beyond the typical tourist sites. The real value comes from hearing the stories that don’t always get told, stories that reveal how people live, adapt, and shape the future.
So, whether you’re studying China or planning to visit, take the time to explore what lies beneath the surface. There’s always more to learn when you’re willing to look a little deeper.