Karolina PatrykChina is a fascinating country! We spent over two incredible weeks in Beijing just a month ago, and it still feels like we barely scratched the surface. This vibrant country left an indelible mark on us, and we’re already planning our return. Without a doubt, China is the most unique, weirdest, and most exciting country we’ve ever visited.
Fun facts about China you probably didn’t know
1. Weird table manners
Something that you have to avoid in most countries in the world is totally acceptable in China. Just like in Vietnam, spitting, yawning, grunting and burping are normal behaviours when you eat in China.
For us, it was extremely disgusting and we couldn’t get used to it. Maybe if we stay in this country a little bit longer, it would be easier for us to tolerate it.
2. Cash isn’t common in China
Image credit: Cecelia Chang
Can you imagine not needing to bring a single Chinese Yuan note when travelling in China? China has witnessed a rapid rise in mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms are widely used for everyday transactions, from buying groceries to paying bills and even tipping.
Many businesses in China, especially in urban areas, prefer or even exclusively accept mobile payments. Cash is becoming less common in daily transactions.
Also read: 10 Unusual Things You Will Encounter in China
3. The world’s most populated country
China is the most populated country in the world (with more than a billion people in 2016).
Here’s what it REALLY means:
- The population of China is more than 4 times bigger than the population of the US
- Approximately one in every 5 humans is Chinese
- Mandarin Chinese is the most popular language in the world (based on number of native speakers)
- About 16% of people in the world speak Chinese
4. One of the biggest countries in the world
Contrary to what most people think, China is not the biggest country in the world. It’s 4th after Russia, Canada and the United States.
Russia is almost 2 times bigger than China!
5. World’s largest army
Chinese army has the biggest number of soldiers in the world (more than 2 million people).
Just to compare — it’s the same as the population of Paris.
6. Panda owners
China is the owner of all pandas. Literally, all of them! Every single panda that lives in this world belongs to China.
If you see a panda in other countries, it means it is lent from the PRC (People’s Republic of China). What’s interesting is that when a baby panda is born, it is sent to China (always by FedEx) to help expand the gene pool.
7. China invented paper
Image credit: Porapak Apichodilok | Pexels
While there may have been earlier forms of paper-like materials used in other parts of the world, the invention of paper as we know it today is widely attributed to China. Cai Lun, a Chinese eunuch official, is credited with significantly improving papermaking techniques around 105 AD. He developed a process using a variety of plant fibres, including mulberry bark, hemp, rags, and fishing nets, to create a more durable and versatile paper.
8. Traffic jam business
China is the most populated country in the world. No wonder they have huge traffic jam problems.
What to do when you are late on your meeting and you are stuck in a traffic jam? You are calling the bottleneck rescuers! Two guys will come to you on a motorbike. One will drive you whenever you want and the other will take your place in a car.
Clever, huh?
9. Relics of the past
It is unbelievable but 35 million Chinese people still live in caves!
They don’t have enough money to build a house, so they are using caves as their shelters.
10. Late sunrises
China is a huge country with only one-time zone! That’s why in some places the sun rises even at 10:00 AM.
In the past, China has 5 different time zones. But in 1949 the Communist Party leaders decided to set one time for the whole country. Since then, everybody has been using the official Beijing time.
11. New Year’s fiesta
New Year is the biggest holiday in China. It is celebrated in January or February, and it’s a real holiday for everybody. Almost nobody is working, everyone is going back home to celebrate this happy time with their families.
Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days!
Nothing can be compared to this. Unusually, the whole country is having a holiday for such a long time.
What’s interesting, Chinese New Year is celebrated in many other countries in the world. Considering the huge population of China, it is very likely that Chinese New Year is even more popular than Christmas!
12. Births restriction
China is the only country in the world where reproduction is limited. Until 2015, Chinese couples could have only 1 child. Now, the Chinese government allows all married couples to have up to three children.
13. The empire of pigs
Half of the pigs in the world belong to China! On an average day, Chinese people consume 1.7 million pigs.
14. Multi-religious country
Due to the huge population of China, almost every religion of the world is adhered there. The most popular are Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.
An interesting fact is that there are more Christians in China than in Italy!
15. The world’s largest high-speed rail network is in China
Image credit: Cecelia Chang
China boasts the world’s largest high-speed rail network by a significant margin. It has been rapidly expanding its high-speed rail network in recent years, connecting major cities and significantly improving transportation within the country.
16. Medical geniuses
Nowadays, we all know that the blood is circulating in our veins. But it wasn’t so obvious in the past.
European scientist William Harvey was proud to announce this in 1628. He didn’t know that Chinese people discovered it… more than 2000 years before him!
17. Mathematical geniuses
It isn’t a big secret that Chinese people are some of the best in mathematics in the world.
The history of mathematics in China dates back to the 11th century BC! Thanks to China, we know today the number 0, the decimal and binary systems, geometry, trigonometry and algebra.
Also read: Top 20 Tourist Attractions in China You Must Visit
18. Architectural geniuses
It is a commonly known fact that the world’s biggest man-made structure is situated in China. The Great Wall is not visible from the space but it’s still impressively long — 8,850 km (5,500 miles).
The most famous imperial palace in China called The Forbidden City has more than 9,000 rooms!
19. Gods of war
Chinese people were the first to use gas and chemical weapons during the war.
Europeans did the same… 2000 years after them! These kinds of weapons were used during World War II.
When it comes to WWII, it’s worth mentioning that Shanghai in China was the world’s only port that was accepting Jews running away from the Holocaust without an entry visa.
Another interesting fact about Chinese war skills is that they invented kites to frighten their enemies more than 3000 years ago.
20. People from the south and the north have different cultures, accents, and languages
There are significant cultural, linguistic, and even dietary differences between the north and south of China. While Mandarin Chinese is the official language, there are numerous dialects spoken throughout the country. Northern Mandarin and Southern Mandarin have distinct pronunciations and vocabulary.
What’s more, Northern Chinese cuisine is known for its use of wheat-based products like noodles and dumplings, while Southern Chinese cuisine is famous for its rice dishes, seafood, and dim sum. There are also subtle differences in social customs and values between the north and south of China. For example, social interactions and interpersonal relationships can vary between regions.
21. Longest continuous civilisation in the world
Last but not least, China is the world’s longest-continuous civilisation. It began about 6000 BC and lasts until today.
Also read: 12 Totally Underrated Places of China That Will Blow You Away
So, have any of these fun facts about China surprised you? This is your sign to plan a trip to this large and captivating country soon!
