Geography of East Asia
From the peaks of the Himalayas to volcanic archipelagoes, China, Korea and Japan offer an extraordinary geographic diversity that has shaped their civilizations.
China: the Middle Kingdom
中国 Zhōngguó
Key facts
A vast territory
China is the world's third-largest country. Its territory stretches from the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts in the west to the fertile eastern coasts, from the frozen Manchurian steppes to the tropical forests of Yunnan.
The Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原, Qīng-Zàng Gāoyuán), nicknamed the "Roof of the World," sits at an average elevation of over 4,500 meters. It is the birthplace of the Yellow River (黄河, Huáng Hé) and the Yangtze (长江, Cháng Jiāng), the two vital arteries of Chinese civilization.
The alluvial plains of the east, irrigated by these great rivers, form the historical cradle of China. The Yangtze Delta and the North China Plain are among the most densely populated regions on Earth.
Cultural regions
North (华北, Huáběi)
Cradle of civilization: wheat, noodles, the Great Wall. Dry continental climate.
South (华南, Huánán)
Land of rice, dim sum and Cantonese. Humid subtropical climate.
West (西部, Xībù)
Tibetan highlands, Silk Road, ethnic diversity. Spectacular landscapes.
Eastern coast (东部沿海, Dōngbù yánhǎi)
Economic powerhouse: Shanghai, Shenzhen. Ultra-modern megacities.
Korea: the peninsula between two worlds
한국 Hanguk / 조선 Joseon
Key facts
Mountains and coastline
The Korean Peninsula is predominantly mountainous terrain: roughly 70% of its surface is made up of highlands. The Taebaek Mountains (태백산맥, Taebaek sanmaek) run along the entire east coast, offering spectacular scenery of forested ridges and deep valleys.
Mount Paektu (백두산), a sacred volcano on the border with China, is the peninsula's highest peak. Its crater lake, Lake Cheonji (천지, "Heavenly Lake"), is considered the mythical birthplace of the Korean people.
The southern coast and Jeju Island (제주도, Jejudo) offer a completely different landscape: volcanoes, beaches, tangerine orchards. Jeju, a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizes Korea's natural beauty.
Cultural regions
Gyeonggi (경기도)
Seoul region, political and economic heart. 25 million in the metropolitan area.
Gyeongsang (경상도)
Industrial southeast, Busan (부산). Former land of the Silla kingdom and its Buddhist treasures.
Jeolla (전라도)
Southwest, gastronomic capital of Korea. Jeonju bibimbap (전주비빔밥) is legendary.
Jeju (제주)
Volcanic island with a subtropical climate. Haenyeo (해녀), women divers, UNESCO intangible heritage.
Japan: the volcanic archipelago
日本 Nihon / Nippon
Key facts
An archipelago of fire and water
Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands, with four main ones: Hokkaidō (北海道), Honshū (本州), Shikoku (四国) and Kyūshū (九州). Situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the country has over 100 active volcanoes.
Mount Fuji (富士山), a sacred volcano and Japan's highest peak at 3,776 m, is the country's most recognizable symbol. For centuries, it has inspired poets, painters and pilgrims. The Japanese Alps (日本アルプス) offer spectacular alpine scenery in the heart of Honshū.
Japan is also a land of water: hot springs (温泉, onsen), rivers, waterfalls and a deeply indented coastline. The Ryūkyū Islands (琉球諸島), including Okinawa, offer coral reefs and turquoise waters at the country's southern tip.
Cultural regions
Kantō (関東)
Tōkyō (東京) region, nerve center of Japan. Megacity, technology, fashion, anime and manga.
Kansai (関西)
Kyōto (京都), Ōsaka (大阪), Nara (奈良): historical and spiritual heart of Japan. Temples, gastronomy, geisha.
Hokkaidō (北海道)
Northern island: wild nature, skiing, lavender. Ainu (アイヌ) culture, Japan's indigenous people.
Okinawa (沖縄)
Subtropical archipelago: distinct Ryūkyūan culture, record longevity, paradise beaches.