The People's Republic of China is one of the largest countries in the world and is home to one-fourth of the world's population. The Chinese have traditionally claimed a history of some 5000 years, yet ancient legends tell of emperors who ruled China for thousands of years before this period. Possessing a long and intriguing history, China has influenced centuries of art, math, science, language, commerce and politics. Until recently, China was a mystery to most westerners; however, since closer relationships are developing between the United States and China, travelers are discovering its ancient civilization.

From the capital in Beijing, the Chinese government rules 21 provinces and five autonomous regions. The land stretches from mountainous regions with towering peaks, including Mount Everest which lies on the China/Nepal border, to gentle rolling hills and flat plains which are divided by many of the country's longest waterways including the Yangtze, Yellow and Mekong Rivers. The People's Republic of China is one of the largest countries in the world. A jouney through this immense country is an encounter with the most populous and perhaps most culturally diverse nation on earth.

• Jan 25-31 - Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) - This year it is the Year of the Ox (Niu). This is also the most important holiday for China. No matter how far apart families will be from each other they reunite to celebrate this time together. Setting off fireworks and dressing in red and gluing red paper to the door is customary.
• Apr 4-6 - Qingming Festival- A day that celebrates Saomu (offerings to the dead) as well as the outdoors. Activities include kite flying, swinging from tree to tree, taking day trips and planting trees.
• May 1-3 - Labor Day
• May 28-30 - Dragon Boat Festival- It is a traditional festival for Dragon Boat racing and eating rice dumplings or Zongzi.
• Sep 26-Oct 3 - Mid-Autumn Festival and National Holiday- A time at which people stare longingly at the moon and think upon their families. Eating moon cake is traditional as well as telling legendary stories.

To learn more about adopting from China, please request one of Gladney's free, comprehensive Adoption Information Packets. Make your request on-line or by calling 1-800-INT-ADOP.