Ancient China Trivia Quiz

Answer: Shi Huangdi

The earliest people in China were farmers who settled in villages and towns along the fertile Yellow River.
Gradually, the small settlements were divided into different states. Then Shi Huandi (259-210 B.C) the king of the powerful state of Qin, overthrew the others to become the first emperor of China.

Answer: No

Confucius was the leading and most famous teacher in ancient China. Sometimes he also acted as a political advisor to emperors.
Confucius opened the first school for the common people. His teachings went on to have a lasting influence on Chinese way of life.

Answer: A sword

The jian was one of the most common weapons used in ancient China. A straight, double-edged sword, it was also regarded as a sacred weapon. The sword was commonly used for self-defence by warriors.

Answer: To keep the body from decaying

Mummies in ancient China were cased in a suit of jade. This was because the ancient Chinese believed that jade stone had magical properties, and would keep the body from decaying. It was also said to ward off evil spirits.

Answer: A sign of respect

Children in ancient China were expected to bow in front of their elders as a sign of respect. Confucius preached that all people should respect and honour their family members.

Answer: Rice

Rice wine was an important part of ancient Chinese ceremonies and ritual sacrifices.
In 2003, archaeologists unearthed jars of rice wine from an ancient tomb in Xi'an. The tomb dated back to the Western Han dynasty.

Answer: A pump

A chain pump known as the dragon-backbone machine was used by farmers in ancient China to raise water. The machine helped peasants water the rice fields.

Answer: Poetry, calligraphy and painting

In ancient China, poetry, calligraphy and painting represented the three "perfections". All educated people were required to learn them.

Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism were taught by three different preachers. Confucius founded the philosophy of Confucianism, and Laozi preached Taoism. Siddhartha Gautam ('Lord' Buddha) was the founder of Buddhism, China's most popular religion. They were commonly known as the 'Three Doctrines'.

Answer: It has sixteen tiers

Qianxun Pagoda was one of the best known architectural landmarks of ancient China.
Built sometime in the Tang Dynasty, the square shaped pagoda was the biggest of the three Pagodas of Dali. Its unique feature was its sixteen tier eaves, which was rare in ancient Chinese pagodas.

Answer: A toy

The Zhuqingting, or 'bamboo dragonfly', was an ancient Chinese flying toy dating back to 400 A.D. The toy had a propeller like blade attached to a bamboo stick with string around it. The toy was released into the air by pulling the string. The Zhuqingting could fly on its own for some time.