China’s ancient history is rich and complex, filled with remarkable achievements, dark truths, and historical mysteries. Beyond the grandeur of the Forbidden City and the existence of the Xia Dynasty lie harsh realities that have shaped China’s civilization today. Below are some of the most harsh facts about ancient Chinese history that you won’t find in textbooks, from interesting, fun facts to unique laws and Emperors.
The Qianlong Emperor Was the ‘Worst Poet’
Chinese emperors often excelled in poetry and calligraphy, earning acclaim for their literary talents. However, the Qianlong Emperor is notorious for his poor poetry. Despite allegedly composing 43,000 poems, he is criticized for subpar writing, plagiarism, and using ghostwriters.
One of his poems about snow reads: “One piece, another piece, and another piece; Two pieces, three pieces, four, five pieces; Six pieces, seven pieces, eight, nine pieces; All fly into the flowering reeds and disappear.”
The Emperor Buried With Rivers Of Mercury
Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (259-210 BCE), constructed a grand tomb complex spanning 38 square miles. This tomb remains unopened due to the hazardous rivers of mercury surrounding it, making archaeological exploration unsafe.
Ancient historian Sima Qian described the tomb’s central chamber as floating on rivers of mercury, with a vaulted ceiling adorned with pearls and gems to mimic the night sky’s stars, moon, and sun. This vivid imagery highlights the tomb’s grandeur and mystical allure.
Tibet Once Ruled From Bangladesh to Mongolia
The Tibetan Empire, or Tubo (吐蕃), reached its zenith between 780 and 790, controlling lands from Kashmir to Chengdu as far north as Urumqi. During this period, the Chinese Tang Dynasty coexisted with the Tibetan Empire.
They engaged in various interactions, such as battles, embassies, marriage alliances, and cultural exchanges. This powerful empire’s influence extended across a vast region, showcasing its significant historical impact.
The ‘Lost Civilization’ in Sanxingdui, Sichuan
While legends about the Xia Dynasty remain unproven, the existence of the ancient Sanxingdui civilization in Sichuan is well-documented. In 1929, a farmer named Yan unearthed jade artifacts while digging a pond.
The site, fully excavated in 1986, revealed astonishing artifacts of remarkable artistry, including giant golden masks, a 1.8-meter-tall bronze figure, a massive bronze wheel, and a nearly 4-meter-tall bronze tree. Despite these discoveries, much about Sanxingdui’s culture remains a mystery.
China United With Other Influential Kingdoms
China is traditionally said to have had 10 prominent dynasties, but in reality, many were just one of numerous kingdoms. Multiple kingdoms, states, and empires often coexisted simultaneously, creating a complex and diverse political landscape throughout the country’s history.
Additionally, various Central Asian states, such as the Xiongnu, Tibetan Empire, Zunghars, Mongols, and Manchus, existed alongside the Chinese dynasties. This complex political landscape highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of ancient Chinese and Central Asian history.
The Xia Dynasty’s Existence Is Highly Debated
The Xia Dynasty, traditionally considered China’s first dynasty, was succeeded by the Shang and Zhou dynasties. However, concrete archaeological evidence for the Xia’s existence is sparse. Some scholars suggest the Shang invented the Xia, while others believe contemporaneous people did not form a formal dynasty.
Evidence includes geological signs of a flood linked to the Xia’s founding and bronze artifacts from their supposed homeland. However, it remains unclear if these people identified their kingdom as the Xia, leaving questions about their self-perception and historical identity unanswered.
Merchants Were in the Lowest Social Class
In ancient China, merchants and traders could amass significant wealth, yet they were considered among the lowest social classes in the Confucian hierarchy. Despite their financial success, they ranked below farmers and peasants.
This low status was due to Confucian values prioritizing agricultural and manual labor over commerce, viewing merchants as profit-driven and less virtuous. Consequently, despite their riches, merchants were often looked down upon in society and regarded with suspicion and disdain.
Estimated to Be Inhabited From 1.7 Million Years Ago
The region now known as China has been inhabited for at least 1.7 million years. This is evidenced by the discovery of two human teeth and stone tools at a site in Yuanmou, Yunnan Province, dating back to that period, highlighting the area’s ancient human presence.
These findings provide concrete proof of early human presence in the area, marking an essential chapter in the prehistoric timeline of human evolution. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient human activities but also highlights the significance of this region in our evolutionary history.
Most Men in the Forbidden City Were Eunuchs
In the Forbidden City, most men were eunuchs, castrated either as punishment, due to poverty, coercion, or by choice. Emperors used eunuchs as servants, spies, and workers in the harem, a practice dating back to the Han Dynasty and continuing for centuries.
Castration prevented eunuchs from impregnating women, thereby reducing threats to the emperor’s bloodline. Additionally, eunuchs were physically weaker, lacked beards, and had higher-pitched voices, making them seem less threatening and more controllable. This combination of factors made them ideal servants in the imperial court.
Trade by Sea Was Illegal in China
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, China implemented Hăijìn (海禁) or “sea ban” policies to curb foreign influence and combat piracy. These isolationist measures aimed to protect national interests but were largely unpopular and ineffective. The bans increased smuggling and corruption along the southern coast in the Ming era.
The Qing Dynasty enforced these policies more rigorously, restricting foreign trade to Macau and displacing coastal populations. These bans were lifted in 1683, leaving areas like Hong Kong and Shenzhen desolate and significantly impacting these regions’ economic and social landscape.
Learned Human Anatomy Before Europeans
In 1628, English physician William Harvey revolutionized European medicine by describing blood circulation. However, Chinese scientists had already understood this concept by the second century BCE, demonstrating their advanced knowledge and contributing significantly to the global understanding of human physiology long before Harvey’s discovery.
Ancient Chinese texts detailed the continuous flow of blood in a circular path and likened the heart to a “bellows” that pumps blood throughout the body. This knowledge, documented over 1,400 years before Harvey’s discovery, highlights ancient China’s advanced understanding of human anatomy.
Hangzhou Was the Most Favorable Medieval City
When Marco Polo visited China between 1271 and 1292, he described Hangzhou as “the greatest city which may be found in this world.” Similarly, Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta, who visited in the 1300s, was awestruck by its grandeur, calling Hangzhou “the biggest city I have ever seen on the face of the earth.”
Both travelers were captivated by Hangzhou’s beauty and scale, emphasizing its status as the most magnificent medieval city. Their accounts highlight the city’s stunning landscapes and grand architecture and its cultural and economic significance during that period.
The ‘Queue’ Hairstyle Was a Strict Law
When the Manchus overthrew the Ming Dynasty and founded the Qing Dynasty, they mandated the “queue” hairstyle for all Chinese men. This distinctive style featured a shaved forehead with a long braid down the back, symbolizing loyalty to the new regime and a significant cultural shift.
It was illegal to cut off the queue or wear any other hairstyle, making the queue a symbol of loyalty to the Qing rulers. Removing the queue was considered an act of rebellion against the government, reflecting the strict enforcement of this law.
Provinces in Ancient Maps
Ancient maps of China featured many provinces that no longer exist today. For instance, Zhili Province, now Hebei, was created by the Ming Dynasty and dissolved by the Republic of China. Ü-Tsang, which corresponds to modern Tibet, existed during the Ming era.
Zhengdong, covering today’s Korean peninsula, was a semi-independent province under the Yuan Dynasty. Jiaozhi, located in northern Vietnam, was briefly administered by the Ming. Rehe, split among several modern regions, remained a Qing Dynasty province until 1955, reflecting the dynamic historical changes in these areas.
The ‘Silk Road’ Is Not a Real Road
Contrary to popular belief, the “Silk Road” is not an actual road but a term coined by a German mapmaker in 1877 to describe the network of trade routes connecting China with other ancient kingdoms. This term was only translated into Chinese in the 1930s.
The Silk Road facilitated the exchange of various goods, including horses, fabrics, food, seeds, technologies, religion, and handicrafts. During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese envoy discovered pre-existing trade networks while gathering military intelligence, not establishing a trade route.
Beijing Was Called the Purple Forbidden City
In the early 15th century, the Yongle Emperor moved the imperial capital from Nanjing to Beijing, 550 miles northwest. This new Ming capital, adjacent to the old Yuan dynasty city of Dadu, was encircled by a 15-mile-long, 40-foot-high wall. At its heart lay the imperial palace, with nearly 10,000 rooms accessible only with the emperor’s permission.
Known as the Forbidden City, its Chinese name “Zijin Cheng” or “Purple Forbidden City” references the purplish constellation surrounding the North Star. This name symbolizes the emperor’s celestial aspirations and connection to the heavens, emphasizing the divine nature of his rule.
China First Introduced the Bicycle in the 1800s
In the late Qing dynasty of the 19th century, bicycles were introduced to China as luxury items. Initially, only the wealthy could afford them. Today, China has become the world’s leading bicycle producer. Additionally, the bicycle-sharing industry has grown significantly, making cycling more accessible and convenient for the public.
This evolution from a luxury to a common mode of transportation highlights China’s dynamic economic and technological advancements. It underscores the nation’s rapid progress in making advanced technologies accessible to the general population, reflecting significant strides in technological innovation.
The Great Wall of China Developed in the Ming Dynasty
The Great Wall of China, originally built in the 7th century B.C. to fend off northern invaders, saw significant development during the Ming Dynasty. Between 204 and 201 B.C., an earthen wall was constructed by conscripted labor, marking an early phase in its extensive history.
In response to northern threats in the late 1500s, the Ming emperors initiated an 80-year project to rebuild the wall using local granite, limestone, and clay bricks reinforced with sticky rice. This enhanced wall, featuring watchtowers, barracks, and storehouses, stretched from the Bohai Sea to Jiayu Pass.
Education Was the Only Way to Success
In ancient China, education was considered the key to success. Boys from affluent families attended school from a young age. Passing exams and becoming scholars granted them government stipends and tax exemptions for their families, elevating their social status and securing their future prosperity.
Top scorers in imperial examinations secured prestigious government positions. While girls had access to education, it was limited to basic knowledge and female virtues, and they were rarely allowed to participate in government exams. This system emphasized the importance of education for social mobility.
Ming Dynasty-Painted Porcelain Became a Global Trend
In Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, skilled potters used local clay and Persian cobalt to craft highly sought-after Ming Dynasty porcelain. Traditional designs, like the dragon-cloud motif, were created for export to the Arab world and Europe. In 1497, King Manuel I of Portugal tasked Vasco da Gama with bringing back spices and porcelain from China.
Despite losing half his crew, da Gama returned with precious chinaware. The collapse of the Ming Dynasty disrupted these exports, prompting the creation of Delftware in Holland. This shift marked a significant moment in European ceramics, blending Eastern artistry with Western innovation.
The Final Ming Emperor Was Taken Down by a Postal Worker
By the early 17th century, the Ming Dynasty faced significant threats from the Manchus in Manchuria. To fund military defenses, the government raised taxes, neglecting other regions. Li Zicheng, a postal worker from Xian, lost his job and joined bandits, eventually leading a peasant rebellion.
In 1644, his forces captured Beijing, leading to the hanging of the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen. Ironically, this victory led Ming general Wu Sangui to ally with the Manchus, who overthrew the rebels and established the Qing Dynasty.
Foot-Binding Meant Changing the Shape of Girls’ Feet
Foot-binding, a practice that began during the Northern Song period (960–1127) and became widespread in the Southern Song period (1127–1279), involved curling young girls’ feet to alter their shape. This painful tradition aimed to create tiny, delicate feet, which were considered a mark of beauty and status.
The process often started in early childhood, leading to lifelong deformities. Despite its prevalence, foot-binding had severe physical consequences, including pain and limited mobility. This practice was eventually banned in the early 20th century, marking a significant shift towards modernizing societal norms and improving women’s health.
Paper Was Invented in China
Paper was invented in China during the Eastern Han Dynasty, around 105 CE, by Cai Lun. Before this groundbreaking innovation, the Chinese wrote on materials such as tree bark, scrolls, cloth, bronze ware, and bamboo, which were less efficient and more cumbersome.
Cai Lun’s papermaking process, which used plant fibers, rags, and other materials, revolutionized writing by providing a cheaper and more convenient medium. This invention significantly contributed to the spread of literature and literacy, marking a pivotal advancement in Chinese history.
Eunuchs Were Servants For Emperors
In ancient China, eunuchs served emperors, particularly in palaces with numerous concubines. Only the imperial family employed eunuchs. Boys or men from impoverished families often castrated themselves to secure palace jobs, hoping to escape poverty and gain a stable livelihood.
Some eunuchs gained significant influence by earning the emperor’s trust, even controlling court affairs. This practice highlights the lengths to which individuals went to improve their social standing and the unique power dynamics within the imperial court.
