China s administrative units are currently based on a three-level system dividing the nation into provinces, counties, and townships. At the end of 1998,China was divided into 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four municipalities directly under the Central Government, and one special administrative regions. A bird's-eye view of China would indicate that China's terrain descends in four steps from west to east. China abounds in rivers. More than 1,500 rivers each drain 1,000 square km or larger areas.
China has a marked continental monsoonal climate characterized by great variety.
The four seasons are quite distinct. The summer monsoons last from April to September. China, one of the world's most ancient civilizations, has a recorded history of nearly 4,000 years. China is a united multi-ethnic nation of 56 ethnic groups. China is a country with great diversity of religions, with over 100 million followers of the various faiths.