Geography of China
By C. Johnson
What is the Geography of China?
In China there are many different kinds of geographic features or terrain because of it large size, 9.6 million square kilometers. This terrain generally includes mountains, deserts and plains. For example, both Mount Everest and the Gobi desert are part of China. Most of China, however, consists of mountains and plateaus.
Where are the Geographic Features in China Located?
To the west are the Himalayan Mountains which are very large and include Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. To the south it is generally hot, wet and tropical. In the northeast there are deserts and basins. There are valley and plains in the east.
Some Famous Geographic Features in China
Gobi Desert
Himalayan Mountain Range
Yangtze River
more Facts
When were the Geographical Features in China made?
The Himalayas are considered a “young” mountain range because they were formed relatively recently. Two tectonic plates collided together to push the land up. The Himalayas are still rising today but at a much slower rate. The Gobi Desert covers part of northwestern China and southern Mongolia. It is the fifth largest desert in the world. The Gobi is a desert because the Himalaya mountains block rain clouds from reaching it.
What Geographic Features Help China Grow?
China’s southern and central area are warm during the summer and much rice and other vegetables can be grown there. In addition, this area tends to be wet. The western part of the county is too dry, high and cold to grow crops. China’s rivers run from west to east and are good for transportation. The Yellow and Yangtze River are good examples. China also has large mineral reserves which can be used or traded with other countries.