Early Chinese Civilization Geography

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to Early Chinese Civilization and its geography, significant achievements, and cultural practices.

Xinjiang

A region in China known for its diverse geography and culture.

Xizang (Tibet)

A high-altitude region in China, home to the Tibetan Plateau and significant rivers.

Taklimakan Desert

The 15th largest desert in the world, composed of 85% shifting sands.

Himalayan Mountains

The tallest mountain range in the world, including Mount Everest, serving as a vital geographical feature for Tibet.

Gobi Desert

The 5th largest desert in the world, located in northern China, known for its yellow sand.

Yellow River

Also known as Huang He, it is the river that gets its color from silt from the Gobi Desert.

Yangtze River

The longest river in Asia, flowing from Tibet through central China to the East China Sea at Shanghai.

North China Plain

The agricultural heartland of China, where rice is primarily cultivated.

Qin Dynasty

The dynasty that unified China in 221 BCE and standardized laws, measures, and currency.

Terracotta Army

A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.

Mandate of Heaven

The ancient Chinese belief that the emperor's right to rule is granted by heaven and can be revoked.

Meritocracy

A system where officials are chosen based on their abilities and knowledge.

Foot Binding

A traditional Chinese practice that involves mutilating young girls' feet to achieve a smaller size, reflecting societal beauty standards.

Gunpowder

An explosive invention of China that significantly changed warfare, made from saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal.

Porcelain

A ceramic material first perfected in China, known for its thin, white, and finely finished products.

Song Dynasty

The dynasty that ruled China from 960 to 1279, recognized for significant economic and cultural advancements.

Tributary System

An ancient Chinese system where neighboring states acknowledged Chinese supremacy through tribute.

Urbanization

The process of making an area more urban, which in Song China led to the growth of cosmopolitan cities.