Interesting Facts about China - Fun Facts about China

Officially known as People's Republic of China and referred to as simply China, this is the largest country in East Asia. The republic of China was established on the 1^st of January, 1912 by dissolving the imperial rule. It has an ‘estimated’ population of over 1.3 billion and reportedly one-fifth of the world population lives here! ‘Estimated’, because of the fact that most people of China are undocumented officially, due to which there is only an approximate idea about the population. The capital of China is Beijing and China is regarded as the world’s most populous country. A visit to China will give you a fascinating glimpse of how the modern world has been blended beautifully into their traditional lifestyle. Now, china has evolved as one of the military superpowers and is also considered to be one of the biggest economies in the world. Check out some of the most interesting and amazing facts about China.

Image: Jim Bowen@flickr

Fast Facts

Continent: Asia

Area: 9,706,961 sq. km

Capital: Beijing

Population: 1,344,130,000 (2011)

Official Language: Standard Mandarin

Currency: Yuan

Calling Code: +86

Type of Government: Presidential republic, Single-party State

Fun Facts About China

It is believed that the word “China” is derived from the name of the Qin (pronounced “chin”) dynasty. Qin Shi Huang (260-210 B.C.) was the First Emperor of this dynasty who unified China in 221 B.C.
China is the world’s most populous country. It is estimated that almost one-fifth of the world’s entire population lives in China. Area wise China is the fourth biggest country in the world after Russia, Canada and USA.
China is one of the oldest continuous civilizations of the world. In fact, the states and cultures present in China date back to more than six millennia. In addition to this, it also has the world’s longest continuously used written language system.
The most popular and important symbols of China is the Great Wall of China, also regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was started more than 2500 years ago and was constructed by various ruling dynasties. It measures over 5000 km long.
One can see striking contrasts in the lifestyle of Chinese people. Though the city has many high-rise and modern buildings, the countryside has very rustic bamboo houses where people live in complete peace and satisfaction.
The Chinese calendar was developed thousands of years ago and has the years named after 12 animals of the Zodiac. The Chinese had an advanced system of astronomy as well as mathematics, which laid a strong foundation for their beliefs and traditions, followed till date.
China was the first country to invent gun powder and fireworks and also use gun powder for guns, rockets and other arms. It also produced silk for the first time. The process of producing silk was a well-guarded secret and anyone who gave it away could actually risk being killed!
The Chinese were also the first to design suspension bridges in around 25 BC.
China is known for manufacturing ceramic plates and it was a mystery known to the Chinese only, till a long time. It was after a long time when Johann Friedrich Bottger of Saxony made porcelain that the world came to know about ceramics.
China invented toilet paper in the 14th century however; it was only used by the emperor.
Chinese people invented ice cream and some believe that the famous Venetian traveler Marco Polo carried the recipe of ice cream as well as noodles from China to Europe.
The Chinese were the first to invent the waterwheel to harness water in 31 A.D.
China was also the first country in the world to use an iron plough.
The Chinese invented kites about 3,000 years ago. They were used to frighten the enemies in battle.
The Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is celebrated with great zest and enthusiasm in china and is one of the most important holidays. As, the people of China believe all the people turn a year older on the New Year’s Day thus, this day is treated as everyone’s birthday.
The Yangtze (Changjian) River and the Yellow (Huanghe) River are two of the biggest rivers in China.
As per the legends a Chinese emperor discovered tea when a tea-leaf accidentally fell into his boiling water.
Shanghai is the largest city of China.
Despite its vast size, there is one time zone in China.
Collecting stamps is the most popular hobby in China.
White, rather than black, is the Chinese colour for mourning and funerals.
The Three Gorges Hydroelectric Dam on the Yangtze River is the largest dam in the world.
Red colour symbolizes happiness for the Chinese and is commonly used at Chinese festivals and on other happy occasions such as birthdays and weddings.

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