China may be divided into six major geographic regions, each of which contains considerable geomorphological and topographic diversity.

The Northwest
This region consists of two basins--the Junggar Pendi (Dzungarian Basin) on the north and the Tarim Pendi (Tarim Basin) on the south--and the lofty Tien Shan. The Tarim Pendi contains the vast sandy Takla Makan (Taklimakan Shamo), the driest desert in Asia. Dune ridges in its interior rise to elevations of about 100 m (about 330 ft). The Turpan Pendi (Turfan Depression), the largest area in China with elevations below sea level, commands the southern entrance of a major pass through the Tien Shan. The Junggar Pendi, although containing areas of sandy and stony desert, is primarily a region of fertile steppe soils and supports irrigated agriculture.

The Mongolian Steppe
Located in north central China, this is a plateau region consisting mainly of sandy, stony, or gravelly deserts that grade eastward into steppe lands with fertile soils. This is a region of flat-to-rolling plains, partitioned by several barren flat-topped mountain ranges. Along its eastern border is the higher, forested Da Hinggan Ling (Greater Khingan Range).

The Northeast
Comprising all of Manchuria east of the Da Hinggan Ling, the Northeast region incorporates the Manchurian Plain (Dongbei Pingyuan) and its bordering uplands. The plain has extensive tracts of productive soils. The uplands are hilly to mountainous, with numerous broad valleys and gentle slopes. The Liaodong Peninsula, extending to the south, is noteworthy for its good natural harbors.

North China
This region lies between the Mongolian Steppe on the north and the Yangtze River Basin on the south and consists of several distinct topographic units. The Huangtu Plateau on the northwest is formed by the accumulation of fine windblown silt (loess). The loosely packed loess is readily subject to erosion, and the plateau's surface is transected by sunken roads, vertical-walled valleys, and numerous gullies. The region is extensively terraced and cultivated. The North China Plain, the largest flat lowland area in China, consists of fertile soils derived from loess. Most of the plain is under intense cultivation. Located to the east, the Shandong Plateau on the Shandong Peninsula consists of two distinct areas of mountains flanked by rolling hills. The rocky coast of the peninsula provides some good natural harbors. To the southwest are several mountain ranges which constitute a formidable barrier to northern-southern movement.