12 Fun Facts About China

Nestled in Sichuan Province, the Leshan Giant Buddha stands at an impressive 71 meters tall (with 5.5m long eyebrows!!). Carved between 713 and 803 AD, this monumental statue overlooks the joining of three rivers, symbolising protection against flooding. It’s said that the monks who built it even designed a drainage system to prevent water damage—talk about forward-thinking!

The Terracotta Army is one of the most incredible archaeological discoveries in history. It was built over 2,000 years ago to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Over 700,000 workers (including artists, labourers, and prisoners) are believed to have been involved in crafting this epic tomb complex, which took around 40 years to build.

China’s rich history is filled with remarkable inventions that have shaped the world. From the mighty compass and explosive gunpowder to transformative papermaking and printing, these discoveries showcase the nation’s long history of creativity and innovation. For instance, the tangram, a dissection puzzle consisting of seven flat shapes, originated during the Song dynasty and has puzzled and entertained people worldwide. Who knew playing with shapes could be such serious business?

Chinese calligraphy is more than just writing; it’s an expressive art form that emphasises movement and spirit. Practised for over two millennia, calligraphy requires discipline and creativity, making it a cornerstone of Chinese cultural identity.

As mentioned earlier, the Chinese invented paper – but they didn’t just use it for writing. Believe it or not, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AS), soldiers actually wore armour made from layered paper. The construction varied but generally, multiple sheets were stacked together to create a surprisingly sturdy, battle-ready garment. The paper armour continued to be used up until the late 19th century when the Hui people in Yunnan were still using armour made from 30-60 layers of bark paper, combined with silk and cotton. Practical, cost-effective and surprisingly good at stopping arrows and musket balls – who knew?

China’s calendar is filled with vibrant festivals that are an essential part of Chinese culture. On the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, people make offerings to their ancestors and wandering spirits, hoping to keep them happy and out of mischief. It is believed that the spirits of those who have passed away visit the living and the idea is to welcome them with offerings of food, incense, and ghost money. The ghost money will often be burned, believed to serve as currency for use in the afterlife, making sure they are comfortable and at peace, like sending a care package to the afterlife.

Spanning thousands of kilometres, the Great Wall of China is a monumental feat of engineering. Despite popular belief, the Great Wall isn’t a single continuous structure but a series of fortifications built over centuries. And no—it’s not actually visible from space. Originally constructed to protect against invasions, today it stands as a symbol of China’s resilience and historical depth. If only walls could talk, imagine the stories they’d tell!

Chopsticks have been a staple in China for around 5,000 years, but they weren’t the sleek utensils we know today. Early versions were likely just twigs, used to grab food from bubbling pots – simple but effective. The oldest known chopsticks were discovered in Henan province, showing that great inventions don’t always start with a grand design… sometimes, they just start with a couple of sticks!

Spanning over 40,000km, China’s high-speed rail network is the most extensive and heavily used rail system in the world. When combined with China’s entire rail system, you could loop around the earth four times…and they are still building more!

China may have been the birthplace of ice cream! Over 4,000 years ago, the Chinese enjoyed a frozen mixture of milk and rice packed in snow—an early version of the beloved dessert that would later spread to the West. So next time you’re tucking into a scoop, you might just have China to thank!

Beijing has long been known as the “Bicycle Capital of the World.” Even though cars are now more common, the city’s cycling culture remains strong, with dedicated bike lanes and thousands of rental bikes available for commuters and visitors.

In the Loess Plateau of northern China, millions of people have traditionally lived in unique cave dwellings known as yaodongs and believe it or not, many people still do. These ancient homes, carved straight into the soft, compacted soil, have been around for over 4,000 years. They have natural insulation, staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making them an ideal home, with some modern dwellings having the additions of electricity and running water.