What is China Famous for? 23 Things Associated with China That You Probably Didn’t Know
What is China famous for? If you’re curious about this, then I am here to nurse your curiosity by sharing some of the things that make China stand out!
As an ever-growing economy with a mix of traditional temples and grandeur skyscrapers, China is a country you’ll love and hate at the same time due to its controversial stand — at least for some people but also its immense beauty.
With a thousand years of history and innovation, there are so many cool things China is famous for.
And it’s not just its impressive population or its famous landmarks, China has so much under its belt that it calls its own and makes its natives proud!
So if you’ve been asking yourself questions like, what is China famous for, what is China known for, what are the Chinese famous things, sit tight as I share with you the most common things about China that make it the country we know and love.
What is China Famous for? 23 Things Associated with China
From the Great Wall of China to being the second-most populated country in the world, here is everything China is famous for!
1. The Great Wall of China
Ask anyone what China is famous for, and they will tell you The Great Wall of China.
It is arguably one of the most famous things about China, and it’s a national symbol and pride.
Covering a distance of about 13170 miles (21196km), it is the largest human construction in the world and one of the 7 wonders of the world.
Built to protect the country from nomadic invaders, it is an iconic Chinese landmark globally and one of the most popular tourist attractions in China receiving about 10 million visitors per year.
Its architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a key attraction that you should not miss visiting on your trip to the country.
Looking for more fun things to do in China? You can check out my recommended tours and activities in the widget below all offered by my favorite tour provider, GetYourGuide.
2. Kung Fu-Martial Arts
Martial arts, specifically Kung Fu is one of the top things China is known for and is evident in many Chinese movies.
You’ve probably heard names of Kung Fu masters like Bruce Lee, Yip Man, Jackie Chan, and Kung Fu Panda.
This fighting style was invented over 4000 years ago in China by a legendary Yellow Emperor.
Though it was a form of defense style practiced by monks to protect themselves from invaders, today, the technique has evolved into different styles, and it’s now an integral part of the Chinese culture.
3. Chinese Cuisine
One of the famous things in China is their finger-licking food which is among the three great cuisines in the world.
The legendary Chinese food is known worldwide, and it’s not a shock to find a Chinese restaurant in almost every country.
Chinese dishes are all tasty and have been voted as the second most popular cuisine in the world after the Italian Cuisine.
Though Chinese food is prepared differently in many parts of the world, visiting the country will give you the “real and authentic” taste of the cuisine.
4. Second-Largest Population in the World
Do you know that some cities in China, like Shanghai, with over 24m people, and Beijing, with 21m people, have a population higher than many countries?
With over 1.44 billion people today, China is the second most populous country in the world, just after India which has just recently taken over China.
About 19% of the total population in the world is from China. The population growth was so alarming that the government had to introduce a one-child policy in 1979 to control the booming population.
The policy was later abolished in 2015 and a two-child policy was introduced in 2016 after the massive slowdown in population growth.
But regardless of these policies, the country still has the second-largest population in the world.
5. Chopsticks
Have you tried using chopsticks before? One of the things China is famous for is the use of chopsticks as their main eating utensils.
Eating with chopsticks may appear tricky for beginners, but it is fun once you grasp the technique.
Though you can request a fork or spoon while in a Chinese restaurant, one of the fun activities while in China is to try eating with chopsticks — It’s also a good way to try and immerse yourself in Chinese culture.
A little background? Chopsticks were invented in China about 6,000 years ago and were seen as a better option than using hands and fingers while eating.
The use of chopsticks was adopted, and any Chinese meal is incomplete without a pair!
6. Unauthentic/Fake Goods
Fake goods and imitation of products are some of the things associated with China. Do you mind about the quality of a product, or what matters to you is the affordability?
China is a hub for replicating products, and they have succeeded in copycatting everything and anything.
It’s believed that 95% of counterfeit goods in the world come from China. If you can’t afford expensive high-end products, you can get an imitation of the products which are very realistic fakes at a fraction of the price.
A large base of China’s economy comes from these unauthentic or copycatted goods that have flooded the markets. (No offense to anyone here but China is the master of creating replicas!)
7. Home of Giant Pandas
The list of what China is known for will be incomplete if giant pandas are omitted. These cute, adorable, fluffy animals are an emblem of China and a national treasure.
They are some of the rarest and most endangered species with only less than 2000 remaining in the whole world.
They live in the mountainous regions of Szechuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces in China. You can get a panda experience by visiting the conservation and breeding center in Chengdu.
8. Chinese Traditional Attire
One of the Chinese things that have evolved and been adopted by other countries is their traditional attire.
China was a great producer of silk which they combined with cotton and linen to make some of the most popular apparel in the world to date.
Popular Chinese traditional clothing includes the Cheongsam or Qipao, a conventional body-hugging Chinese dress, Zhongshan suit, Tang suit, and Hanfu.
These traditional Chinese clothes are loved because they are stylish, elegant, comfortable, and very affordable.
9. Innovations and Inventions
China is known to be the mother of inventions, and some of the world-changing innovations originate from there.
The country ranked 2nd in innovation in science and technology discoveries after the US.
The greatest inventions of ancient China include things like paper making, gunpowder, the compass, printing, tea production, and silk.
Today, most of the first global technologies originate in China including the first qualified robot doctor globally, the world’s first passenger drone, operational drone delivery program, and the creation of the first artificial sun.
It seems like anything you can imagine can be created in China.
10. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is one of the famous things of China that is still practiced in modern Chinese paintings. China’s calligraphy is unique, and most people easily recognize it, unlike other types of calligraphies.
The Chinese have the most visually distinct writing styles, and adding calligraphy enhances the beauty of Chinese characteristics.
It was considered one of the 4 traditional skills any cultivated person should have, and it’s a writing practice that is more of a meditative procedure and a form of art.
11. Noodles
China is a homeland of noodles, and they are part of everyday life in Chinese culture. Noodles are a basic staple food in China, and they date back to 1504 during the Han Dynasty.
They are more prevalent in the northern part of the country and are made from either wheat flour, rice flour, or mang bean starch.
Noodles symbolize longevity and good health for the year ahead and are eaten during significant events like the new year or birthdays.
Served with meat, eggs, vegetables, or in soup, noodles are prepared differently but tastier in China. Make sure you try the famous Lamian noodles on your visit to the country.
12. Its Distinct Language
China is known for its distinct and unique language that is very hard for visitors to understand. But regardless, if anyone hears it, they will immediately understand that it’s Chinese being spoken.
Though there are other 300 dialect languages in the country, 92% of the population speak the standard Mandarin Chinese.
The Chinese language is spoken in 5 different main tones where the words can mean entirely different, but a non-native will hear the words indistinguishable, making it a challenge to pick up the language.
13. Mount Everest
When you mention China, you can’t help but think of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world and one of the 7 wonders of the world.
The mountain is located in Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region in China. Being the highest mountain, it attracts many tourists, and China boasts of being associated with this natural wonder.
14. Censorship
China is known to have one of the most restrictive media environments in the world. It relies on censorship to control information on TV, the internet, and social media as it expands its international influence.
China has been ranked last in the press freedom index, and censorship guidelines force the Chinese media and other organizations to censor themselves or be arrested.
The Chinese government also blocked or temporarily blackout major websites at once point like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, the New York Times, and Google that seem to be potentially dangerous to their restrictions.
15. Rapid Economy Growth
China is among the world’s fastest-growing economies, and its rapid economic growth has made it the second-largest economy in the world after the US.
The rapid large-scale capital investments from foreign investments, substituting imports with domestic goods, and development of state-owned heavy industries are among the factors that contributed to the rapid economic growth in China.
16. Dragon Dance and Lion Dance
Dragon Dance and Lion Dance are two famous performances you’ll often see at festivals and celebrations in China.
The Dragon Dance uses a long, flexible dragon made of cloth and wood, and it takes many people to make it move.
The Lion Dance, on the other hand, is usually performed by just two dancers in a colorful lion costume, but both dances are full of energy and fun to watch.
These dances aren’t just for show but they rather have a special meaning in Chinese culture.
Natives believe that the dragon brings good luck and that the longer the dragon dances are during festivities, the more the luck and the lion drives away bad spirits while also bringing good luck.
Whether it’s Chinese New Year, a wedding celebration, religious festivities, or another big event, the Dragon and Lion Dances are a key part of the celebration.
If you visit China, try to catch a performance; it’s something you won’t forget!
17. The Forbidden City
Next on our list of what is China famous for is the Forbidden City.
Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City is a place rich in history. For nearly 500 years, it was the home of Chinese emperors and their families and the political seat of the government of China.
Built in the early 1400s, this massive palace complex has over 950 buildings including temples surrounded by imperial gardens, and the entire estate covers almost 180 acres.
If you’re wondering why it’s called the Forbidden City, it’s because, in the past, common people weren’t allowed to enter without permission.
Today, it’s a museum where you can see beautiful art, intricate carvings, and impressive architecture. There’s a lot to take in, so if you go, plan to spend an entire afternoon/morning there.
With its historical significance, it was enlisted as a World Heritage site in 1987, and it’s today considered to be the most valuable palace in the world since its evaluation in 2018 which amounted to 70 billion USD.
18. Red Symbolism and Red Lanterns
In China, the color red is more than just a color. It’s a symbol of good luck, happiness, and success.
You’ll see red everywhere during Chinese New Year and other special occasions, but Red lanterns are particularly popular.
Made from red paper or silk, these lanterns are often hung outside homes and in streets to bring good fortune.
While to the rest of us, they might look like just decorations, to Chinese people, they represent their history and tradition! Some lanterns have beautiful designs or words that tell a story or share a wish.
If you’re in China during a festival, you’ll see red lanterns swaying in the wind, lighting up the night, adding a festive touch to the celebration, and definitely bringing prosperity!
19. Bamboo
One of the things associated with China is Bamboo! To Chinese people, Bamboo is not just a plant but a symbol deeply rooted in the culture and way of life.
For centuries, it has been embraced for its many uses, such as in building materials, musical instruments, food, and even traditional medicine.
In Chinese philosophy, bamboo’s characteristics of strength, flexibility, and endurance have led to it being associated with virtues like integrity, humility, loyalty, and the ability to adapt, so much so that it’s often used in art and poetry as a metaphor for these values.
On a rather light note, bamboo is the staple food for giant pandas which are also associated with China.
20. Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is one of the most famous things in China. Discovered in 1974 near Xi’an, it consists of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots.
These figures were buried with Qin Shi Huang, China’s first Emperor, over 2,000 years ago to accompany him in the afterlife.
Each soldier in the Terracotta Army is unique, with different facial expressions, hairstyles, and clothing, reflecting the various ranks and units of the ancient Chinese military.
The attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in creating these figures is truly astounding.
21. Silk
We can’t talk about things China is famous for and not include Silk. And like most things in the world, Silk was also discovered by accident.
Legend has it that a Chinese empress was having tea under a mulberry tree and a silkworm cocoon fell into her cup. When she tried to fish it out, she saw a long, shiny thread and got the idea of making something with it.
The Chinese later figured out how to raise silkworms and how to make silk out of them, a secret they kept for a really long time! It became a special fabric that was only preserved for the rich!
Fast forward, they started trading it with other countries, and thanks to how good it looked and felt, it became really popular. It even led to the famous trading path known as the Silk Road!
Today, China is still a leader in making silk, using it for a variety of things like clothes, art, and decorations.
22. Tik Tok
Some of the most common phrases today are “Tik Tok made me do this”, “it’s Tik Tok famous”, “Are you on Tik Tok”, “He/She is a Tik Toker”, and many others.
If you haven’t heard any of these phrases or even watched a TikTok video in the past few years, sorry to break it to you, but you’ve probably been living under a rock!
While all those are famous, what most people don’t know is that this sensational social media app is from China, launched in 2016 by a company called ByteDance.
A few years after its launch, it blew up all over the world becoming the “it” social media app everyone went on to see funny videos of dances, singers, and cute pets, although now it has grown to include anything you can think of! Even book clubs!
However, TikTok has had its share of ups and downs. Some people and governments were worried about how the app uses personal information, and some even said it was solely created to spy on people and that caused a big stir.
A few countries even banned it because of concerns about security. Others looked at it really closely before deciding it was okay.
Still, TikTok keeps on rolling. Millions of people around the world are using it every day to laugh, dance, and keep up with celebrities.
23. Chinese New Year
One of the famous things in China is the Chinese New Year!
It is a colorful celebration that lasts for 15 days when families get together, share good food, party in the streets, and hope for good luck in the year ahead.
The date changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar since it’s based on the moon, not the sun like our regular calendar.
People clean their houses to sweep away bad luck and put up red decorations since it’s a lucky color as we saw earlier.
There are also parades with dragons and lions, fireworks, and even special money given in red envelopes called “hongbao.”
Although it started as a celebration in China, today, you’ll find it celebrated in a number of countries with a big Chinese community.
Final Thoughts on What China is Famous For
There are so many things that make China a beautiful country that stands out from the rest! Though this post is non-exhaustive, I hope that you got a better understanding of China and what it’s famous for!
Do you know of other unique things about China that I might have missed? Share with me in the comment section or better yet, let me know which point surprised you the most about China.
Otherwise don’t forget to share this post to make more people aware of what is China known for.
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“15 Things Associated With China That You Probably *Didn’t* Know”
No.1: THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA.
Gave me a good chuckle, that.