Reading time: 2min
So far, it seems like a dream that I went to China.
I remember when I was a child and asked my dad what was at the end of the sea on the horizon (I grew up in Lima, Peru). He always replied, “Ah, that’s China. And when the sun sets here, it’s because it’s going to China.” Obviously, that’s the kind of answer you give to a 4-year-old girl.
Some facts about China:
They invented nothing less than: gunpowder, silk, porcelain, paper, and ink.
Home of Kung Fu: the mother of martial arts. Its techniques are based on replicating the movements of animals. And who wouldn’t remember the crane technique?
The most important colors are:
- Red: luck, good omen; that’s why there are always red lanterns and red letters in businesses. These lanterns ward off bad vibes. In all their celebrations, the good color red must always be present.
- Gold: in its time, gold could only be used by the emperor.
Their most important mythical animal: the great dragon; perhaps the most powerful symbol of China. Present at all times: legends, festivals, art… Unlike Western culture, the Chinese dragon represents only positive things: fortune, power, nobility. Furthermore, the Chinese dragon has nothing to do with breathing fire or being a punishing or frightening being. According to stories, dragons live in liquid environments: rivers, seas, lakes; but they also enjoy the wind. The dragon is so important that in the past emperors were called “sons of the dragon.” Even in the famous Forbidden City in Beijing, there are countless representations of dragons (stairs, floors, railings, roofs, walls).
China should have four distinct time zones when viewed on a world map with time zones. But NO, the Chinese are one country and only one time zone rules over the vast territory: Beijing time. They do not have daylight saving time or winter time.
The most important ethnicity is “Han,” and most Chinese dynasties have belonged to this ethnicity. The remaining 8% are referred to as ethnic minorities: they are the ones who wear masks and costumes for festivals… they are what comes to mind when we think of traditional Chinese celebrations.
Their emperors belonged to dynasties: a set from the same family with different emperors ruling a country. The most important was undoubtedly the Qin Dynasty, which ruled in the 3rd century BC (the first Chinese dynasty). Qin unified the roads and recognized the importance of protecting the land and people from “barbarians” from the north: thus began the Great Wall as we know it. He also unified writing. And all this, do you know how long it took? Just 15 years! He unified 6 kingdoms and set the stage for what China is today.
With this post, based on information provided by the Chinese people I met and impressions from several years ago; I aim to share a little about the amazing magic that this country has.
Let’s talk about your adventure in ancient China!