Contributions to the Modern World
The Chinese have contributed to the modern world in many ways. They have contributed by inventions, food, and celebrations, festivals and traditions. From fireworks to San Choy Bow to Chinese New Year, these things have assisted with China's influence on the modern world.
Celebrations & Festivals
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Spring Festival
In China the most renowned festival is the Spring Festival. Many believe that the Spring Festival evolved from an activity called the Winter Sacrifice. This custom was exclusive to the primitive society. The first meal is rather important at this event as the Spring Festival marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year. People usually eat Jiaozi or dumplings shaped like a crescent moon on that special day. The Lion Dance and the Dragon Dance are traditionally performed at the Spring Festival.
In China the most renowned festival is the Spring Festival. Many believe that the Spring Festival evolved from an activity called the Winter Sacrifice. This custom was exclusive to the primitive society. The first meal is rather important at this event as the Spring Festival marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year. People usually eat Jiaozi or dumplings shaped like a crescent moon on that special day. The Lion Dance and the Dragon Dance are traditionally performed at the Spring Festival.
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/738144.jpg?288)
Lantern Festival
The 15th day of the first Chinese Lunar month holds a special festival called the Lantern Festival (also known as Yuanxiao). It is closely related to Spring Festival. Yuan literally means first, while Xiao refers to night. The first time we see the full moon in the new year is on Yuanxiao. It is traditionally a time for family reunion. The displaying of lanterns is a big event on that day, and another important part of the Festival is eating small dumpling balls made of glutinous rice flour. These balls are called Yuanxiao.
The 15th day of the first Chinese Lunar month holds a special festival called the Lantern Festival (also known as Yuanxiao). It is closely related to Spring Festival. Yuan literally means first, while Xiao refers to night. The first time we see the full moon in the new year is on Yuanxiao. It is traditionally a time for family reunion. The displaying of lanterns is a big event on that day, and another important part of the Festival is eating small dumpling balls made of glutinous rice flour. These balls are called Yuanxiao.
Qingming
Qingming means clear and bright and is the day for mourning of the dead. It falls in early April every year. It corresponds with the beginning of warmer weather, the start of spring plowing, and of family outings. Springtime, especially in North China, is the windy season, just right for flying kites. It is not surprising that kite flying is very popular during the Qingming season.
The Duanwu Festival
The Duanwu Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Eating the dish called Zongzi and racing dragon boats mark the commencing of Duanwu. Zongzi is a kind of pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves . Duanwu is also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, because dragon boat races are the most popular activity during the festival, especially in Southern China.
Qingming means clear and bright and is the day for mourning of the dead. It falls in early April every year. It corresponds with the beginning of warmer weather, the start of spring plowing, and of family outings. Springtime, especially in North China, is the windy season, just right for flying kites. It is not surprising that kite flying is very popular during the Qingming season.
The Duanwu Festival
The Duanwu Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Eating the dish called Zongzi and racing dragon boats mark the commencing of Duanwu. Zongzi is a kind of pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves . Duanwu is also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, because dragon boat races are the most popular activity during the festival, especially in Southern China.
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/4148466_orig.jpg)
The Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is among the most important Chinese festivals. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the festival of reunion. This is because the Chinese believe that the full moon is a symbol of reunion. People in different parts of China have different ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. But one tradition is renowned nationwide and shared by all Chinese. This is eating the festive specialty: mooncakes--cakes shaped like the moon.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is among the most important Chinese festivals. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the festival of reunion. This is because the Chinese believe that the full moon is a symbol of reunion. People in different parts of China have different ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. But one tradition is renowned nationwide and shared by all Chinese. This is eating the festive specialty: mooncakes--cakes shaped like the moon.
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/1780664_orig.jpg)
Chongyang Festival
The number" nine" belongs to Yang on the theory of Yin and Yang. The ninth day of the ninth lunar month is a day when the two Yang numbers meet. So it is called Chongyang. This festival is usually perfect for outdoor activities. Many people go hiking and climbing in the country on that day. And it is a special day for people to pay their respects to the elderly and a day for the elderly to enjoy themselves. It has also been declared China's day for the elderly.
The number" nine" belongs to Yang on the theory of Yin and Yang. The ninth day of the ninth lunar month is a day when the two Yang numbers meet. So it is called Chongyang. This festival is usually perfect for outdoor activities. Many people go hiking and climbing in the country on that day. And it is a special day for people to pay their respects to the elderly and a day for the elderly to enjoy themselves. It has also been declared China's day for the elderly.
National Day
National Day of the People's Republic of China is celebrated on October 1st. There will be various celebrations throughout the whole country on that day, such as the National Day Evening Performance,the National Day fireworks show, the National Day parade and the National Flag raising ceremony.
National Day of the People's Republic of China is celebrated on October 1st. There will be various celebrations throughout the whole country on that day, such as the National Day Evening Performance,the National Day fireworks show, the National Day parade and the National Flag raising ceremony.
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/8794088.jpg?351)
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is the most important of the holidays for Chinese. It is defined to be the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar. Unlike the Christian New Year which is based on a solar calendar, the Chinese New Year is based on a traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar whose date indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year. A lunar month is around 2 days shorter than a solar month. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar, an extra month is inserted every few years. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
Normally, the celebration will start from the New Year's Eve and will last for around 15 days until the mid of the first month. Before the celebration, people will normally do a complete cleaning of the house and put on the traditional New Year decoration. Family reunion is the most important part of the Chinese New Year celebration. The New Year's Eve is the time for family reunion. Following by the reunion, people will normally visit relatives and friends, doing shopping, watch some traditional Chinese shows, launch some fireworks, and plan for the coming year. The celebration will sometimes be highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of heaven, earth, and other gods, as well as the family ancestors. In modern China, working professionals will normally have 7 days of holiday including weekend to celebrate. After the family reunion, some modern Chinese may take the chance to visit some tourist destinations.
The Chinese New Year is the most important of the holidays for Chinese. It is defined to be the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar. Unlike the Christian New Year which is based on a solar calendar, the Chinese New Year is based on a traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar whose date indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year. A lunar month is around 2 days shorter than a solar month. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar, an extra month is inserted every few years. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
Normally, the celebration will start from the New Year's Eve and will last for around 15 days until the mid of the first month. Before the celebration, people will normally do a complete cleaning of the house and put on the traditional New Year decoration. Family reunion is the most important part of the Chinese New Year celebration. The New Year's Eve is the time for family reunion. Following by the reunion, people will normally visit relatives and friends, doing shopping, watch some traditional Chinese shows, launch some fireworks, and plan for the coming year. The celebration will sometimes be highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of heaven, earth, and other gods, as well as the family ancestors. In modern China, working professionals will normally have 7 days of holiday including weekend to celebrate. After the family reunion, some modern Chinese may take the chance to visit some tourist destinations.
Food
The traditional Ancient Chinese diet, featuring low amounts of animal-based protein and plenty of plant-based foods, is one of many tradition diet styles. Rice and noodles are a well known creation by the Chinese and are consumed daily by people across the world.
Rice
Rice is the main accompaniment of Chinese people in everyday life. China is the world’s largest rice producer, and one of the earliest centres of rice farming. For thousands of years, the Chinese people cared for their crops and have cultivated their land in order to do so. The agricultural way of life, with rice as the center, has played an important role in China’s history. In the past, people held the belief that the precious things of life are the five grains with rice being number one, instead of pearls or jade.
The Chinese eat rice as Westerners do with bread. Rice is cooked by boiling or steaming, till it absorbs as much water as it can.
There is a vast collection of rice dishes in China. Among them, fried rice might be the most popular not only in China, but also around the world. Depending on the types and amount of added ingredients, such as beans, chopped meat, vegetables, eggs, etc., as well as different manners of preparation, there have developed endless variations of fried rice.
Rice may also be made into rice porridge (congee). When cooking porridge, the quantity of water is multiplied to make the rice saturated with water and become very soft and viscous. It is often served and eaten with pickles, bamboo shoots, salted duck eggs, pickled tofu and many other condiments. Besides a common food on the dining table, rice porridge can also serve as food therapy for the unwell by adding ingredients of therapeutic value.
Noodles
Noodles are a staple food in Chinese Cuisine with its long history and wide popularity. Noodles first appeared in the East Han Dynasty (between 25 and 220 AD). It became even more popular during the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD). There are multiple recipes that vary, although they are quite simple. People can (according to their likes and tastes) add different ingredients and materials to make a great variety of noodles.
Chinese noodles vary in width. They can be thin as needles, or thick as chopsticks. However, when it comes to length, they are usually served long and uncut. This is because long noodles are a symbol of longevity in Chinese tradition. Thus, during birthday celebrations, people will serve “longevity noodles” in good hope for longevity.
There are many varying types of noodles according to local traditions. Among them, the most famous ones are soy bean paste noodles (or Zhajiang Mian) in Beijing, hand-pulled noodles (or Lamian) in Shaanxi Province, sliced noodles (or Daoxiao Mian) in Shanxi Province, dandan noodles (or dandan mian) in Sichuan Province. These are only some of the vast variety of noodles in China.
Noodles are a great accompaniment t many dishes like in soup. They can also be served hot or cold, boiled, steamed, stir-fried or deep-fried. Whichever way they are cooked/prepared, you’ll first need to, using chopsticks, stir the noodles till all the materials are evenly mingled before enjoying it. Noodles are an excellent food for the nutritionally-inclined, providing harmonious dietary balance. They are low in calories, and high in protein and carbohydrate.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a close second of the fundamental foods in Chinese cuisine next to rice.Chinese people are fond of vegetables, especially leafy greens, and eat many different kinds at almost every meal, sometimes preserve and eat them as snacks.
Many commonly used vegetables in Chinese meals are familiar to Westerners, such as cabbages, mushrooms, peas and beans, all leafy greens, chili peppers, onions, carrots, celery, broccoli, bamboo shoots , gourds, etc.
In China, the preference is to cook vegetables rather than eat them raw. Vegetables are cut into thin strips or small pieces, cooked with meat, tofu, fish, seafood or noodles. They can also be used in soups, braises, or as stuffing for dumplings, wontons, and steamed bums.
Besides, people like to make vegetables into pickles. A huge variety of pickled vegetables are made, such as cucumber, cabbage, turnip, chilli pepper, among many others. Pickles have a refreshing and savoury taste, so they are often served as appetizers in a meal.
Eggs
Chinese people consume a lot of eggs annually. People consume eggs laid by many different egg-laying birds; the most common ones are chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, and quails.
Food savvy Chinese people make lots of dishes out of eggs. The most unique and famous ones are probably the salted duck eggs and century eggs (preserved eggs), both are produced and eaten all over China.
Salted duck eggs are made of fresh duck eggs, by soaking in brine for about one month till the yolk becomes bright orange-red color, and the salty flavor is absorbed.
People make century eggs with duck, chicken or quail eggs. Eggs are soaked in a mixture of ash, salt, lime, clay and rice straw for several weeks or months, depending on different processing methods, till the white becomes a dark-brown transparent jelly, while the yolk becomes a cream-like, dark-green substance. The eggs smell a strong odor of sulphur and .
In Chinese, the pronunciation of egg, dan, sounds similar to dai, which means generation. Eggs represent rebirth and fertility in traditional view. When two people get married, when a baby is born, at the baby’s first-month birthday, and some other joyous occasions, red-dyed eggs are passed out as auspicious gifts. They represent hope, happiness, and carrying on the family line by having babies.
Fish
Fish is eaten throughout the coastal areas as well as the inland parts of China. During festivals and celebrations, fish is an essential dish at family dinner table. Fish is so important in Chinese food culture is because it is considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
In Chinese, the pronunciation of fish, “yu”, sounds the same with the word for abundance, richness, or surpluses, and it is believed that eating fish will bring prosperity in the coming year. Therefore, in China, especially at banquets, it is customary to serve the entire fish, with the fish head pointing towards the honored guest. Fish if one of the indispensable courses of the Chinese New Year Feast.
Popular fish and shellfish include carp, grass carp, crucian, sea bass, squid, soft-shell turtle, crab, shrimp, prawn, scallops, oysters, etc.
The cooking of fish is a delicate matter. At many Chinese restaurants, a new cook is tested by cooking fish, and a restaurant is often known by the chef’s skill in cooking fish. The ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi even said "Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish."
Tofu (bean curd)
Tofu, or literally translated as bean curd, is a food of Chinese origin. It is made from soy milk, water and a curdling agent. The production of Tofu from soy milk is similar to that of cheese from milk. It is made by coagulating soy milk, then pressing the resulting curds into blocks.
Tofu contains little fat, and is high in protein, calcium and iron. Tofu itself has very little flavor or smell, but it has the ability to absorb new flavors through spices and marinades. Due to this quality and nutritional value, Tofu, a staple of Asian cuisines since ancient times, has recently become a popular material used in Western vegetarian dishes.
There is a wide variety of tofu, which can be split into two main categories: fresh tofu – produced directly from soy milk, and processed tofu – processed in some way from fresh tofu.
Meat and poultry
Chinese people basically eat all animals’ meat, such as pork, beef, mutton, chicken, duck, pigeon, as well as many others. Pork is the most commonly consumed meat, and it appears almost in every meal. It is so common that it can be used to mean both meat and pork.
Every part of the animal can be eaten, be it meat, skin, fat, blood, or entrails. People even joke that, speaking of pig’s meat, every part of the pig can be eaten, and nothing is wasted, except for the oink.
Chinese people rarely eat any raw meat. They prepare and cook meat in various ways. All meat can be boiled, stir-fried, stewed, roasted, poached, baked, or pickled, etc.
The most famous dish might be Beijing Roast Duck. It has been prepared since the imperial era, and is considered as one of China’s national foods. The duck is served with pancakes, cucumber, spring onions and hoisin sauce (seafood paste).
Soup
The history of soup might be as old as the history of cooking. Chinese soup has been an important part of Chinese food culture for a long time. It is considered to be one of the most nutritious and digestible food types.
Since in China, soups are eaten as one of the main dishes in a meal, particular attention is attached to the soups’ stocks. Meat, bones, eggs, marine products, vegetables, fruits, crops and edible fungus are used.
There is a wide variety of Chinese soup; however, it can be generally characterized into two main categories: Thin soups – made with clear broth and cooked quickly; thick soups – cooked more slowly with all the stocks added together at once, and often starches are added as a thickener near the end of the cooking process.
It’s an ancient tradition to treat a cold or fever with soup. In addition to its ability to comfort, it is believed that certain soups have healing powers. Many soups are consumed for their flavor, as well as for their restorative or invigorating effects. This is heavily linked with traditional Chinese medicine. There are varieties of such tonic soups, ranging from pungent to light, savory to sweet flavors.
Rice
Rice is the main accompaniment of Chinese people in everyday life. China is the world’s largest rice producer, and one of the earliest centres of rice farming. For thousands of years, the Chinese people cared for their crops and have cultivated their land in order to do so. The agricultural way of life, with rice as the center, has played an important role in China’s history. In the past, people held the belief that the precious things of life are the five grains with rice being number one, instead of pearls or jade.
The Chinese eat rice as Westerners do with bread. Rice is cooked by boiling or steaming, till it absorbs as much water as it can.
There is a vast collection of rice dishes in China. Among them, fried rice might be the most popular not only in China, but also around the world. Depending on the types and amount of added ingredients, such as beans, chopped meat, vegetables, eggs, etc., as well as different manners of preparation, there have developed endless variations of fried rice.
Rice may also be made into rice porridge (congee). When cooking porridge, the quantity of water is multiplied to make the rice saturated with water and become very soft and viscous. It is often served and eaten with pickles, bamboo shoots, salted duck eggs, pickled tofu and many other condiments. Besides a common food on the dining table, rice porridge can also serve as food therapy for the unwell by adding ingredients of therapeutic value.
Noodles
Noodles are a staple food in Chinese Cuisine with its long history and wide popularity. Noodles first appeared in the East Han Dynasty (between 25 and 220 AD). It became even more popular during the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279 AD). There are multiple recipes that vary, although they are quite simple. People can (according to their likes and tastes) add different ingredients and materials to make a great variety of noodles.
Chinese noodles vary in width. They can be thin as needles, or thick as chopsticks. However, when it comes to length, they are usually served long and uncut. This is because long noodles are a symbol of longevity in Chinese tradition. Thus, during birthday celebrations, people will serve “longevity noodles” in good hope for longevity.
There are many varying types of noodles according to local traditions. Among them, the most famous ones are soy bean paste noodles (or Zhajiang Mian) in Beijing, hand-pulled noodles (or Lamian) in Shaanxi Province, sliced noodles (or Daoxiao Mian) in Shanxi Province, dandan noodles (or dandan mian) in Sichuan Province. These are only some of the vast variety of noodles in China.
Noodles are a great accompaniment t many dishes like in soup. They can also be served hot or cold, boiled, steamed, stir-fried or deep-fried. Whichever way they are cooked/prepared, you’ll first need to, using chopsticks, stir the noodles till all the materials are evenly mingled before enjoying it. Noodles are an excellent food for the nutritionally-inclined, providing harmonious dietary balance. They are low in calories, and high in protein and carbohydrate.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a close second of the fundamental foods in Chinese cuisine next to rice.Chinese people are fond of vegetables, especially leafy greens, and eat many different kinds at almost every meal, sometimes preserve and eat them as snacks.
Many commonly used vegetables in Chinese meals are familiar to Westerners, such as cabbages, mushrooms, peas and beans, all leafy greens, chili peppers, onions, carrots, celery, broccoli, bamboo shoots , gourds, etc.
In China, the preference is to cook vegetables rather than eat them raw. Vegetables are cut into thin strips or small pieces, cooked with meat, tofu, fish, seafood or noodles. They can also be used in soups, braises, or as stuffing for dumplings, wontons, and steamed bums.
Besides, people like to make vegetables into pickles. A huge variety of pickled vegetables are made, such as cucumber, cabbage, turnip, chilli pepper, among many others. Pickles have a refreshing and savoury taste, so they are often served as appetizers in a meal.
Eggs
Chinese people consume a lot of eggs annually. People consume eggs laid by many different egg-laying birds; the most common ones are chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, and quails.
Food savvy Chinese people make lots of dishes out of eggs. The most unique and famous ones are probably the salted duck eggs and century eggs (preserved eggs), both are produced and eaten all over China.
Salted duck eggs are made of fresh duck eggs, by soaking in brine for about one month till the yolk becomes bright orange-red color, and the salty flavor is absorbed.
People make century eggs with duck, chicken or quail eggs. Eggs are soaked in a mixture of ash, salt, lime, clay and rice straw for several weeks or months, depending on different processing methods, till the white becomes a dark-brown transparent jelly, while the yolk becomes a cream-like, dark-green substance. The eggs smell a strong odor of sulphur and .
In Chinese, the pronunciation of egg, dan, sounds similar to dai, which means generation. Eggs represent rebirth and fertility in traditional view. When two people get married, when a baby is born, at the baby’s first-month birthday, and some other joyous occasions, red-dyed eggs are passed out as auspicious gifts. They represent hope, happiness, and carrying on the family line by having babies.
Fish
Fish is eaten throughout the coastal areas as well as the inland parts of China. During festivals and celebrations, fish is an essential dish at family dinner table. Fish is so important in Chinese food culture is because it is considered a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
In Chinese, the pronunciation of fish, “yu”, sounds the same with the word for abundance, richness, or surpluses, and it is believed that eating fish will bring prosperity in the coming year. Therefore, in China, especially at banquets, it is customary to serve the entire fish, with the fish head pointing towards the honored guest. Fish if one of the indispensable courses of the Chinese New Year Feast.
Popular fish and shellfish include carp, grass carp, crucian, sea bass, squid, soft-shell turtle, crab, shrimp, prawn, scallops, oysters, etc.
The cooking of fish is a delicate matter. At many Chinese restaurants, a new cook is tested by cooking fish, and a restaurant is often known by the chef’s skill in cooking fish. The ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi even said "Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish."
Tofu (bean curd)
Tofu, or literally translated as bean curd, is a food of Chinese origin. It is made from soy milk, water and a curdling agent. The production of Tofu from soy milk is similar to that of cheese from milk. It is made by coagulating soy milk, then pressing the resulting curds into blocks.
Tofu contains little fat, and is high in protein, calcium and iron. Tofu itself has very little flavor or smell, but it has the ability to absorb new flavors through spices and marinades. Due to this quality and nutritional value, Tofu, a staple of Asian cuisines since ancient times, has recently become a popular material used in Western vegetarian dishes.
There is a wide variety of tofu, which can be split into two main categories: fresh tofu – produced directly from soy milk, and processed tofu – processed in some way from fresh tofu.
Meat and poultry
Chinese people basically eat all animals’ meat, such as pork, beef, mutton, chicken, duck, pigeon, as well as many others. Pork is the most commonly consumed meat, and it appears almost in every meal. It is so common that it can be used to mean both meat and pork.
Every part of the animal can be eaten, be it meat, skin, fat, blood, or entrails. People even joke that, speaking of pig’s meat, every part of the pig can be eaten, and nothing is wasted, except for the oink.
Chinese people rarely eat any raw meat. They prepare and cook meat in various ways. All meat can be boiled, stir-fried, stewed, roasted, poached, baked, or pickled, etc.
The most famous dish might be Beijing Roast Duck. It has been prepared since the imperial era, and is considered as one of China’s national foods. The duck is served with pancakes, cucumber, spring onions and hoisin sauce (seafood paste).
Soup
The history of soup might be as old as the history of cooking. Chinese soup has been an important part of Chinese food culture for a long time. It is considered to be one of the most nutritious and digestible food types.
Since in China, soups are eaten as one of the main dishes in a meal, particular attention is attached to the soups’ stocks. Meat, bones, eggs, marine products, vegetables, fruits, crops and edible fungus are used.
There is a wide variety of Chinese soup; however, it can be generally characterized into two main categories: Thin soups – made with clear broth and cooked quickly; thick soups – cooked more slowly with all the stocks added together at once, and often starches are added as a thickener near the end of the cooking process.
It’s an ancient tradition to treat a cold or fever with soup. In addition to its ability to comfort, it is believed that certain soups have healing powers. Many soups are consumed for their flavor, as well as for their restorative or invigorating effects. This is heavily linked with traditional Chinese medicine. There are varieties of such tonic soups, ranging from pungent to light, savory to sweet flavors.
Inventions
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/5113840_orig.jpg)
China, having been one of the oldest civilisations in the world has created various inventions. Most commonly known inventions consist of paper making, gun powder, printing an the compass. These inventions have contributed to the modern world greatly.
Gunpowder
In the late 900s AD, China developed a substance that would later become a very powerful weapon. Gunpowder was first thought to have been used in alchemy and medicine. It was discovered that amounts of sulphur, charcoal and saltpetre could be combined to produce a powder, which when lit caused an explosion. Possibly one of the first military uses of gunpowder was the creation of a flare that guards could use to warn each other of an approaching attack.
It is thought that in around 1150 AD, the Chinese developed the idea of attaching gunpowder to the shaft of an arrow and setting fire to it. In doing so they developed a very powerful weapon. They attached a weight to the arrow and made it into a type of rocket. This arrow could then fly for about 335 metres. They further developed the technology and invented launchers that could fire up to 300 arrows at once.
Gunpowder
In the late 900s AD, China developed a substance that would later become a very powerful weapon. Gunpowder was first thought to have been used in alchemy and medicine. It was discovered that amounts of sulphur, charcoal and saltpetre could be combined to produce a powder, which when lit caused an explosion. Possibly one of the first military uses of gunpowder was the creation of a flare that guards could use to warn each other of an approaching attack.
It is thought that in around 1150 AD, the Chinese developed the idea of attaching gunpowder to the shaft of an arrow and setting fire to it. In doing so they developed a very powerful weapon. They attached a weight to the arrow and made it into a type of rocket. This arrow could then fly for about 335 metres. They further developed the technology and invented launchers that could fire up to 300 arrows at once.
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/6794765_orig.gif)
Magnetic Compass
The magnetic compass is an old Chinese inventions, first made in China during the Qin dynasty (221-206 B.C.). Chinese fortune tellers used lodestone (a mineral composed of an iron oxide which aligns itself in a north-south direction) to construct their fortune telling boards.
Eventually someone noticed that the lodestones were better at pointing out real directions, leading to the first compasses. They designed the compass on a square slab which had markings for the cardinal points and the constellations. The pointing needle was a lodestone spoon-shaped device, with a handle that would always point south.
Printing
Inspired by engraved name seals, Chinese people invented fixed-type engraved printing around 600 A.D. The skill played an important role in the Song Dynasty but its shortcomings were apparent. It was time-consuming to engrave a model, not easy to store, and not easy to revise errors.During the reign of Emperor Ren Zong of the Northern Song Dynasty, Bi Sheng invented moveable, reusable clay type after numerous tests. Single types were made and picked out for printing certain books. These types could be used again and again for different books. Because of the large number of different characters in the Chinese written language, this technique did not have a dramatic impact at the time. However, today, this typesetting technique is regarded as a revolution in the industry. About 200 years later, this moveable-type technique spread to other countries and advanced the development of world civilization.
The history of paper dates back almost 2,000 years to when inventors in China first crafted cloth sheets to record their drawings and writings. Before then, people communicated through pictures and symbols etched on stone, bones, cave walls, or clay tablets.
The magnetic compass is an old Chinese inventions, first made in China during the Qin dynasty (221-206 B.C.). Chinese fortune tellers used lodestone (a mineral composed of an iron oxide which aligns itself in a north-south direction) to construct their fortune telling boards.
Eventually someone noticed that the lodestones were better at pointing out real directions, leading to the first compasses. They designed the compass on a square slab which had markings for the cardinal points and the constellations. The pointing needle was a lodestone spoon-shaped device, with a handle that would always point south.
Printing
Inspired by engraved name seals, Chinese people invented fixed-type engraved printing around 600 A.D. The skill played an important role in the Song Dynasty but its shortcomings were apparent. It was time-consuming to engrave a model, not easy to store, and not easy to revise errors.During the reign of Emperor Ren Zong of the Northern Song Dynasty, Bi Sheng invented moveable, reusable clay type after numerous tests. Single types were made and picked out for printing certain books. These types could be used again and again for different books. Because of the large number of different characters in the Chinese written language, this technique did not have a dramatic impact at the time. However, today, this typesetting technique is regarded as a revolution in the industry. About 200 years later, this moveable-type technique spread to other countries and advanced the development of world civilization.
The history of paper dates back almost 2,000 years to when inventors in China first crafted cloth sheets to record their drawings and writings. Before then, people communicated through pictures and symbols etched on stone, bones, cave walls, or clay tablets.
![Picture](/uploads/4/0/9/8/40981309/2938312_orig.gif)
Paper
Paper as we know it today was first made in Lei-Yang, China by Ts'ai Lun, a Chinese court official. In all likelihood, Ts'ai mixed mulberry bark, hemp and rags with water, mashed it into pulp, pressed out the liquid, and hung the thin mat to dry in the sun. During the 8th century, Muslims (from the region that is now Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq) learned the Chinese secret of papermaking when they captured a Chinese paper mill. Later, when the Muslims invaded Europe, they brought this secret with them. The first paper mill was built in Spain, and soon, paper was being made at mills all across Europe. Over the next 800 years, paper was used for printing important books, bibles, and legal documents. England began making large supplies of paper in the late 15th century and supplied the colonies with paper for many years. Finally, in 1690, the first U.S. paper mill was built in Pennsylvania.
Paper as we know it today was first made in Lei-Yang, China by Ts'ai Lun, a Chinese court official. In all likelihood, Ts'ai mixed mulberry bark, hemp and rags with water, mashed it into pulp, pressed out the liquid, and hung the thin mat to dry in the sun. During the 8th century, Muslims (from the region that is now Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq) learned the Chinese secret of papermaking when they captured a Chinese paper mill. Later, when the Muslims invaded Europe, they brought this secret with them. The first paper mill was built in Spain, and soon, paper was being made at mills all across Europe. Over the next 800 years, paper was used for printing important books, bibles, and legal documents. England began making large supplies of paper in the late 15th century and supplied the colonies with paper for many years. Finally, in 1690, the first U.S. paper mill was built in Pennsylvania.