L.A.

Los Angeles, the largest city in the U.S. west coast, is located in southern California. Los Angeles has pleasant weather and is comfortable during all four seasons. The city is enclosed by mountains on three sides and faces the sea on the fourth side, with more than 130 kilometers (81 miles) of coastline. Los Angeles is usually called “L.A.” for short which means the “City of Angels.” L.A. is the second largest city in the United States after New York City, and the largest Metropolis in the western section of America. The city also possesses America’s largest port, Port of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is an important base of petrochemical, marine, aerospace and electronics industry in the US. The finance and commerce of L.A. has also developed rapidly, and now, it is the second largest financial centre in the United States after New York City. In addition to advanced industrial and financial sectors, L.A. is also the cultural and entertainment center of the U.S. Hollywood, in L.A., is the world-famous film center, and the Academy Awards held there each year is the festival of world film. Los Angeles successfully held the 1984 Olympics.

Due to the diversity of ethnic groups, Los Angeles is a cultural center of the Pacific Rim. In fact, L.A. is one of the two cities in which there is no main population among American cities. The Spanish or Latin American population accounts for about 48%, and Caucasian population accounted for about 27%. The official language is English.

Historical Culture

In 1781, Los Angeles had become a Spanish colony, and the Spanish settlers called the new territory “the Queen City of Angels.” In 1835, when the territory was controlled by Mexico, the town was declared a city. In August 1846, the American soldiers marched into Los Angeles, and in 1847, the Star-Spangled Banner was officially hung up in L.A. In 1848, the western “Gold Rush” had attracted many immigrants who then moved to L.A. In 1850, the city of Los Angeles was formally set up. In the same year, California had become the 31st state of the United States. Back then, Los Angeles was just a city with a population of only 1600.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, with the discovery of oil, L.A. began to grow, and developed quickly into the largest city in the western United States. After the Second World War, the development of modern industry, the prosperity of commerce, finance and tourism, the rapid increase of immigrants, and the expansion of urban area, all helped to propel L.A. to become a megacity of the United States.

 L.A. is one of the main centers of American science and technology, and the number of scientists and engineers is highest in the U.S. holding the title of “The city of science and technology.” The famous Silicon Valley is also located here.

In recent years, the financial industry and business have been developing rapidly in L.A. Hundreds of banks have offices in L.A., including many famous international organizations, such as Lockheed, Northrop, and Rockwell. L.A. has become the second largest financial center after New York City.

Natural Environment

Los Angeles is vast with terrain that is complex. It is located in an open basin surrounded on three sides by mountains, and facing the sea on the fourth side. In addition to the hills, it is flat on the ground, and has an average altitude of 84 meters. The highest point, Sister Elsie Peak, is 1548 meters high. The area is surrounded by San Gabriel Mountains with Santa Monica Mountains running through it. L.A. County has more than 130-kilometers of coastline; the altitude is from 2.7 meters below sea level, at Wilmington, to San Antonio Peak siting at 3,073 meters above sea level. The rivers include Los Angeles River, Macro River and San Gabriel River.

Climate Conditions

Los Angeles has a temperate climate due to being located in the Mediterranean climate zone. Generally, it is dry and rainless in most months of a year, and only in winter, will you see a bit more rain. It is sunny year round with the city rarely falling below the freezing point; chance of snow is not very high. The climate of L.A. is favorable for tourism all year round. The temperature difference between day and night in Los Angeles is large with it being hotter in the day, even in winter. Usual daytime temperatures can reach 20℃.

Holiday Arrangements

New Year’s Day: January 1st

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: the third Monday in January

Washington’s Birthday: the third Monday in February

Memorial Day: the last Monday in May

Independence Day: July 4th, U.S. National Day

Labor Day: the first Monday in September

Columbus Day: the second Monday in October (It is established for commemorating Christopher Columbus first landing in America in 1942)

Veterans Day: November 11th, to pay homage to the veterans

Thanksgiving Day: the last Fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving holiday usually lasts from Thursday to Sunday)

Christmas: December 25th