3 Interesting Facts About China You Might Not Have Knew

From its largest population to the invention of paper, China boasts many fascinating facts that might surprise you! Here we explore three such facts you may not have known previously!

Did you know, for instance, that the Great Wall is not actually one single wall but is instead made up of many interconnecting structures put up by ancient emperors to defend their empires?

1. The Great Wall is a network of walls

The Great Wall isn’t simply a wall; it’s actually an intricate network of walls carefully assembled by ancient Chinese emperors to protect their homeland over two millennia. Spanning over 8,850 kilometres (5,500 miles), the Great Wall stands as the longest manmade structure ever constructed on Earth – protecting China against invasion from nomadic tribes from the north.

The Great Wall’s initial sections were built between the 7th and 8th centuries B.C. as regional projects, but in the 3rd century AD under Qin Shi Huang–the first Emperor of unified China–Qin Shi Huang united them together into an immense system to protect China against northern nomadic tribes and this marked when ramparts 12 feet high or more and guard towers every few hundred meters were added along its length.

As well as providing an impressive defense, walls were also an efficient communication system. At strategic points along the wall–passes between mountains, river bends, or road junctions–forts or beacon towers would be constructed at regular intervals along its route to warn others of enemy presence or signal troop movements.

Construction of the Great Wall required an immense labor force and many lives were lost in its creation. Comprised mainly of soldiers, this labor was both backbreaking and hazardous; builders needed to ram earth and stones into place as well as build bridges over rivers, ravines, or streams – creating work conditions which often exceeded human tolerance.

Once completed, China’s ancient emperors continued to expand and maintain it, adding parts to other defense structures like watchtowers and forts. Today, parts of the Great Wall remain well preserved while other sections have fallen into disrepair and are used by villagers as playgrounds or to build homes and roads – reminding us all of their incredible ingenuity! It serves as a testament to ancient China.

China is an engaging country with an intriguing history. From breathtaking natural wonders to its fast-developing economy, China has much to offer its inhabitants. Cultural tapestries vary immensely throughout its territory, while Chinese remains one of the oldest languages spoken on earth. Today most Chinese live in megacities containing over 10 million people but many continue to reside in rural areas where they enjoy simpler living arrangements.

2. China has the largest population in the world

China boasts the world’s highest population with 1.426 billion residents, boasts the world’s longest river (Yangtze), is Asia’s most populous nation and possesses one of the fastest growing major economies worldwide.

China is a global leader in manufacturing, exports and technology. People travel there for its diverse landscapes, rich culture and ancient history; as well as for its food (dumplings and noodles). Furthermore, there are natural wonders like Great Wall of China and Yellow River which entice them.

China boasts a large population and fast-growing economy, and is the second-leading producer of concrete, steel, fertilizer and clothing globally. Chinese people are well known for their skills in metalwork and ceramics as well as knowledge of traditional medicine.

Chinese culture values sexual activity and fertility, and this has long been seen as crucial in supporting population growth in their nation. Due to geography and climate conditions in China, amassing large populations was essential for its survival – coupled with Chinese people being naturally peaceful and cooperative, this helped keep China thriving for centuries after centuries.

Though China is home to mostly Han Chinese citizens, other ethnic groups such as Zhuangs, Manchuans, Huis, Miaos, Mongolians and Tibetans all co-exist peacefully within its borders. Many dynasties once ruled over this vast nation each bringing with them unique cultural characteristics.

China does not possess an official religion and its citizens hold diverse viewpoints and follow various religions – from atheism to Buddhism, Taoism Islam or Christianity.

Others practice folk religions or incorporate multiple traditions. Of the more widely practiced religious traditions, Buddhism stands out. With roots in Chinese philosophy and its emphasis on compassion for nature and respecting nature as its core principles, its popularity remains widely popular today.

Chinese love traveling and are one of the top travel destinations worldwide. In 2018, tourism revenue in China hit USD 87 Billion; additionally, China is famed for its fast and reliable trains. China boasts an expansive high-speed railway network that, when taken as one piece, would wrap twice around the globe. Furthermore, its infrastructure development continues apace with cities and airports being constructed at an alarmingly fast rate. China is home to some of the most striking temples and skyscrapers in the world, while its people are famed for their deep affection for pandas – giant mammals often seen roaming misty mountains of south central China as popular symbols of biodiversity and conservation efforts. Teaching children about pandas can spark their interest in China’s biodiversity.

3. China invented paper

Ancient China was ahead of its time in many areas. China was among the first to develop paper, gunpowder, porcelain and silk among other things – key advances which helped spread knowledge and culture throughout the globe. Paper was especially significant; its invention allowed people to write more easily while communicating more widely, aiding global exchange of knowledge.

Before paper was invented, Chinese scribes would write on pieces of bamboo or silk which were both difficult and costly to work with. With its introduction came paper’s invention which allowed cheaper and easier documentation which led to an increase in literacy across China.

Early Chinese paper was typically created from mulberry tree bark and other materials, using a process that required submerging the material in water and then pounding it with a large mallet to form a sticky mass that could then be laid on bamboo framework or flat screens to dry into sheets of paper. They even dyed official documents yellow with an insecticide-dye mixture which served to keep away bugs!

Over time, paper was refined and strengthened through use, including its versatility in use from hats to packaging. Paper eventually replaced coins strung together on strings as currency in China beginning during the Tang Dynasty’s 7th Century CE reign – an improvement on previous currencies which required stringing together individual coins when trading them.

Paper was not only used for writing; it was also an art medium in Asia. Popular forms included calligraphy, paintings and woodblock prints made on it; fans and umbrellas often adorned with intricate paper patterns for decoration purposes. Paper was an incredible innovation along with silk; both were key trade exports that promoted intercultural exchange and knowledge transfer along the Silk Road.

Chinese papermakers kept their paper-making techniques strictly under wraps for centuries. Even as late as 105 AD, there is one documented report detailing this complex process of beating woven material to form pulp for paper surfaces; later it spread to countries all around the globe.