Chinese Inventions

Industry: Paper

150

The Chinese invented the art of papermaking by the second century C.E. The earliest Chinese paper was probably made from hemp and then the bark of the mulberry tree. For more than 500 years, the Chinese were the only people in the world who knew the secret of making paper.

CE

Period: 200 to Feb 12, 1400

Industry: Printing

Feb 17, 650

In about the 7th century, the Chinese invented a technique called woodblock printing. The printer first drew characters (symbols) on paper. He then glued the paper to a wooden block. When the glue was dry, the printer carved out the wood around the characters, leaving the characters raised on the wood.

Everyday Objects: Mechanical Clock

Feb 12, 750

The Chinese developed the first mechanical clock in about the 8th century. The new clock was more accurate than earlier timekeeping devices, such as sundials and hourglasses. The Chinese devised a wheel that made one complete turn every 24 hours. Dripping water made the wheel turn. Every quarter hour, drums would beat; and every hour, a bell would chime. The sounds let people know what time it was.

Industry: Tea

Feb 17, 750

For several thousand years, tea—made by letting tea leaves steep in boiling water—was drunk mostly as medicine. However, by the 8th century C.E., tea had become a hugely popular everyday beverage throughout China. Tea houses had sprung up throughout the country. The drink’s popularity made tea-plant cultivation a major industry, often involving an entire community.

Everyday Objects: Paper Money

Feb 12, 800

Paper money was invented by the Chinese in the late 8th or early 9th century. Before that time, coins were the only form of currency. They are also printed with wood blocks. By 1107, Song printers were using multiple wood blocks to print each bill. A single bill would have many colors.

Military: Gunpowder

Feb 12, 850

The Chinese alchemists were the one who created gunpower. While trying to find a mineral to extand human lifespan, they by accident discovered a explosive material.

Everyday Objects: Playing Cards

Feb 12, 850

Game cards were invented in China in about the 9th century. Printers used woodblock printing to make the cards from thick paper. Artists drew the designs on the back of the cards.

Military: Flamethrower

Feb 12, 950

The Chinese made the flamethrower and it was the first weapon that used gunpowder. Early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. The Chinese used them to spray enemies with a stream of fire.

Military: Rockets

Feb 12, 1300

Rockets were first powered by a black powder made of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. At first, rockets were used only in fireworks. Later, the Chinese used them as weapons.