27 Interesting Facts About China You Never Knew

1. China is the World’s Most Populous Nation.

China remains the world’s most populous country, with a population that is projected to exceed 1.408 billion by 2025. This massive population presents both challenges and opportunities for the country, especially in areas such as urbanization, labor, and healthcare.

Despite efforts to control population growth, China continues to grapple with demographic shifts, including an aging population and declining birth rates, which are expected to impact its future.

2. The Secrets Behind the Great Wall of China.

The Great Wall of China, spanning over 13,000 miles, is a symbol of China’s strength and determination. Built to protect the country from invasions, the wall dates back to the 7th century BCE and was extended over time by different dynasties.

While the wall’s primary purpose was defense, it also played a role in controlling immigration and trade. Its colossal size and historical significance make it one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.

3. Tea was First Discovered in China.

Tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 BCE when a leaf from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. Intrigued by the flavor, he realized that the brew had health benefits.

Tea quickly became a staple in Chinese culture, spreading across the world and becoming one of the most widely consumed beverages globally. Today, it holds cultural significance in many countries, especially China, where it plays a role in daily life and rituals. This is one of those fun facts about China!

4. Inside the Forbidden City and China’s Imperial Legacy.

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The Forbidden City in Beijing is a sprawling palace complex that once housed China’s emperors and their families. This iconic landmark is a symbol of Chinese imperial power, with its intricate architecture and historical significance.

Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s royal past and the opulence that defined the imperial era.

5. White Represents Death in China While Red Brings Wedding Luck.

For over 650 years, as part of Chinese wedding traditions since the Ming Dynasty, brides have worn red dresses like Qun Kwa or cheongsam to symbolize the happiness of marriage.

In contrast, during Chinese funerals, subdued colors and a white banner reflect mourning throughout the seven days.

This dual use of red in weddings and white in funerals highlights the nuanced symbolism attached to colors in various Chinese life events.

6. Chinese New Year Begins On The First Day Of The Lunar New Year. 

Chinese New Year is celebrated by over 1 billion people each year, and it is a 15-day festival that celebrates the beginning of spring.

During this time, families gather to enjoy traditional foods and activities and give blessings to each other for good luck in the coming year.

7. The Surprising Reason Behind China’s Single Time Zone.

Despite spanning five geographical time zones, China officially uses just one: Beijing time. This decision, made in the mid-20th century, was intended to unify the country and strengthen central control.

The result is that regions in the west, such as Xinjiang, experience daylight much later in the day than most of the country. Nevertheless, the single time zone is a reflection of China’s emphasis on national unity and efficiency.

8. The Leshan Giant Buddha took 90 years to complete.

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Carved over 90 years, the Leshan Giant Buddha, standing at 71 meters, holds the title of the world’s tallest Buddha sculpture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

With intricate details like a wooden ear, 1,021 hair buns, and a closed chest hole housing a Song Dynasty stele, the statue, initiated by monk Hai Tong, symbolizes compassion for local safety near converging rivers and exhibits a unique emotional expression.

9. Fortune Cookies are Actually an American Invention.

While many associate fortune cookies with Chinese culture, they were actually invented in California. In the early 20th century, Japanese immigrants in the United States were credited with creating the iconic cookie that would later be linked to Chinese restaurants worldwide.

Fortune cookies became a staple at Chinese-American eateries, adding a fun and mystical twist to dining. Today, they are a global symbol of Chinese culture, even though their origins are far from China.

10. The number four is considered unlucky in Chinese culture.

In Chinese culture, the number four is deemed unlucky due to its phonetic similarity to the word for death. This belief extends to architecture, where Chinese buildings commonly omit the fourth floor.

The aversion to the number four also extends to license plates, with Chinese drivers actively avoiding plates ending in four as a cultural practice rooted in avoiding associations with death.

11. China’s Bronze Age and Its Lasting Influence.

The Bronze Age in China marked the beginning of early Chinese civilization, laying the groundwork for the country’s advancements in art, technology, and governance. The Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) is especially notable for its achievements in bronze casting, which played a key role in religious rituals and the creation of weapons.

These innovations in metallurgy had a profound influence on Chinese society, contributing to the development of urbanization, communication, and trade that would define ancient China for centuries.

12. The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers as the Core of China’s Ancient and Modern Civilization.

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The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers are two of China’s most important waterways, providing water for agriculture, transportation, and industry. These rivers have been central to China’s development from ancient times to the present day.

Their significance is not only practical but also cultural, as both rivers are deeply embedded in Chinese mythology, literature, and history.

13. Great Wall Stones Bound with Edible Sticky Rice Mortar.

The Great Wall’s stones were bound together using mortar made from sticky rice, a surprisingly ingenious choice by ancient Chinese builders.

Beyond its structural utility, this adhesive material showcased resourcefulness and durability, contributing to the wall’s stability.

14. China is the World’s Second Largest Economy.

The world’s second-largest economy is China. This booming Nation has been making great strides in recent years, and its citizens are enjoying a higher standard of living as a result.

It is projected to be the largest economy by 2030.

15. China’s Unique Role as the Empire of Pigs and Its Cultural Significance.

The “Empire of Pigs” is a term used to highlight China’s deep cultural connection to pigs, which are considered a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and abundance in Chinese culture. Pigs also play an important role in Chinese cuisine, where pork is a central ingredient in many traditional dishes.

The pig’s significance is especially evident during the Chinese Zodiac, where every 12th year is associated with the Pig, marking it as a time for good fortune and prosperity.

16. Shanghai is the Most Populous City in China.

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Shanghai is the most populous city in China. With over 24 million people, it is one of the most populous cities in the world. Shanghai is a major financial and cultural center of China.

It is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and has a rich history dating back centuries.

17. China’s Four Great Inventions Changed the World.

China is credited with four major inventions that revolutionized the world: paper, gunpowder, the compass, and printing. These innovations dramatically impacted global culture, exploration, and warfare.

The invention of paper led to the spread of knowledge through books, while the compass allowed for navigational advances, helping explorers reach new lands. Gunpowder revolutionized military combat, and printing made literature and education more accessible to the masses. These cool things in China truly shaped the modern world.

18. The Chinese government has a ‘One Child Policy’ policy.

As part of learning interesting facts about China, it’s worth noting that the Chinese government implemented the ‘One Child Policy’ in 1978 as a means to control population growth.

The policy dictates that each couple is only allowed to have one child.

19. China’s Military Might and Its Global Impact.

China boasts the largest military in the world, with over 2 million active-duty soldiers. Its growing defense capabilities have made China a key player in global security, both regionally and internationally.

The Chinese military is a powerful force, and its increasing investment in advanced technology and strategic military operations has raised its global influence.

20. Buddhism is the Largest Religion in China.

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Buddhism has a long and rich history in China, dating back to the Han dynasty. Monks and nuns are important in Chinese Buddhism, with over 13,000 temples throughout the country.

21. Beijing was the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympic Games. It was the first time the Olympic Games had been held in China. Nearly 10,500 athletes from 204 nations participated in the games held from August 8 to August 24, 2008.

22. The Tallest Building in the Second World, Shanghai Tower, is in China.

The Shanghai Tower is 632 meters high, and it has 121 floors. It was completed in 2015, costing around 2.4 billion US dollars to build.

23. The Multi-Religious Society of China.

China is home to a rich tapestry of religious traditions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity. These faiths coexist in a unique spiritual environment, each contributing to the cultural fabric of the nation.

Religious practices in China are diverse, ranging from ancestral worship to meditation, and they influence everything from daily rituals to major holidays, such as the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

24. Lhotse, the Fourth Highest Mountain, Lies on the Border of China and Nepal.

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The mountain is part of the Himalayas and is located on the border of Nepal and China. The mountain is 8,516 meters high and is a popular destination for climbers.

25. China used more cement between 2011 and 2013 than the USA used in the entire 20th century.

From 2011 to 2013, as the United States Geological Survey reported, China’s colossal consumption of 6.5 gigatons of cement surpassed all usage by the United States in the 20th century.

This astonishing figure underscores China’s unparalleled urbanization and rapid economic growth during this period. Extensive infrastructure projects, city expansions, and economic development initiatives drove the demand for cement.

26. China’s GDP is 18% of the World’s Total GDP and is the Largest in the World.

China’s GDP is 18% of the world’s total GDP. That means that China contributes a little more than one-fifth of the world’s total economic output. That’s pretty impressive.

27. Mandarin is the World’s Second Most Spoken Language.

Mandarin Chinese is the second most spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion native speakers. The language’s influence extends beyond China, with Mandarin being an essential tool for global business and diplomacy. As China’s influence on the global stage continues to grow, so does the significance of Mandarin Chinese.

Being the language of one of the second world’s largest economies, Mandarin offers numerous opportunities for international communication and trade. Learning Mandarin opens doors to cultural exchange, global collaboration, and a deeper understanding of Chinese facts and traditions.

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