China is one of the oldest and most influential societies in the world. It has more than 5,000 years of history, and its culture and traditions are rich, complex and filled with interesting facts. China is one of the most populous countries in the world, with over 1.4 billion people and territories spanning 9.6 million square kilometers. China has become a major economic, political and cultural hub over the years, and its influence and impact are felt in many aspects of the modern world. In this article, we’ll explore 10 fun facts about China that you may not know.
- Tea is China’s National Drink
Tea has its roots in China and is deeply intertwined with the country’s culture. It is so revered that it has been referred to as the nation’s “most popular religion”. In fact, tea shrines and temples can be found throughout the country. It wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty (618–907AD) that tea became a popular drink for the masses and it is still an integral part of Chinese culture to this day.
- Ancient Kingdom of Loulan
The ancient Kingdom of Loulan was an important trading center located northwest of China’s modern-day Xinjiang region along the Silk Road. It was called the Kingdom of Dayuan in Chinese and was thought to have been founded in the 3rd century BC. It was mostly inhabited by Indo-European speaking people, known as the Tocharian. It is believed to have existed until the 8th century AD, when it was abandoned due to a changing climate.
- There are No Street Addresses
Unlike in the western world, where street addresses are used to identify the location of a particular building, Chinese cities do not use street addresses. Instead, most cities use a designated district number as well as a building number and entrance number to describe the location of a particular residence or business.
- The Invention of the Silk Road
Invented by the Han Dynasty during the 2nd century BC, the Silk Road was a series of trading routes that stretched from China to the Mediterranean Sea. The Silk Road was an integral part of trade and the exchange of ideas and technology between East and West. It has been credited as one of the most significant events in human history.
- The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, also known as “The Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li,” was built during the 7th century BC. It was designed to protect against Mongolian invasions and is one of the most iconic structures in the world. The wall measures over 5,500 miles in length and is considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of all time.
- A Birthplace of Writing
China is the birthplace of writing. Known as the Oracle Bone Script, evidence of the Chinese script dates as far back as the 12th century BC. The Oracle Bone Script was used to record information such as dates and astronomical events, and it is still used by scholars to study the history of the Chinese language.
- Home to the Panda Bear
The giant panda is perhaps one of the most iconic animals in the world and it is native to China. Held as a symbol of peace in Chinese culture, the giant panda is a highly endangered species and there are only an estimated 1,000 left in the wild.
- Soccer: The Most Popular Sport in China
Soccer, also known as “football” in China, is by far the most popular sport in the country. The Chinese Super League is the top professional league in China and is immensely popular throughout the country.
- The Eighth Wonder of the World
The Mogao Caves, also known as the “thousand Buddha caves,” is located in the Gansu province of China. The caves, which were carved and painted between the 4th and 14th century AH, are a stunning example of ancient Chinese art and architecture. It is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
- Home to the Hongshan Culture
The Hongshan culture was a prehistoric culture located in North-East China that flourished from 4700 to 2900 BC. The most notable remains of this culture is the ancient jade artifacts, which are some of the oldest sculptures in the world.
China is an incredibly diverse and fascinating country with a rich and complex history. From ancient kingdoms, to monumental engineering feats and incredible culture, China is a place of great heritage and beauty. These were just some of the interesting and fun facts about China, and there is still much to explore.