Nowadays, when everything seems to be “made in China”, it is easy to believe that the country only produces cheaper knock-offs of preexisting products. However accurate that may be at this point, it is no less true that the Chinese are responsible for numerous inventions that have helped shape history due to their applicability and convenience. Without the advancements made by the ancient Chinese, technology and culture would have taken countless more centuries to develop to their current stage. Therefore, let’s find out more about the influential inventions “made in China”.
1. The very first paper production process
Historic records indicate that the Chinese pulp paper predate all other types of this medium and suggests that it was utilized as early as the 2nd century B.C. However, mass production was only possible later on, in 105 A.D. when Cai Lun optimized the technology. Cai Lun was a court eunuch who devised a procedure based on mashed tree bark, linen, hemp and fishnets submerged in water and left to dry/bleach naturally in the sun. Without him, the following invention would have had considerably less practicality.
2. The original prints
The woodblock prints and the movable prints are also Chinese innovations, although the latter came much later on. The principle behind the woodblock print consists of carving the Chinese characters on the surface of the wood and applying dye over them. The earliest evidence of the process comes from a page of hemp paper that dates back to 660 A.D. At the same time, the eldest volume in existence is Diamond Sutra, which was inscribed in 858 A.D. As far as the movable print is concerned, the concept originated in 1088 A.D. but was only applied 210 years later, in 1298 A.D. Unlike the woodblock print, the characters of the movable variant are arranged based on their rhyme schemes on the surface of a rounded table with niches.
3. Fireworks and gunpowder
Most of us are familiar with the fact that the Chinese are responsible for the invention of the gunpowder, an innovation without which people nowadays would find it more difficult to kill each other. On the other hand, we wouldn’t have fireworks. However, the discovery was accidental and it dates to the 9th century B.C. Originally utilized as spirit warding powder, some of the weapon potential of gunpowder was unlocked about 200 years later when the Chinese alchemists had managed to perfect 6 highly flammable formulas of the compound. While they were not able to make it explode, early gun powder was still highly flammable, which made it perfect for arrow tips and even rudimentary flamethrowers.
4. The holistic treatment approach
While they are not credited for the invention of medicine altogether, the Chinese are definitely the inventors of the holistic procedures and the imperial court of the 4th century even had a special department of dieticians that would help the emperor and the nobles decide on the contents of the meal. Moreover, a book published in the 4th century A.D. details the applications of various foods in treating numerous conditions, based on the trial and error studies made by Hu Sihui. At the same time, the Chinese holistic medicine had ways to treat the hormonal imbalances that everyone’s talking about today since 1100 A.D.
5. Forks and chopsticks
If you thought that the chopsticks are the trademark eating tool of the Chinese, then you should probably know that the forks were invented first. Evidence suggests that the original bone forks – with 2 or 3 prongs – date from approximately 4,200 B.C. In spite of the fact that the actual date of their invention is unknown, these dining tools were discovered in the graves of nobles and seem to be an indicator for the social standings of the person. It is also necessary to point out that the fork was utilized in Europe only 4,000 years later. However, the chopsticks gained more popularity due to their effectiveness in handling most of the traditional Chinese dishes, which are typically sliced in small chunks.
Originally constructed in the fifth century BC, for protecting the northern frontiers of the country, the Great Wall of China has become a historical spot. It is often said that this is the only manmade work that can be seen from moon. If you visit China, you should never forget to visit this wall which stretches for almost 8,851.8 kilometers.
Mount Tai, which has been credited as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO is listed among the “Five Sacred Mountains” of China. Records state, this mountain has attracted pilgrims for almost three thousand years. Located in the southern side of Jinan and northern side of Tai’an city, Mount Tai provides simple connectivity route.
When you are in China, you cannot miss out Forbidden City in Beijing. The city has imperial palaces of different rulers starting from the Ming Dynasty till the Qing Dynasty. The walls and gates across the Forbidden City will make you understand the architectural skills as well as the defense tactics that Chinese rulers have been using for ages.
Located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, the Potala Palace is a historical spot in China. Named after Mount Potala, this palace has been home to Dalai Lama till the 14th Dalai Lama decided to flee to India. Now, the Chinese government has converted this place into a museum.
Old Summer Palace or the Imperial Gardens of China is known for its art works, architectural building, and obviously beautiful gardens. This historical place was destroyed during the English and French invasion in China. Yet, later this park has been named among the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO.
