Som
e lesser-known facts about China
China is a country rich in culture and history. From being the birthplace of some of the world's greatest inventions to having the world's largest population, China never fails to amaze us. Despite all of this, there are still some lesser-known facts about China that not many people are aware of. Here are a few:
1. China was the first country to invent paper.
Paper, which we often take for granted, was invented in China over 2,000 years ago. Cai Lun, a court official during the Han Dynasty, is credited with inventing paper in 105 AD. Before this, people used papyrus, silk, and bamboo slips to write on.
2. The Great Wall of China is not visible from space.
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. It is barely visible from low Earth orbit and can only be seen with the help of powerful telescopes.
3. China is home to the world's oldest calendar.
The Chinese calendar dates back to 2600 BC and is based on the cycles of the moon. It is older than the Roman calendar, which was introduced in 753 BC.
4. China has the world's largest population of Internet users.
There are over 900 million Internet users in China, making it the country with the largest number of Internet users in the world. This number is more than double the entire population of the United States.
5. The world's largest building is located in China.
The New Century Global Centre, located in Chengdu, China, is the world's largest building in terms of floor space. It covers an area of 1.7 million square meters, which is equivalent to 246 soccer fields.
6. China has the longest canal in the world.
The Grand Canal in China is the longest canal in the world, stretching for over 1,100 miles. It was built over 2,300 years ago and continues to be used for transportation today.
7. Ancient Chinese soldiers wore armor made of paper.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Chinese soldiers wore armor made from layers of paper glued together. This paper armor was cheap and lightweight, making it an affordable option for the poor soldiers.
8. China produces the most garlic in the world.
China is the world's largest producer of garlic, accounting for over 80% of the world's total production. Garlic is an important ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it is used in a variety of dishes.
9. China is home to the world's second-tallest skyscraper.
The Shanghai Tower, located in Shanghai, China, is the second-tallest skyscraper in the world, standing at 2,073 feet tall. It took seven years to complete and was opened to the public in 2015.
10 The world's first movable type printing press was invented in China.
Bi Sheng, a Chinese inventor, invented the world's first movable type printing press around the year 1040. This printing press revolutionized the printing industry and later spread to Europe.
In conclusion, China is a country with a rich and diverse history. These lesser-known facts show just how much there is to learn about the country, and there are undoubtedly many more fascinating facts waiting to be discovered.