Our Debt to Ancient China

  • Books
    1600 BCE

    Books

    The first books were made on bamboo sticks and date back to the Shang Dynasty.
  • Writing on oracle bones
    1600 BCE

    Writing on oracle bones

    The first writing on oracle bones
  • The Wheelbarrow
    221 BCE

    The Wheelbarrow

    The wheelbarrow enabled a single person to carry a heavy load and was called 'the wooden ox' in Chinese.
  • Magnetic Compass
    100

    Magnetic Compass

    The first magnetic compass was made in ancient China, using a lode-stone. Some historians, however, believe Chinese compasses may date back to the Han Dynasty.
  • Paper-making
    105

    Paper-making

    Paper-making was perfected in AD 105.
  • Siesmograph
    130

    Siesmograph

    The seismograph was used for measuring the strength of earthquakes.
  • Fireworks
    900

    Fireworks

    Gun powder was first used for fireworks.
  • Paper Money
    1001

    Paper Money

    The world's first paper money was produced by the Chinese in the 11th century.
  • Acupuncture
    1026

    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture statuettes showing all the needle points in the human body were first produces in AD 1026. The same statuettes are still used today.
  • Kites

    Kites

    Kites became a favourite pass-time in China