Eastern Asia, a vast and diverse region, has a long and fascinating history that has had a profound impact on the world. This region, which includes countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia, has been the cradle of some of the world’s oldest and most influential civilizations.

China

China has a continuous history spanning over 5,000 years. The Chinese civilization is renowned for its contributions to science, technology, philosophy, and the arts. From the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties to the Qin, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties, China has experienced periods of remarkable cultural and political achievements.

China’s Four Great Inventions

1. Printing:

• The invention of woodblock printing and movable type printing in China happened long before the development of the Gutenberg printing press in Europe.
• Bi Sheng’s development of movable clay type printing in the 11th century CE is considered a pioneering innovation in printing technology.
• The widespread use of printing in China led to the increased dissemination of knowledge and the preservation of ancient texts and literature.

With the advanced printing method, Chinese scholars began expressing their views and ideas about their lives and the dynasty. As a result, myriad poems and poets appeared in the middle of Song Dynasty, including Su Shi, Lu You, and Xin Qiji. That people now can read the masterpieces from these renowned poets should be largely ascribed to the appearance of both printing and groundbreaking paper-making technologies.

2. Paper-making:

• Paper-making techniques were invented in China during the 2nd century CE, which revolutionized the storage and transmission of information.
• The development of paper-making processes, including the use of bamboo, rags, and other materials, allowed for the mass production of a more durable and affordable writing medium.
• The widespread use of paper in China facilitated the growth of literature, record-keeping, and the dissemination of knowledge.

The appearance of both paper-making and printing technologies facilitated the development of literature in China. The Tang and Song dynasties represented the heyday of the proliferation of Chinese poems. People might have heard of Li Bai, Du Fu, and Bai Juyi. They were among the most famous poets in ancient China.

3. Compass:

• The invention of the magnetic compass, used for navigation, in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE).
• The compass was a crucial tool for maritime exploration and trade, enabling Chinese seafarers to navigate the seas with greater precision.
• The compass technology later spread to other parts of the world, contributing to the age of global exploration and navigation.

After the compass was spread to Europe, European countries began exploring the New World. They dedicated to traveling through ocean-based routes, facilitating the interaction between indigenous cultures and European civilizations.

4. Gunpowder:

• Gunpowder, a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, was invented in China during the 9th century CE.
• The early development of gunpowder-based weapons, such as fire lances and early cannons, played a significant role in the military history of China and later influenced the development of firearms worldwide.
• The use of gunpowder also led to advancements in fireworks and other pyrotechnics.

Chinese people began developing fireworks after inventing gunpowder, and fireworks later became a tradition in some Chinese festivals. The Spring Festival is an example for the usage of fireworks in Chinese traditional festivals.