The Geography of The Geography of ChinaChina

China’s Physical GeographyChina’s Physical Geography

►China makes up China makes up roughly 4 million sq. roughly 4 million sq. mi. (similar to the mi. (similar to the USA)USA)

► It comprises about 6.5 It comprises about 6.5 per cent of the world per cent of the world total land area. total land area.

►Modern China is the Modern China is the third largest country third largest country in the world, just in the world, just behind Russia and behind Russia and Canada.Canada.

Natural Borders and Natural Borders and LandformsLandforms

The Gobi desert in northern The Gobi desert in northern China separates the China separates the country from its country from its neighbors.neighbors.

Eastern China has low-lying Eastern China has low-lying plains which form one of plains which form one of the largest farming the largest farming regions.regions.

The Pacific Ocean makes The Pacific Ocean makes up the eastern border.up the eastern border.

Rugged mountains make Rugged mountains make up western China.up western China.

Qinling Shandi, an Qinling Shandi, an important mountain important mountain range, separates N. range, separates N. China from S. ChinaChina from S. China

MountainsMountains

► China is a mountainous country.China is a mountainous country.► Two-thirds of its total land area covered by Two-thirds of its total land area covered by

mountains, hills and plateaus. mountains, hills and plateaus. ►Out of the world's twelve high peaks of more Out of the world's twelve high peaks of more

than 8,000 meters, seven are located in than 8,000 meters, seven are located in China. China.

► The Highest peak in the world, Mount The Highest peak in the world, Mount Everest (8,850m) stands on the border Everest (8,850m) stands on the border between China and Nepal. between China and Nepal.

► There are five major mountain systems in There are five major mountain systems in China. China.

Weather and TemperatureWeather and TemperatureDifferent regions of Different regions of

China have different China have different climates.climates.

The Northeast has a The Northeast has a cold and dry climatecold and dry climate

The Northwest is made The Northwest is made up of dry desert.up of dry desert.

The Eastern Plains The Eastern Plains experience heavy experience heavy rainfall.rainfall.

The Southeast has a The Southeast has a tropical climate. It is tropical climate. It is the wettest region. the wettest region. During the monsoon During the monsoon season they can get season they can get up to 250 inches of up to 250 inches of rain.rain.

Rivers of ChinaRivers of ChinaRivers also play a major role Rivers also play a major role

in China, both for in China, both for transportation and for transportation and for irrigation. irrigation.

Two major rivers flow west Two major rivers flow west to east.to east.

► Yellow RiverYellow River Stretches 3000 mi Stretches 3000 mi

across N. Chinaacross N. China River often floods and River often floods and

leaves layers of siltleaves layers of silt Nicknamed “China’s Nicknamed “China’s

Sorrow” because Sorrow” because these floods can be these floods can be very destructivevery destructive

► Yangzi RiverYangzi River Cuts through central Cuts through central

ChinaChina Third longest river in Third longest river in

the worldthe world

What geographical features What geographical features limited travel in medieval limited travel in medieval

China?China?►MountainsMountains►DesertsDeserts►Rivers/OceansRivers/Oceans

ResourcesResources► Most people in China still work as farmers or herders. Major crops Most people in China still work as farmers or herders. Major crops

include wheat and rice. include wheat and rice. ► Fishing is also a major industry along the coasts.Fishing is also a major industry along the coasts.► China has considerable natural resourcesChina has considerable natural resources

CoalCoal LeadLead ZincZinc CopperCopper TungstenTungsten Gold. Gold. OilOil