2. Introduction
In ancient times China was a very different civilization. Ancient China lasted over
5000 year. It lasted longer than any other civilization. The Ancient Chinese lived in
the area that is now the western half of China . Ancient China had many different
styles of clothes and a lot of interesting foods. Architecture, such as the Great
Wall, was very unique. The inventions and legacies of ancient China are still around
and important to us today. You will read about these aspects of Ancient China in
this report.
3. Architecture
One of the most famous pieces of Ancient Chinese architecture was the Great
Wall. The wall is 3,700 km long and between 16 feet and 32 feet high. It took
1700 years and 30,000 people to build the Great Wall. It was built to protect
China from the Mongols in the north.
People’s houses in ancient China depended on whether they were rich or poor.
Poor people lived in houses built of mud. The house was built with dirt floors
and blankets were hung over the windows and door to keep the people warm in
Winter. Rich people lived in house that are built around courtyards. The wood
was painted with color and people owned pottery, chairs and cupboards. Most
architecture in ancient China had curved roofs to keep evil spirits away.
4. Food
In Ancient China, food was different according to where people lived. In
the south they ate rice. In the north, people ate noodles because it was
easier to grow wheat. They also ate chicken , pork and bean curd. Ancient
Chinese people enjoyed pancakes, dumplings, lamb and duck. Poor
people went out to hunt for food such as snakes , dogs , snails , and
small birds. They also ate chilli, pepper , mushroom , bamboo and lots of
different fish too. Rich people ate ox ,mutton and special dishes such as
bird’s nest soup. Most people ate with their fingers and with chopsticks,
too .
5. Clothing
In Ancient China, the most important cloth is silk because it was
expensive and thin. The rich people wore many different colors of silk and
many types of jewelry. They also wear robes that were made from silk.
Only the emperor could wear a yellow shirt with a dragon. In ancient
China, the poor women wore simple dresses made from wool and cotton.
Poor men wore loose shirts made from hemp. Poor people also wore
shoes made from straw to work in the fields. Rich men wore official dress
and warm jackets in winter. As you can see, clothing in ancient China
depended on your wealth.
6. Legacies
In 200 B.C., the Chinese found that magnetic rocks will turn to point north in
water or when they are hung from string. This was the first compass to show
direction. The compass was an important invention or trade.
Paper making was invented around 100 C.E.. Paper was made from bamboo
which was soaked in water. A wooden frame took it up and let it dry. Then it
was good for writing.
Gun powder was invented in 9th century was discovered by a scientist who
was trying to make a drink that could make you live forever. It exploded! It
was made from salt, peter, sulphur and carbon. Fireworks were used to scare
their enemies and then gun powder was used in weapons. It is still used in
bombs, guns and rockets today.
The Chinese began using wood blocks for printing in 1600 B.C.E.. The wood
blocks were carved with characters. People put ink on the characters and
then put paper on the blocks. Printing machines help us make books today.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, Ancient China was a very old and long-
lasting civilization. It is interesting to about the food,
architecture, clothing and 4 great legacies from the
ancient times.
8. Reference List
Author Date Title
Jane Shuter 2007 The Ancient China
Paul Challen 2005 Life in Ancient China
Joanna Cole 2005 Ms. Frizz’s Adventure Imperial China
Robert Nicholson 1994 Ancient China
& Claire Wattls
Anita Ganeri 1994 Legacies From Ancient China
Date Accessed Website
25/10/2012 www.brainpopjr.com
