1 China is one of the planet's oldest civilizations. It has a written history of 4,000 years and boasts rich cultural relics and historical sites. Together with ancient Egypt, Babylon and India, China is recognized as one of the four great ancient civilizations of the world. Moreover, it is the only ancient civilization that has continued to this very day.
2 Archaeological studies have revealed that around 5,000 years ago the Chinese entered the stage of patriarchal society. Not only did villages begin to appear but also the initial forms of cities began to become evident.
3 China was one of the most powerful countries of the ancient world; occupying a leading position in the development of productivity and technology. Ancient China enjoyed and developed agriculture and advanced irrigation system, an independent tradition of medicine and advanced botanical knowledge.
4 China's so called "four great inventions"-the compass, gunpowder, movable type printing, and papermaking-not only changed the world but also accelerated the evolution of world history. China was also rich in ceramics and silk textiles, great inventions that had a tremendous influence in the world. Chinese porcelain with abstract blue-and-white patterns is still popular worldwide.