For centuries, China has captivated the curiosity of the world with its immovable stance in the annals of history. As a great civilization, it has bequeathed the world its timeless culture and its very foundations of modern society. Its ancient dynasties have continued to weigh heavily in the cultural and political conversations of our modern world. In continuing to explore this fascinating civilization, let us take a journey to discover what ancient China has to offer and how it continues to shape us today.
1. Uncovering the Secrets of Ancient China
Millennia of history lie buried beneath the soil of China, waiting to be discovered.
- The great temples of Angkor Wat, a testament to the magnificence of the ancient Khmer civilization.
- The Terracotta Army, cast in iron as a symbol of the strength of the first Emperor of China.
These mysteries of the past are slowly being revealed to us by modern archaeology. Our knowledge of Chinese history and ancient culture is constantly being enhanced by research into these forgotten places.
Archaeological remains provide clues to the life and customs of China long before written records were kept. Through the debris of past civilizations, we can glimpse into the traditions, values, and beliefs of these ancient people.
- The shoes, coins, and tools of daily life.
- Artworks, musical instruments, and religious artifacts.
- Ancient burial sites.
These relics are not just a source of fascination and curiosity, they can also help us answer profound questions about Chinese history and our place in the world.
2. Defining the Dynasties of Ancient China
Studying the ancient dynasties of China is an important part in understanding the country’s history. In the broadest sense, ancient China is divided into the Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, each lasting anywhere between a few decades to a few centuries. Here’s a look at each of them.
Shang Dynasty (1766–1050 BCE)
The Shang Dynasty was the earliest recorded dynasty of China, and some consider it the prelude of the East Asian civilization. With beautiful ritual artifacts like bronze vessels and pottery, as well as famous oracle bones which are thought to be oracular markings used for divination, this is a dynasty to be remembered.
Zhou Dynasty (1050–256 BCE)
Considered the longest lasting dynasty of Ancient China, the Zhou Dynasty was marked by its success in the practice of feudalism. This allowed the Emperor to have exclusive access to natural resources, while the local rulers kept their autonomy. It remains today as the Chinese imperial system’s earliest reference.
Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE)
The Qin Dynasty rose to power quickly and is considered the first unified Chinese empire. Notable achievements include;
- Building roads and canals to improve transportation
- Standardized the weights, measures, coinage and written language
- Established legalism, a strict and severe form of government
Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE)
The Han Dynasty is remembered for its wide range of scientific and cultural advances, including paper, silk, and dentistry. Its legacy is essential to the further development of Chinese culture, as this was the period of written language and political stability.
3. Discovering the Traditions of Chinese Culture
From the outskirts of Hong Kong to the bustling city of Shanghai, Chinese culture is renowned for its forward thinking and passion for embracing the past. With a rich history spanning centuries, the Chinese culture is diverse and complex, with many unique traditions that shape the lives of its people.
Religious Practices
- Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese folk religion are some of the main religions practiced in China.
- Chinese Buddhism is rich in customs and institutions, such as meditation, chanting, and alms-giving.
- Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system founded by Confucius, focusing on creating harmonious relationships between individuals and society.
Festivals and Celebrations
- Festivals take place throughout the year, with some major festivals being Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Chinese New Year is the most important festival, typically celebrated between late January and early February, and marks the beginning of the lunar new year.
- The Dragon Boat Festival involves dragon boat races and eating zongzi, a type of pyramid-shaped dumpling with a sticky rice and meat filling.
Cuisine
- China is famously renowned for its vibrant cuisine, with flavors and cooking techniques that vary from region to region.
- Rich, spicy, and aromatic dishes are preferred, often using local ingredients.
- Popular dishes include Peking duck, mapo tofu, dumplings, and street-style snacks like hot-and-sour soup.
4. Exploring the Ancient Landmarks of China
China has been blessed with spectacular displays of its ancient history, witnessed by the numerous monuments and landmarks in the country. For any traveler who ventures to China, simply taking a look at the ancient shrines, relics, pagodas, temples, and more will bring a flood of inspiration.
The Great Wall of China
- The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure ever built, stretching upwards of 13,000 miles.
- The Great Wall started construction in the 7th century BC and has been a beautiful display of Chinese engineering ever since.
- The wall is best visited at the famous Badaling section.
The Forbidden City
- The Forbidden City is a royal palace built in the 14th century by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
- The Forbidden City is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, being the largest palace complex in the world.
- The Forbidden City is located in the heart of Beijing and relies on Chinese architecture and design to inspire its visitors.
The Temple of Heaven
- The Temple of Heaven was also built in the 14th century and is located in southern Beijing.
- The Temple of Heaven is a collection of buildings, with the most important being a circular sacred altar built on three levels of marble terraces.
- The Temple of Heaven is an iconic site of Chinese culture, surrounded by a stunning garden meticulously cared for.
5. Revisiting the Rich History of Ancient China
Ancient China is often depicted as an ancient civilization of secrets, inventions, and mystery. But the rich history of the country, spanning thousand of years, includes much more than that.
Confucianism and Taoism – Two of the most influential philosophical and religious concepts in the country, Confucianism and Taoism are embedded in Chinese culture. Both Confucianism and Taoism were essential in the development of Chinese society, and they each employed unique principles and ideas. Confucianism focused heavily on maintaining good relations between society, while Taoism stressed the importance of harmony in natural life.
Writing – During the Shang dynasty, the first ever script was developed in the region. Called Oracle Bone Script, it was the earliest form of Chinese writing. Over the centuries, this first script went through various changes and eventually evolved into the popular modern writing in Simplified Chinese, which is still used today.
Inventions and Techniques – Ancient China is renowned for its important accomplishments and inventions. It is home to the four great inventions of ancient times – compass, gunpowder, paper and printing. These inventions have influenced societies around the world. The country’s citizens also discovered several cultivation techniques, such as deep plowing and crop rotation, which increased the fertility and productivity of croplands.
- Spreads of new religions and philosophies.
- Creation of the first script language.
- Inventions with global impact.
- Techniques for agriculture.
Unravelling the mysteries of Ancient China is one of the most amazing journeys one can take through time. From the grandeur of imperial dynasties to its unique cultural landscapes, Ancient China holds a diversity of experiences that has captivated generations. By learning more about its deep-rooted customs and practices, we can gain better insight into some of the advanced civilizations of the past and find a new appreciation for its richness and complexity.
