Chinese Inventions

Porcelain

150

Porcelain is a exquisite form of pottery. It is made of clay, quartz, and feldspar. To make the porcelain, the clay needs to be combined with quartz and feldspar. Once they are all combined, then the mixture needs to burned in a kiln, which is a pottery oven at extremely high temperatures. After the pottery is taken out of the kiln and cooled, then the glaze needs to applied. When the glaze is dry, you have your porcelain! Porcelain is also known as China, because it originated there.

Paper

250

Paper was invented in the 2nd century. The earliest paper was made out of hemp and the bark of a mulberry tree. For more than 500 years, the chinese were the only people who knew how to make paper. Now, paper is used all over the world for different purposes, But it is usually written on.

Tea

270

Tea is very popular in many parts of the world. The chinese invented tea in 2700 BC. It is made by boiling tea leaves in water. Back then people drank it for medicine, but now it is drank for refreshment.

Paper Money

Apr 28, 850

Paper Money was made by using wood blocks, just like cards. There was money before, but just coins, no bills. The paper money was printed with multiple colors on it. Most countries use paper money today.

Gunpowder

Jun 17, 850

Gunpowder is one of China's inventions used all over the world. Gunpowder was actually invented by accident! When alchemists experimented with a mineral called saltpeter, their intention was to come up with a potion that led to eternal life. Instead, they made up something the exact opposite. They had invented gunpowder instead. Now gunpowder is used for weapons all around the world.

Clock

Nov 27, 850

Clocks were made so that timekeeping wouldbe easier. The clock was a much easier way to keep time than to use hourglasses and sundials. A wheel was invented that would turn every 24 hours. Dripping water caused the wheel to turn. Every quarter hour, they beat the drums, and every hour, the bells would chime.

Cards

May 30, 950

Cards are used for playing. The chinese made cards by using woodblock printing and nade the cards from thick paper. Famous artists would draw the designs that appear on the back of the cards. Now people play cards around the world.

Flamethrower

Mar 21, 1000

The Flamethrower was the very first weapon that the Chinese created. The early flamethrowers contained gunpowder mixed with oil. When the flamethrower is fired, it sprays a steam of fire out. The Chinese used to spray their enemies with this flamethrower.

Rocket

Aug 8, 1150

Rockets were invented in the Song dynasty. They were powered by a black mixture made of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. In the beginning, rockets were only used for fireworks. Later, they turned into weapons. The Chinese even developed a two- stage rocket. The first stage proppeled the rocket, and the second stage dropped arrows down on the enemy.