The land of the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, ancient forests, and many hidden historical gems, China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and is home to a myriad of fascinating facts and inspiring stories. From the country’s vibrant culture, array of delicious cuisine, mystical mindsets, and otherworldly landscapes, there are no shortage of fun and interesting facts to be discovered about.
Whether you’re a tourist planning your next great adventure or simply curious to learn more about one of the world’s most influential countries, here are the top incredibly fascinating facts about China.
Location and Geography
China is situated in the eastern portion of Asia, in between Mongolia and India. It is home to the world’s third-longest river, the Yangtze, which stretches for over 6,300 kilometers (3,915 miles). The country is also recognized for its breathtaking natural wonders, such as its impressive mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, which are situated on the border between India and China. This mountain range is home to the world’s highest mountain peak, Mount Everest (8,844 meters or 29,029 feet).
History
The documented history of China dates back to approximately the 1600s BC. With over 4,000 years of history to be explored and discovered, China is home to many amazing archaeological sites and a multitude of traditional cultural customs. It is also home to some of the oldest living histories in the world, including The Silk Road, which is a trading route between Europe and China that was active around 550 BC. Other incredibly fascinating historical facts about the country include the construction of the Great Wall, which was erected in 220 BC, and the Terracotta Army, a collection of 8,000 life-size sculptures which were created by the first Emperor of China in the 210 BC.
Languages and Cuisine
China has an incredibly diverse population, which means that many different languages are spoken across the country. The most widely spoken language is Mandarin Chinese, with over 960 million people speaking it as their first language, followed by Wu Chinese with almost 90 million. Other languages spoken within the country include Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Min Chinese.
Food is an integral part of Chinese culture, and you can find an incredible array of delicious, mouthwatering dishes – from spicy Sichuan cuisine to Cantonese seafood. Street food is also a favourite snack for many locals, and consists of an array of exotic dishes including aromatic crispy duck, fragrant noodles, and steamed dumplings.
People and Culture
China has a rich and diverse culture that dates back to ancient times, with many traditional customs and beliefs still being practiced today. One of the more popular cultural practices is Feng Shui, a philosophy which states that a certain arrangement of items can affect one’s luck, as well as their personal relationships and financial success.
The estimated population of China is approximately 1.4 billion, making it the most populous country in the world, with around 17 percent of the world’s population living within its borders. The Chinese population is incredibly diverse and is home to 55 different ethnic groups, which all have their own distinct culture and language.
Science and Technology
Chinese culture has a deep-rooted history of advanced scientific knowledge. In ancient times, the country was recognised as a leader in mathematics and medicine, while they also invented various technologies, including paper and gunpowder. In modern times, the country is at the forefront of numerous revolutionary technologies, such as artificial intelligence, space exploration and quantum computing.
Other Fascinating Facts
-The popular game of Mahjong was invented in China, with the oldest known set dating back over 200 years.
-The majority of China is covered in mountains, with over two-thirds of the country sloping in different ways
-The biggest hole on earth is located in China, it’s known as the ‘Crescent Moon’ and is over 1,000 feet deep.
-The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, and each year is represented by an animal.
-Tea is one of the most popular beverages in China and is believed to have first been used as a medicinal drink over 6,000 years ago.
-The traditional Chinese theatre is called Beijing Opera and includes singing, martial arts, and traditional artwork.
-Chinese lanterns are a popular decoration during festivals and celebrations, which represent illumination and hope.
China is a fascinating country full of ancient history, interesting cultural facts, incredible science and technology, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re learning more about the country, planning a trip, or just curious to know more about one of the oldest civilizations in the world, these top incredibly fascinating facts about China are sure to give an insightful glimpse into this one-of-a-kind culture.
