Investigating the Inventions of Ancient China

The ancient Chinese civilization has been widely praised for its contributions to mankind, such as the invention of gunpowder, the compass, and perhaps most notably, paper. This historic feat paved the way for further advancements in China, such as printing and mass communication. But what other inventions did Ancient China have that have often been overlooked?

From its earliest days, Ancient Chinese civilization had a foothold in the worlds of automation and robotics, with some of its inventors being credited with creating the world’s first automatic machine powered by reciprocating motion. But since ancient times, what else has the Middle Kingdom figured out in terms of inventions?
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In addition to the ancient Chinese inventions mentioned above, here are some more deeper looks into some of the most interesting items in the Chinese arsenal:

Kite Flying

Long before the invention of the airplane, Ancient China was already the master of the skies by flying kites! With special regard to the Chinese, they were the first to develop lightweight materials that were able to soar in the air for extended periods of time, creating a precursor to wind turbines. Furthermore, these kites were also used for military reconnaissance to scout for enemy positions.

Acupuncture

The ancient Chinese were also the inventors of the practice of acupuncture. While originally meant to relieve bodily pain by treating certain points in the body with a needle, the ancient Chinese also experimented with acupuncture as a medical treatment. Evidence suggests that acupuncture was used to “cure” a wide array of medical ailments, ranging from malaria to eye problems, heart problems, and even infertility.

Rice Farming

Aside from their military technological advances, the ancient Chinese were also pioneers in the area of agriculture. They are famed for their sophisticated implementation of rice cultivation, which allowed them to greatly increase the productivity of their land. This farming method would later become the basis of farming operations throughout Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Silk

Perhaps one of the most acclaimed ancient Chinese inventions is that of silk. This extraterrestrial fabric has been used for everything from clothing to art, and is also famous for inspiring trade routes that connected the Far East to the West. China was the sole producer of silk for thousands of years before its production spread to the Middle East and all other parts of the world.

Numerals and Calendars

Last but not least, the ancient Chinese are credited with inventing the numerical system, which we now commonly refer to as the Arabic Numerals. Their invention allowed for the creation of calendars, which in turn enabled civilizations to better monitor their environment and plan for future events.

It’s not hard to see why Ancient China is celebrated as one of the most significant figures in the history of human advancement. We still use many of the inventions crafted by early Chinese minds in the present day, while simultaneously advancing our understanding of the world around us.
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