Learn about Chinese inventions and achievements.
Chinese Inventions
Many things were invented by the Chinese.
Like most Chinese, the Chinese in Sichuan Province are proud of Chinese inventions.
Four great inventions stand out:
- Compass
This was a magnetic device floating in a bowl of water. It was developed in the Song Dynasty in about 1040 AD.
- Gunpowder
Invented by Chinese alchemists in the 9th century.
Used for fireworks and crude weapons such as incendiary bombs.
- Paper
The Egyptians invented papyrus but the Chinese invented the modern form of paper in about 105 AD.
Initially used for wrapping.
Used for writing in the 3rd century.
Used as toilet paper in the 6th century!
Paper bank notes issued in the Song Dynasty.
- Printing
Wood block printing (paper pressed on wooden blocks with text and pictures) from about 868 AD.
Several other inventions are attributed to the Chinese including football (soccer) and ice cream!
Chinese Achievements
The Chinese are known for significant achievements throughout their history.
The Great Wall of China
North of Sichuan is the Great Wall of China which is one of the great wonders of the world.
Building of the Great Wall started with the first Emperor Qin before 200 BC. It kept out the invaders from the north of China.
 While you are in Sichuan it would be a great shame if you did not see the Great Wall of China.
It is simply awe inspiring. The best place to see it is in the mountains near Beijing. It is in a very scenic area.
Chengdu and Chongqing airports have frequent flights to Beijing.
Catch a plane from Chengdu or Chongqing to Beijing and visit this truly magnificent wonder.
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is a water way that was built from Beijing to Hangzhou.
It was started in the 5th century BC. It was used as a trading route. It is over 1700 kilometres long.
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System was built over 2000 years ago.
It can be seen near Chengdu.
 This irrigation system diverts water from its natural course onto the Chengdu plains.
It is still in use today - providing water for the farmers of the Chengdu plains and diverting water in times of flood.
It was the forerunner of irrigation schemes to come.
Today, the Chinese are still undertaking significant engineering feats. The Three Gorges Dam downstream from Chongqing is a gigantic system controlling the waters of one of the major rivers of the world - the might Yangtze.
China, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has indeed given us major inventions and achievements.
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