Top 10 Greatest Inventions From China

China is home to many inventions that has changed the course of human history - notably the Four Great Inventions, which include paper, printing, gunpowder, and the compass. Not surprisingly, most of the everyday objects we use came from China, hence that familiar label "made from China". Aside from the four great inventions included, this list provides the top six other noteworthy inventions from China.
The Top Ten
Papermaking

Papermaking is one of the most influential of the Four Great Inventions. Although paper made from bamboo and silk existed since the 3rd century BCE, Cai Lun suggested using tree bark and hemp for paper production. This innovation made paper production much more efficient and widespread, not only in China but around the world. Over time, this shifted the course of human history, as more paper led to more literature and better communication and documentation.

Gunpowder

Gunpowder, part of the Four Great Inventions, was surprisingly invented by accident. One of the most used explosives in the world can be traced back to China. Gunpowder was first documented around 142 AD, with Wei Boyang creating the first recipes of explosive powders that would "fly and dance" vigorously. These unnamed powders bore many similarities to gunpowder.

Initially used for recreational purposes, gunpowder was not yet a tool of war. Later, during the Jin Dynasty, Ge Hong documented the ingredients of gunpowder, a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate. In 904 AD, gunpowder was used against the Mongols with fire arrows, marking one of its first weaponized uses.

Compass

The compass is the second of the Four Great Inventions. While the compass today is used for navigation, it was originally one of the most influential tools for trading and wars. Surprisingly, the first Chinese compasses, invented starting from the 4th century BC, were used not for navigation, but for divination, worship, and other spiritual purposes. These early compasses, made of lodestones (natural magnets aligning with Earth's magnetic fields), differed from the compasses we use today.

Other types of compasses were also invented in China. One notable type is a lodestone spoon that aligns with one of the cardinal points, considered one of the first magnetic compasses.

Printing

As part of the Four Great Inventions, various techniques of printing were developed starting in the early 7th century during the Tang Dynasty, mostly using wooden blocks, also known as woodblock printing. This process involves writing the text on paper, placing the inked text on a wooden board, and carving out the text to create a woodblock print. Although this method, along with proofreading, is tedious, woodblock prints can be used over a thousand times, allowing for the creation of numerous copies.

Later, a more advanced technique called movable type was invented, which was very effective for creating mass copies of books and other literature, though it was not as widespread in China. Around the 15th century, these methods made a significant positive impact in Europe, greatly increasing literacy rates.

Rockets

Many explosive inventions originate from China, including rockets, one of the most powerful and reliable military weapons. The first rockets appeared in the Song Dynasty in the 13th century and spread during the Mongol invasions. China also invented rocket launchers made from bamboo and wood, capable of firing fire arrows as early as the 11th century.

Toilet Paper

You may not have realized that one of these bathroom items also came from China. It was first mentioned in the late 6th century. This indicates that China had been using toilet paper long before the rest of the world discovered it.

Chopsticks

No list would be complete without mentioning chopsticks, one of the most iconic eastern utensils. Chopsticks are often associated with China, where they were first used as far back as the Shang Dynasty. According to Sima Qian, King Zhou was the first person to make chopsticks, which were originally made of ivory, not wood.

Cannon

Cannons were depicted in Chinese works as early as the 12th century. The Wuwei bronze cannon, dating back to the 13th century, is probably the oldest existing cannon, demonstrating China's early advancement in explosives.

Kite

The purposes and compositions of kites have changed throughout history. Ancient Chinese kites, made of wood and shaped like birds, were used for military purposes. Today, Chinese kites are associated with spirituality and mythology, aside from their recreational use.

Land Mines

With plenty of explosives being invented in China, it's no surprise that land mines were also invented there. The first known use of a land mine is reported in the 13th century, precisely in 1277, during a battle against the Mongols.

The Contenders
Cast Iron

Cast iron is especially useful in cooking equipment and is widely used in engineering applications. Many everyday items can be traced back to ancient China. Archaeological evidence shows that cast iron was made by smelting pig iron as early as the Zhou Dynasty. Tools and weapons made from cast iron were favored for their reliability and convenience.

Porcelain

Porcelain is typically used in decorative objects, but it is also commonly applied in crockery and laboratories. It is one of the most common materials in bathroom objects, such as toilets. Porcelain was first invented during the Shang Dynasty over three thousand years ago. Its creation and spread were more gradual compared to most inventions, but its use slowly extended to nearby eastern countries and eventually the rest of the world.

Wheelbarrow

In ancient times, the wheelbarrow was one of the most useful vehicles for transporting heavy loads efficiently. The first wheelbarrows can be traced back to China during the Han Dynasty in the 2nd century. This is evidenced by ancient tombs depicting wheelbarrows from that period.

Personally, I would rank this higher. It's an extremely useful invention.

Handguns
Silk

Silk was especially used for making textiles and paper. Ancient China was the first civilization to use silk for making fabrics, which significantly contributed to their economy.

Teapot

Many of the best teas come from Asia, and tea culture in China has influenced people spiritually and physically for thousands of years. Tea was consumed for medicinal purposes in ancient times, particularly in Yunnan, rather than as a regular drink. The first documented method of boiling tea was reported in 59 BC. Given this rich history, it is no surprise that China was also the first to invent the teapot during the Yuan Dynasty.

Crossbow

The exact location of the invention of the crossbow is unknown, but it is believed to have been invented in China. Some argue that crossbows existed in China as early as 2000 BC. The first documented crossbows were found in the State of Chu, dating back to the 5th century BC. These weapons played a significant role during the Warring States period.

Wok

The wok is versatile for utilizing multiple cooking techniques, especially stir-frying. It was invented during the Han Dynasty.

Sky Lanterns

Sky lanterns are especially associated with Asian festivals. It is known that sky lanterns have been in use since the 3rd century BCE.

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