History of China: The Longest-Standing Civilisation in Living Memory
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China has been known as one of the most powerful countries in Asia and the world throughout history. And now, Chinese civilisation is considered one of the most important civilisations in the world across different historical eras. This is attributed to its vast geographical area, and large population, as well as its significant development in various political, social, and economic fields. Therefore, it is not surprising to see this ancient country praised for its long and rich history in books of glory. So, buckle up, because we will take you on a tour to discover the history of China.
What is the Main History of China?
A question often asked by people mesmerised by China's rich culture is “How old is China in history?” Archaeological evidence has indicated the existence of human-like creatures that inhabited China around 2.24 million years ago, in the Zhoukoudian Cave near the capital, Beijing. Research has also suggested that the Xia tribe was the first tribe to appear in China, living around 2100 BCE, followed by the Shang Dynasty in the Yellow River area during the 11th century BCE. Many subsequent dynasties emerged following the Shang tribe, each occupying parts of China, and the interests of these tribes often differed, leading to wars between them. This period of warring states came to an end in 221 BCE.
As for the Republic of China, it was founded in 1949 after the Communists succeeded in defeating the Kuomintang forces under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek. Following the defeat, Chiang and his followers fled to the island of Formosa (Taiwan), where they established what they called the People's Republic of China. Thus, two separate Chinese states emerged, the People's Republic of China on the mainland and the Republic of China in Taiwan.
What is the Old Name of China?
During the Middle Ages, Europeans referred to China as Cathay, specifically the eastern parts of the Yangtze River, according to the explorer Marco Polo. This designation is derived from the inhabitants who moved to southeastern Mongolia in the 10th century AD for the invasion of Manchuria and northern China, where they stayed for about two hundred years.
Fun fact: Khitai remains the Russian name for China to this day.
The Reason behind the Name of China
China is known as the People's Republic of China, and it is indicated that the name China is derived from the Sanskrit language, which is a name derived from the Qin dynasty (Chin) that ruled China. The Persians translated the name to Sin (Cin), making this name common, and the trade movement along the Silk Road from China to the rest of the world helped spread the name.
The Contributions of the Chinese Civilisation
Over 5,000 years, China has carved its name in the category of the oldest and most accomplished human civilisations. The Chinese civilisation has always played a prominent role in discovery and manufacturing, and among its achievements are the following:
Invention of Paper
Credit for the invention and production of paper goes to the Chinese civilisation, specifically to a man named Cai Lun. A piece of paper made from hemp fibres was found in a Chinese tomb dating back to between 140 and 87 BCE, and it still exists to this day.
Gunpowder
Research indicates that the discovery of gunpowder dates to the Chinese alchemist Tseng Kung-Liang in the year 1044 CE. He discovered that mixing certain types of materials with heat would cause a large explosion. Consequently, it was used in warfare and became one of the most important technologies in the military field.
Compass
The Chinese also invented the compass. While working in smelting copper and iron, they discovered a metal that consistently positioned a bar of iron toward the north. After modifications and improvements, they were able to manufacture a circular compass capable of determining directions which would later carve the way to today’s modern compasses and radars.
Inventing the Basis for today’s Seismograph
One of the achievements the Chinese civilisation is still lauded for is the invention of the first seismograph in history. Astronomer and mathematician Zhang Heng designed this device in 132 CE, based on a simple mechanism that produced a specific sound in the event of an earthquake.
Discovery of Silk
The discovery of silk is also attributed to the Chinese civilisation. During the Neolithic period in the fourth millennium BCE, they used silk in various aspects of life, such as writing, musical instruments, and fishing. Later, silk production grew rapidly, leading to silk eventually becoming utilised in various fields of life, until it established itself as a luxurious fabric in today’s fashion.
The History of Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine has an ancient history dating back over half a million years. The Chinese began using fire and cooking, utilising rice and noodles extensively in their dishes throughout the country. Moreover, the Silk Road played a key role in the development of Chinese cuisine over the ages. Today, Chinese cuisine is renowned for its diverse dishes and flavours, gaining significant acclaim and acceptance from various countries around the world.
Dragon Mart Embodies Chinese Civilisation in Its Glory
You don't have to visit China to dive into its history and culture. You can just visit Dragon Mart, which gives you a portal to this ancient civilisation. From its delicious cuisine to its high-quality products and regular events, there's no doubt that Dragon Mart reflects the authenticity and greatness of this civilisation, so don't hesitate to visit it at the nearest opportunity.