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China (Chinese: 中国; pinyin: Zhōngguó), officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the world's second-most-populous country.

As a socialist country, China regards the interests of all the people as the core of its domestic policy. Peaceful development is the best choice for safeguarding national interests and the well-being of its people. China is a large country of socialism from the East.

Before the adoption of the name "Zhongguo," China was known by various regional names, such as "Yan," "Zhao," "Qi," and "Wei." During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), the various regions were unified under a single emperor, and the name "Zhongguo" was first used to refer to the unified territory.

China – The Red Dragon Indeed, being born in the Year of the Dragon is about the best set of circumstances you could hope for in Chinese culture. The dragon is as much part of Chinese culture today as it has been throughout the centuries; hence it has become the country's nickname.

Chinese names for China, aside from Zhongguo, include 中华; 中華; Zhōnghuá; 'central beauty', 华夏; 華夏; Huáxià; 'beautiful grandness', 神州; Shénzhōu; 'divine state' and 九州; Jiǔzhōu; 'nine states'.

China is situated in eastern Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, with an area of 9.6 million square kilometers. China's continental coastline extends for about 18,000 kilometers, and its vast sea surface is studded with more than 5,000 islands, of which Taiwan and Hainan are the largest.

China is an exciting blend of tradition and modernity: centuries-old temples surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers, colorful street food and imperial palaces, striking natural formations, and ancient pagodas. Chinese people tend to honor tradition, but they also embrace many parts of Western popular culture.