China is an incredible nation to learn about. From its largest population to the invention of paper money, here are some fun facts you may not have known about.
The Forbidden City boasts 9,999 rooms! Additionally, it is one of the oldest civilizations.
1. It is the largest country in the world
China is the world’s most populous nation, home to 1.4 billion people and one of the oldest civilizations with an intricate culture that dates back millennia. Over centuries and millennia, Chinese have achieved incredible progress, becoming one of the leading powers today.
China boasts an expansive and varied landscape, including mountains, deserts, rivers, lakes and plains. Home to various ethnic groups with their own distinct languages and cultures – Mandarin is the primary tongue spoken here but 56 other official ones also exist!
Chinese is the oldest written language known to mankind, dating back to 1250-1192 BC during Wu Ding’s Shang Dynasty reign (1250-1192 BC). Chinese have used pictographic writing for millennia; its complex system can take years of study to learn. Today there are an estimated 292 living Chinese dialects.
Ancient China saw various dynasties struggle for control over the country until Qin Shi Huang united the nation in 221 BC; 22 centuries were needed to complete construction of the Great Wall of China during its construction; then during Tang dynasty (618-907) paper money was invented; counterfeiters were sentenced to death!
China is home to multiple UNESCO sites, such as the Forbidden City and Great Wall. China also produces silk, the world’s most costly fabric. Furthermore, they export both coal and oil as well as consume nearly half of all pigs on Earth daily!
2. It is the oldest civilization
China is home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth and boasts a fascinating culture. Over time it has advanced rapidly, becoming the second-largest economy worldwide and major producer of cement, steel, fertilizer clothing and toys. Chinese people are known for their hard work and perseverance – being culturally civilized is part of their DNA; even poorest Chinese will conduct themselves like educated individuals.
Chinese is one of the longest continuously spoken languages, dating back to around 6,000 BC, with written use beginning around 400 AD. Additionally, it is one of the world’s most complex with its system of writing being more advanced than any other. Chinese invented paper, printing and the compass; gunpowder was likely invented there too as were silk kites and gunpowder itself! Written documents first recorded in China were recorded around 11th century BC while its decimal system developed at that same time; even the ears on long-eared jerboas found there measure one third longer than their heads!
Chinese families value strong ties between generations and are commonly known as the “coconut culture.” Though initially reserved, their people can actually be extremely welcoming. Their relationship-based society promotes friendship over time while being much more expressive with emotions compared to most cultures – hence why China is sometimes known as the “soft power” country. They’re known for their amazing culinary skills – eating over 1.7 million pork products daily alone!
3. It is the biggest economy in the world
China is home to one of the fastest-growing economies and boasts some of the world’s biggest cities. It boasts a rich history and offers visitors many attractions they can enjoy while being known as “the factory of the world”, producing such items as concrete, steel, fertilizer, clothing and toys. China’s government is working towards decreasing their dependence on foreign imports by encouraging domestic industries and decreasing energy usage within factories.
China currently ranks as the world’s largest economy by purchasing power parity and is projected to overtake the United States in 2023. Additionally, it’s projected that Chinese GDP will expand by over 5% this year.
China continues to open up and develop its economy, improving living standards while becoming one of the global economic leaders. According to GDP, its top ten nations include United States, China, Japan, Germany, India, Canada, Italy France France South Korea
China does not adhere to one particular religion, with people practicing various religious faiths from atheism to ancestor worship. About half the Chinese population adheres to Buddhism while others practice Taoism, Islam or Christianity.
The Great Wall of China is an iconic tourist attraction and spans an estimated 6,700 kilometres (4,160 miles). Other iconic structures in China include the Forbidden City where former emperors once resided and the Temple of Heaven. Hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympics cost nearly $40 billion dollars; an 81 year life expectancy is commonplace among Chinese citizens.
4. It is the biggest country with only one time zone
China is one of the world’s largest countries and stands as a unique example for using only one time zone across its entirety. Although divided geographically into five separate time zones, everyone in China follows Beijing time (China Standard Time). This decision was implemented under Communist Party leader Mao Zedong to help unify and facilitate work schedules more easily across his nation.
Chinese time zone is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), aligning itself with the position of the sun at noon. This makes it easier for most parts of China to keep up with one another; however, traveling through more remote regions could prove more challenging.
People living in western Xinjiang may refer to themselves as being on “Xinjiang Time”, as this region is closer to solar time than Beijing; however, most populations still observe Beijing Time.
China is an extraordinary place, with a long and fascinating history that has left an indelible mark on the world. From ancient inventions to witnessing its beauty at Forbidden City, China offers something to everyone. Let this list of fascinating facts about China inspire your travel plans! You won’t regret making an adventure out of visiting Middle Kingdom!
5. It is the country with the biggest number of soldiers
China boasts the world’s highest soldier count at 2,035,000 soldiers, comprising all five services in one unified People’s Liberation Army force: army, navy, air force and strategic missile forces. Modernizing these armed forces costs billions each year; President Xi Jinping has set his goal to transform this force into a world-class one by 2035.
China has also been developing new weapons, including hypersonic missiles that could reach five times faster than sound. Such missiles could significantly change warfare. China’s military has also conducted tests with drones equipped with laser technology – boasting more drones than any other country worldwide.
China offers many fascinating facts, from its ancient civilisation to its current day economy. One of China’s most iconic archaeological discoveries was revealed in 1974 with the discovery of Terracotta Army; Chinese mythology includes Nian, who appears on New Year’s Eve to consume people; its ears extend one third farther than its head! Also, their writing system dates back thousands of years.
China is home to over 1.3 billion people and has an extensive geography comprising 33% mountainous areas, 26% high plateaus and deserts, 19% basins and rivers and 12% plains and hills. There are 55 minority groups within its borders and its own distinct language and culture – such as its superstition regarding number 8. The eighth floor is considered lucky whereas number 4 sounds similar to death when spoken out loud in Chinese.