Northern and southern China

Northern China (Chinese: 中国北方 or 中国北部; lit. 'China's North') and southern China (Chinese: 中国南方 or 中国南部; lit. 'China's South') are two areas that show differences in geography, people, economy, and culture. These two regions help us understand how China varies from place to place.

The differences between northern and southern China come from things like climate and where people live. The north usually gets colder winters, while the south stays warmer. These changes affect the plants, animals, and even the food people grow and eat.

Because of these differences, the two areas have developed their own special ways of living. People in each region have their own traditions, languages, and customs that make them unique. Understanding these differences helps us see the rich variety within China.

Extent

The Huai River basin showing tributaries and major settlements

The Qinling–Daba Mountains mark the area where northern and southern China meet. This area also lines up with certain climate features, like where temperatures stay around 0 degrees Celsius in January, and where rainfall measures about 800 millimetres (31 inches). The Huai River and its path also help to define the difference between the north and the south, influencing some policies that apply differently to each area.

History

Long ago, many people moved from the north to the south, especially near the coast and big rivers.

Confrontation between Northern Wei and Liu Song during the Northern and Southern dynasties

After a big change called the end of the Han dynasty, two groups, called the Southern and Northern Dynasties, ruled different parts of China until they joined together again under the Sui dynasty.

Later, during the time of the Qing dynasty, people began to see differences between people from the north and south. These ideas appeared in old stories and books. Some thought people from the north were strong, while people from the south were quicker in their thinking. Leaders even made rules to keep officials away from their home areas.

Today

Climate

The northern parts of China have long, cold winters and hot, humid summers. The weather changes quickly between seasons, and the land can struggle during dry spells.

The southern parts stay green all year, with short winters. These areas often face strong storms and rainy seasons, and flooding can happen more often.

Diet and produce

Northern regions often cultivate wheat, while rice is more prevalent in the south

In the north, farming is easier, and crops like corn, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat grow well. People there eat a lot of wheat foods, such as bread, dumplings, and noodles.

In the south, farming started later, but the warm weather and rain help grow rice and tropical fruits. Rice is a common food there.

Language and people

Northern regions are predominantly Mandarin-speaking, while southern regions speak southwestern Mandarin, Eastern Mandarin, and non-Mandarin. ("Mandarin" and "Southern" on this map refer to Sinitic languages, while other groups are not Sinitic.)

A British writer from 1868 noted that people in the north often have lighter skin than those in the south, though this can change with sun exposure. Northerners are usually taller.

In the north, most people speak Mandarin with a special accent. In the south, there are more ethnic groups, and people speak different dialects, such as Cantonese or Hokkien. In rural southern areas, family groups are larger.

Studies show that people from wheat-growing areas in the north tend to think more individually, while those from rice-growing areas in the south think more as a group.

Transportation

Travel is usually easier in the north, where the land is flatter.

GDP per capita in 2021. The disparity in terms of wealth runs in the east–west direction rather than the north–south direction. However, the southeast coast is still wealthier than the northeast coast in per capita terms

Economy

When China started modernizing, the north developed quickly with industries like construction and resource extraction. But after reforms, the south grew faster with manufacturing and high-tech industries. The north’s share of China’s total economy has slowly decreased.

Health

Research shows that people in the south tend to live slightly longer than those in the north. This may be partly because of cleaner air, as northern areas often heat their homes with pollution-causing methods in winter. People in the south are also less likely to have weight-related health issues.