Chinese Culture

China is a huge country in East Asia with one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Chinese culture goes back over 5,000 years. It has given the world many inventions, beautiful art, and important ideas. Today, Chinese culture influences people all around the globe.

Inventions and Art

The Chinese invented paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass. These are called the Four Great Inventions. Chinese calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing with a brush, is admired worldwide. Chinese painting often shows mountains, rivers, and nature. Silk was first made in China thousands of years ago and was a closely guarded secret.

Festivals and Food

Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in China. Families gather for a big feast and watch dragon and lion dances. Red decorations and firecrackers are everywhere because red means good luck. Chinese food is famous worldwide, with dishes like dumplings, noodles, and stir-fry. Each region of China has its own special flavors.

Fun Facts

• The Chinese New Year celebration lasts 15 days and ends with the Lantern Festival.
• Fortune cookies were actually invented in the United States, not China!
• China's Great Wall is so long that it would take about 18 months to walk its entire length.

Did You Know?

The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals, and each year is named after one of them. The animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig!