Chinese History Trivia

Sun Tzu's famous military text often applied to modern business and leadership; from some time during the late Spring and Autumn period

The philosophy of Laozi, who wrote the Tao Te Ching

This traditional philosophy would later be established as the state ideology under one of the dynasties

This period lasting from 475-221 BC was defined by fragmentation, with several kingdoms at war

Qin Shi Huang, the 1st Emperor of unified China, oversaw the construction of this World Wonder

In an attempt to gain immortality, Qin Shi Huang took pills made of this element; they likely contributed to his death

Xi'an hosts the tomb of the 1st Emperor, including this famous army of sculptures

This dynasty gives its name to the ethnic group of 92% of China's population

The period from 220-280 is known for its literature, and saw the division of the Wei, Shu, and Wu kingdoms

The Sui Dynasty saw the construction of this important canal

Wu Zetian, the only empress in Chinese history, was of this dynasty known for its Golden Age of culture and trade

This trade route was integral in the developments of the above

The above also saw the expansion of this religion

Name one of the major Chinese inventions during the Song Dynasty

The Yuan Dynasty, founded by this grandson of Genghis Khan, saw China's first time under foreign control

The Ming Dynasty commissioned the construction of this palace in Beijing

Chinese official and explorer who embarked on numerous voyages sponsored by Yongle

The Qing Dynasty was founded by conquerors from this historical region

Former English spelling of Beijing, still used when referring to its duck for example

These wars in the mid-19th century saw European powers forcing imports into China, especially of a particular drug

The above was part of this embarassing period in Chinese history, where external powers gained increasing influence in China's economy and sovereignty, still a focal point in today's culture and education

The 1st Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 saw China lose this territory to Japan

1899-1901 anti-foreigner rebellion led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists; think Ali and Tyson

Leader of China from 1928-1949 before fleeing to Taiwan

City brutally massacred by Japan in 1937

Founder and Chairman of the PRC from 1949-1976

China is officially known as the People's Republic of China. What is the official name of Taiwan?

War where Chinese and US troops had direct combat from 1950-1953

China annexed this region in 1951; the Dalai Lama would eventually flee to India

In the early Cold War, the USSR promised to help China develop these, but didn't deliver on this; a factor in their worsening relations

1958-1962 economic campaign that led to mass famines

1966-1976 movement aimed at doing away with traditional elements

U.S. President who reestablished relations with China. "Only _____ could go to China"

Paramount Leader of China from 1978-1992 who saw major economic reforms

1989 massacre location

Territories returned to China in 1997 and 1999, British and Portuguese respectively

Province of devastating 2008 earthquake, known for spicy food

General Secretary of China as of 2012

The above is thought to look like this character, depictions of which have been banned by the CCP

While this mountainous region is most notably disputed by Pakistan and India, China also claims part of it

Province of the Uyghur ethnic group

City where the COVID-19 pandemic started

Year in which India overtook China in population