Overview of Ancient and Modern Chinese Culture

Shang Dynasty

The period in Chinese history from 1523-1027 BCE when Chinese roots were established.

Geographical Barriers

Natural obstacles such as the Gobi Desert and the Himalayan mountains that limited contact with other civilizations.

Gobi Desert

A desert located in the north of China that serves as a geographical barrier.

Himalayan Mountains

Mountain range located in the south of China that acts as a geographical barrier.

Language

A common means of communication that linked various cultures in China.

Writing System

The method of representing language in written form, which is a major aspect of Chinese culture.

Traditional and Simplified

The two major writing systems in Chinese.

Cantonese and Mandarin

The two major Chinese language dialects.

People's Republic of China

The official name of China.

World's Population

China has 1/5 of the world's population, totaling over 1.4 billion people.

2nd Largest Economy

China has the second largest economy in the world.

Bureaucracy

A highly complex body of workers with many levels of authority.

Civil Service Examination

A test given to qualify candidates for positions in the government.

Meritocracy

Rule by officials of proven merit.

Warlord

A military leader operating outside the control of the government.