Life in China

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The clothing worn in China depends greatly upon the region, ethnic background, and economic situation. There is an increased trend towards a western look in the major urban areas, especially Shanghai. Adults on the streets will typically wear formal wear over casual wear. Teenagers prefer brand names, and children usually have on clothes with cartoon characters.

China is said to have one of the most diverse culinary histories in the world. Nevertheless, most Chinese meals consist of two main components: a carbohydrate or starch and a dish of vegetables, fish, or meat. In China, the rice, noodles, or mantuo (steamed buns) is the main course, while the meat is considered a side item. Rice is a critical part of Chinese cuisine. However, in many parts of China, they use wheat-based products, such as noodles or buns. At a Chinese meal, each person is given their own bowl of rice and the remainder of the meal is served in communal dishes, or “family style”. Chopsticks are the primary utensils for eating solid foods. Soups and other liquids are eaten with a wide, flat-bottomed spoon. Vegetarianism is not uncommon in Chinese culture, but is only practiced by a small number of the population. Human manure is used for fertilizer, so consumption of raw vegetables, such as salads, is rare. Dessert items are often incorporated into the meal, rather than served at the end. If they are served at the end, they usually consist of fresh fruit or a sweet soup. Cold beverages are thought to be harmful to the digestion of hot food. If a beverage is served at mealtime, it most likely will be hot tea or hot water.

There are many popular tourist destinations in China. The Forbidden City is located in Beijing and was once the center of Chinese Imperial Power. Another popular destination is the Great Wall of China. It is a massive stone wall that was built along China’s borders. The Terracotta Army is another place that is often visited. It is an archeological find consisting of a collection of terracotta statues of Chinese Imperial soldiers. It was constructed during the Imperial period by one of China’s emperors.



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