China includes the Tibetan Plateau in the southwest, dry inland basins farther north, and extensive settled plains in the east. The Yangtze and Yellow River systems give a wide view more structure than a patch of farmland can. The southern coast has a different outline and terrain from the northeast.
High western terrain and eastern plains
Find the transition from the Tibetan Plateau towards lower land to the east. Compare a mountain valley with a plain rather than assuming both should share one visual pattern.
Similar landscapes across borders
Terraces, dense cities, and rice fields occur elsewhere in Asia. An image of a settlement does not reveal a national identity by itself. Compare the shape of the surrounding basin and its river outlets.