Despite much chatter in London, New York and Hong Kong throughout the 80s and 90s, it is only now that the predicted growth of the Chinese economy [1] is being seen. But what growth and what a rate has it been. If you are looking to take a cut of this success for yourself, and invest in China, the world's fastest growing BRIC nation [2], it is important you go in armed with a few basics.

Early investors are obviously reaping the benefits from the manufacture and distribution of fundamentals such as clothing and computers. Furniture too is a profitable investment for stock trading [3]; though this has been checked somewhat by recent stories of spurious materials and the consumer effect of moving towards "greener" and home grown manufacture.

Conversely, (and possibly the best market to consider when looking at viable opportunities to invest in China), is within the toy industry. The culture of the western world to pander to its offspring shows no signs of abating any time soon. That the most popular toys can be produced in high numbers, at low cost makes for a great investment.

Other opportunities for stock picks [4] do of course exist, with more coming online all the time. There are still excellent deals to be traded with oil production and consumption, for those now looking to invest in China. Coal too is bucking global trends as China easily becomes the world's biggest producers and consumers in the dirty fossil fuel.

Assisted by the awarding of contracts to tenders from the west, an area already ripe and only ripening further is to be found in the national railway infrastructure, operations and rolling stock. Whilst not the most environmentally focused of countries, China does at least realize the potential of railway travel for its immense populous.

If you take a look at a list of the 50 hottest stocks [5] you'll find a lot of stocks from China are on the list.

Before rushing out to Beijing to invest in China stocks [6] however, do be warned. Resilience, determination and a sense of bravery will be called for as the Chinese economy, (as with any other fledging market), can be volatile and prove unsteady; particularly as the world continues to ride the global recession.