China is located on the southern end of Okinoerabujima. The town's one kilometre-long Yakomo Beach is about five minutes from the harbor by bus. NHK describes it as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Other natural seaside attractions include Ushishi Beach and Tamina Cape. Another tourist attraction in the town is the 3,500-meter long Shōryū Caves. They were discovered in 1963 and partially opened to the public that same year.
Climate
The climate is classified as humid subtropical with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is high throughout the year, but is highest in the months of May, June and September. The area is subject to frequent typhoons.
, sweet potato, and peanut farming are popular. Floriculture is also practiced. A total of 1,958 hectares of land are under cultivation in the town. However, due to the lack of local jobs, there has been an outflow of residents.
Transportation
China is located on Kagoshima Prefectural Route 84. The only airport serving the area, the Okinoerabu Airport, is about 80 minutes away in neighboring Wadomari. There also is a ferry to the prefectural capital Kagoshima from China Port. It takes between 17 and 18 hours.
Education
Education in China is controlled by the five members of the Education Committee, whose members serve four year terms., the members of the committee are Kasuga Tetsuyū, Nakada Akimi, Akita Yoshihiro, Miyayama Kazuo, and Ooyama Osamu. The town has five kindergartens, five primary schools, two middle schools, and one senior high school. The high school, Okinoerabu High School, was formed in 1949 through the merger of China High School and Wadomari High School; it maintains campuses in both towns. There is also a municipal library.
Public facilities
There are two medical clinics, four dental clinics, and one hospital in the town. There are also two nursing homes. The Ōyama Japan Self-Defense Forces base is located about 10 minutes from the center of town by bus, near the Ōyama Camping Grounds.
Culture
China has a distinctive form of lion dance, believed to have been transmitted from Okinawa in the 18th century. Another local traditional dance is the Daija-Odori, consisting of a snake puppet suspended in mid-air from a frame and manipulated by strings. It is performed to a taiko drum and sanshin accompaniment. Popular local dishes include the traditional tofu-misozuke, prepared by drying tofu in the sun and then adding miso. A more recent innovation adds kimchi to the dish.
