China, Mongolia and Taiwan | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
 
China 
  
Map of China 
Introduction 
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a vast country located 
in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country and the fourth-largest in 
terms of land area. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains 
and plateaus to deserts and plains. Understanding the map of China is crucial for 
various purposes, including the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams. 
Here, we provide a detailed overview of the map of China, highlighting key 
geographical features and important regions. 
 
 
 
Page 2


China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
 
China 
  
Map of China 
Introduction 
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a vast country located 
in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country and the fourth-largest in 
terms of land area. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains 
and plateaus to deserts and plains. Understanding the map of China is crucial for 
various purposes, including the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams. 
Here, we provide a detailed overview of the map of China, highlighting key 
geographical features and important regions. 
 
 
 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
I. Geographical Overview 
China is situated in East Asia, with a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It shares its 
borders with 14 countries, including Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, 
and North Korea. The country spans approximately 9.6 million square kilometers 
(3.7 million square miles) and has diverse physical features. 
 
II. Key Physical Features 
The Tibetan Plateau: Located in southwestern China, the Tibetan Plateau is the 
highest and largest plateau in the world. It is often referred to as the "Roof of the 
World" due to its high elevation and is surrounded by mountain ranges, including 
the Himalayas and Kunlun Mountains. 
? Himalayan Mountain Range: Stretching across China's southwestern 
border, the Himalayas are the highest mountain range globally, with Mount 
Everest, the highest peak on Earth, located in this range. It serves as a 
natural barrier between China and India. 
? Gobi Desert: Situated in northern China and southern Mongolia, the Gobi 
Desert is one of the largest deserts globally. It is a cold desert characterized 
by vast expanses of barren land, sand dunes, and sparse vegetation. 
? Yangtze River: Known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, the Yangtze River is 
the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows across 
central China, dividing the country into northern and southern regions. 
? Yellow River: Also called the Huang He, the Yellow River is the second-
longest river in China. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through 
northern China, playing a crucial role in Chinese civilization and agriculture. 
? South China Sea: Located to the south of China, the South China Sea is a 
marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is an important strategic and economic 
waterway, rich in natural resources and hosting disputed territorial claims 
by various countries. 
 
III. Major Regions and Provinces 
North China: This region includes the capital city, Beijing, and is characterized by 
the North China Plain, the Yellow River basin, and the Loess Plateau. It is known 
for its historical significance and cultural heritage. 
South China: This region is known for its mild climate, fertile land, and abundant 
water resources. It includes Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces, 
Page 3


China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
 
China 
  
Map of China 
Introduction 
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a vast country located 
in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country and the fourth-largest in 
terms of land area. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains 
and plateaus to deserts and plains. Understanding the map of China is crucial for 
various purposes, including the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams. 
Here, we provide a detailed overview of the map of China, highlighting key 
geographical features and important regions. 
 
 
 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
I. Geographical Overview 
China is situated in East Asia, with a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It shares its 
borders with 14 countries, including Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, 
and North Korea. The country spans approximately 9.6 million square kilometers 
(3.7 million square miles) and has diverse physical features. 
 
II. Key Physical Features 
The Tibetan Plateau: Located in southwestern China, the Tibetan Plateau is the 
highest and largest plateau in the world. It is often referred to as the "Roof of the 
World" due to its high elevation and is surrounded by mountain ranges, including 
the Himalayas and Kunlun Mountains. 
? Himalayan Mountain Range: Stretching across China's southwestern 
border, the Himalayas are the highest mountain range globally, with Mount 
Everest, the highest peak on Earth, located in this range. It serves as a 
natural barrier between China and India. 
? Gobi Desert: Situated in northern China and southern Mongolia, the Gobi 
Desert is one of the largest deserts globally. It is a cold desert characterized 
by vast expanses of barren land, sand dunes, and sparse vegetation. 
? Yangtze River: Known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, the Yangtze River is 
the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows across 
central China, dividing the country into northern and southern regions. 
? Yellow River: Also called the Huang He, the Yellow River is the second-
longest river in China. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through 
northern China, playing a crucial role in Chinese civilization and agriculture. 
? South China Sea: Located to the south of China, the South China Sea is a 
marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is an important strategic and economic 
waterway, rich in natural resources and hosting disputed territorial claims 
by various countries. 
 
III. Major Regions and Provinces 
North China: This region includes the capital city, Beijing, and is characterized by 
the North China Plain, the Yellow River basin, and the Loess Plateau. It is known 
for its historical significance and cultural heritage. 
South China: This region is known for its mild climate, fertile land, and abundant 
water resources. It includes Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces, 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
among others. Major cities in this region include Shanghai, Guangzhou, and 
Shenzhen. 
Tibet Autonomous Region: Situated in the southwest, Tibet is a highly 
autonomous region known for its unique culture, Buddhism, and breathtaking 
landscapes. It is sparsely populated and home to the world's highest peaks. 
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: Located in the northwest, Xinjiang is the 
largest province in China and shares borders with several Central Asian countries. 
It is known for its diverse ethnic groups, including the Uighurs, and its rich natural 
resources. 
Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions: These regions, situated on 
the southern coast of China, have a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong is a 
major global financial hub, while Macau is renowned for its casinos and tourism. 
 
Conclusion 
Understanding the map of China is essential for UPSC exams and gaining 
knowledge about the country's geography, regions, and physical features. From 
the towering Himalayas to the vast plains and vibrant coastal cities, China's map 
showcases its rich diversity and cultural heritage. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 4


China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
 
China 
  
Map of China 
Introduction 
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a vast country located 
in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country and the fourth-largest in 
terms of land area. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains 
and plateaus to deserts and plains. Understanding the map of China is crucial for 
various purposes, including the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams. 
Here, we provide a detailed overview of the map of China, highlighting key 
geographical features and important regions. 
 
 
 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
I. Geographical Overview 
China is situated in East Asia, with a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It shares its 
borders with 14 countries, including Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, 
and North Korea. The country spans approximately 9.6 million square kilometers 
(3.7 million square miles) and has diverse physical features. 
 
II. Key Physical Features 
The Tibetan Plateau: Located in southwestern China, the Tibetan Plateau is the 
highest and largest plateau in the world. It is often referred to as the "Roof of the 
World" due to its high elevation and is surrounded by mountain ranges, including 
the Himalayas and Kunlun Mountains. 
? Himalayan Mountain Range: Stretching across China's southwestern 
border, the Himalayas are the highest mountain range globally, with Mount 
Everest, the highest peak on Earth, located in this range. It serves as a 
natural barrier between China and India. 
? Gobi Desert: Situated in northern China and southern Mongolia, the Gobi 
Desert is one of the largest deserts globally. It is a cold desert characterized 
by vast expanses of barren land, sand dunes, and sparse vegetation. 
? Yangtze River: Known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, the Yangtze River is 
the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows across 
central China, dividing the country into northern and southern regions. 
? Yellow River: Also called the Huang He, the Yellow River is the second-
longest river in China. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through 
northern China, playing a crucial role in Chinese civilization and agriculture. 
? South China Sea: Located to the south of China, the South China Sea is a 
marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is an important strategic and economic 
waterway, rich in natural resources and hosting disputed territorial claims 
by various countries. 
 
III. Major Regions and Provinces 
North China: This region includes the capital city, Beijing, and is characterized by 
the North China Plain, the Yellow River basin, and the Loess Plateau. It is known 
for its historical significance and cultural heritage. 
South China: This region is known for its mild climate, fertile land, and abundant 
water resources. It includes Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces, 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
among others. Major cities in this region include Shanghai, Guangzhou, and 
Shenzhen. 
Tibet Autonomous Region: Situated in the southwest, Tibet is a highly 
autonomous region known for its unique culture, Buddhism, and breathtaking 
landscapes. It is sparsely populated and home to the world's highest peaks. 
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: Located in the northwest, Xinjiang is the 
largest province in China and shares borders with several Central Asian countries. 
It is known for its diverse ethnic groups, including the Uighurs, and its rich natural 
resources. 
Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions: These regions, situated on 
the southern coast of China, have a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong is a 
major global financial hub, while Macau is renowned for its casinos and tourism. 
 
Conclusion 
Understanding the map of China is essential for UPSC exams and gaining 
knowledge about the country's geography, regions, and physical features. From 
the towering Himalayas to the vast plains and vibrant coastal cities, China's map 
showcases its rich diversity and cultural heritage. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
Mongolia 
  
Map of South Korea 
Introduction 
Mongolia, also known as Mongol Uls or Outer Mongolia, is a captivating 
landlocked country situated in north-central Asia. This article will delve into the 
rich history, mesmerizing geography, and fascinating facts about Mongolia. Let's 
embark on a journey to discover the wonders of this extraordinary nation. 
Unveiling Mongolia 
Situated between Russia to the north and China to the south, Mongolia is nestled 
deep within the interior of eastern Asia, far from any ocean. This landlocked 
nation is approximately oval in shape, spanning 1,486 miles (2,392 km) from west 
to east and 782 miles (1,259 km) from north to south. With a land area roughly 
equivalent to that of western and central Europe, Mongolia shares a similar 
latitude range with these regions. Its capital city, Ulaanbaatar (Mongolian: Ulan 
Bator), is located in the north-central part of the country. 
 
Page 5


China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
 
China 
  
Map of China 
Introduction 
China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is a vast country located 
in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country and the fourth-largest in 
terms of land area. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains 
and plateaus to deserts and plains. Understanding the map of China is crucial for 
various purposes, including the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams. 
Here, we provide a detailed overview of the map of China, highlighting key 
geographical features and important regions. 
 
 
 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
I. Geographical Overview 
China is situated in East Asia, with a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It shares its 
borders with 14 countries, including Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 
Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, 
and North Korea. The country spans approximately 9.6 million square kilometers 
(3.7 million square miles) and has diverse physical features. 
 
II. Key Physical Features 
The Tibetan Plateau: Located in southwestern China, the Tibetan Plateau is the 
highest and largest plateau in the world. It is often referred to as the "Roof of the 
World" due to its high elevation and is surrounded by mountain ranges, including 
the Himalayas and Kunlun Mountains. 
? Himalayan Mountain Range: Stretching across China's southwestern 
border, the Himalayas are the highest mountain range globally, with Mount 
Everest, the highest peak on Earth, located in this range. It serves as a 
natural barrier between China and India. 
? Gobi Desert: Situated in northern China and southern Mongolia, the Gobi 
Desert is one of the largest deserts globally. It is a cold desert characterized 
by vast expanses of barren land, sand dunes, and sparse vegetation. 
? Yangtze River: Known as the Chang Jiang in Chinese, the Yangtze River is 
the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows across 
central China, dividing the country into northern and southern regions. 
? Yellow River: Also called the Huang He, the Yellow River is the second-
longest river in China. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through 
northern China, playing a crucial role in Chinese civilization and agriculture. 
? South China Sea: Located to the south of China, the South China Sea is a 
marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is an important strategic and economic 
waterway, rich in natural resources and hosting disputed territorial claims 
by various countries. 
 
III. Major Regions and Provinces 
North China: This region includes the capital city, Beijing, and is characterized by 
the North China Plain, the Yellow River basin, and the Loess Plateau. It is known 
for its historical significance and cultural heritage. 
South China: This region is known for its mild climate, fertile land, and abundant 
water resources. It includes Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces, 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
among others. Major cities in this region include Shanghai, Guangzhou, and 
Shenzhen. 
Tibet Autonomous Region: Situated in the southwest, Tibet is a highly 
autonomous region known for its unique culture, Buddhism, and breathtaking 
landscapes. It is sparsely populated and home to the world's highest peaks. 
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: Located in the northwest, Xinjiang is the 
largest province in China and shares borders with several Central Asian countries. 
It is known for its diverse ethnic groups, including the Uighurs, and its rich natural 
resources. 
Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions: These regions, situated on 
the southern coast of China, have a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong is a 
major global financial hub, while Macau is renowned for its casinos and tourism. 
 
Conclusion 
Understanding the map of China is essential for UPSC exams and gaining 
knowledge about the country's geography, regions, and physical features. From 
the towering Himalayas to the vast plains and vibrant coastal cities, China's map 
showcases its rich diversity and cultural heritage. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
Mongolia 
  
Map of South Korea 
Introduction 
Mongolia, also known as Mongol Uls or Outer Mongolia, is a captivating 
landlocked country situated in north-central Asia. This article will delve into the 
rich history, mesmerizing geography, and fascinating facts about Mongolia. Let's 
embark on a journey to discover the wonders of this extraordinary nation. 
Unveiling Mongolia 
Situated between Russia to the north and China to the south, Mongolia is nestled 
deep within the interior of eastern Asia, far from any ocean. This landlocked 
nation is approximately oval in shape, spanning 1,486 miles (2,392 km) from west 
to east and 782 miles (1,259 km) from north to south. With a land area roughly 
equivalent to that of western and central Europe, Mongolia shares a similar 
latitude range with these regions. Its capital city, Ulaanbaatar (Mongolian: Ulan 
Bator), is located in the north-central part of the country. 
 
China, Mongolia and Taiwan 
 
 
Geography and Climate 
? Mongolia boasts a diverse range of landscapes, predominantly composed 
of upland steppes, semideserts, and deserts. However, the western and 
northern regions feature forested high mountain ranges interspersed with 
picturesque lake-dotted basins. The country's terrain is primarily a plateau, 
with an average elevation of approximately 5,180 feet (1,580 meters) 
above sea level. The Mongolian Altai Mountains (Mongol Altain Nuruu) in 
the southwest, a branch of the Altai Mountains system, hold the highest 
peaks in Mongolia. 
? Mongolia experiences a marked continental climate, characterized by long, 
cold winters and short, cool-to-hot summers. While three-fourths of 
Mongolia's area is covered by pasturelands, sustaining the vast herds of 
grazing livestock the country is renowned for, the remaining land is divided 
almost equally between forests and barren deserts. Agriculture occupies 
only a minuscule fraction of the land. With a population of less than three 
million, Mongolia boasts one of the lowest average population densities 
worldwide. 
Historical Significance 
? The Mongolian people have an extensive prehistory and a remarkably 
compelling historical narrative. It is believed that the Huns, a people who 
inhabited Central Asia from the 3rd to the 1st century BCE, might have 
been their ancestors. In the early 13th century CE, Genghis Khan forged a 
united Mongolian state from nomadic tribes, leading to the establishment 
of a vast empire spanning much of China, Russia, Central Asia, and the 
Middle East. Over time, the Mongol empire disintegrated and fragmented. 
In 1691, northern Mongolia fell under the colonization of Qing (Manchu) 
China. However, with the collapse of Qing rule in 1911/12, Mongolia's 
religious leader, Bogd Gegeen (or Javzandamba), declared Mongolia's 
independence. Although only achieving autonomy under China's suzerainty, 
Mongolia successfully expelled Chinese troops and invading White Russian 
cavalry with the aid of Soviet assistance.