Ancient China Interesting Trivia Facts! Quiz

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  • 1/34 Questions

    An ancestor is a relative who lived in the past.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Explore key aspects of Ancient Chinese civilization with this engaging quiz! Test your knowledge on bureaucracy, agriculture, cultural heritage, and historical inaccuracies related to Ancient China. Ideal for learners interested in historical cultures and their impact.

Ancient China Interesting Trivia Facts! Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    An insect that played a major role in clothing the Chinese and providing a product for trading.

    • The silk worm

    • The boll weevil

    • The red, marching ant

    • The Mao millipede

    Correct Answer
    A. The silk worm
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the silk worm because it is well-known for its role in producing silk, which has been a valuable trading commodity throughout history. The Chinese have a long history of silk production, and silk worms have played a major role in providing the raw material for this industry.

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  • 3. 

    A trade route that linked China with Europe and other Western civilizations was known as ...

    • The Western Way

    • The Road to Perdition

    • The Silk Road

    • The Silky Smooth Highway

    Correct Answer
    A. The Silk Road
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Silk Road. This trade route connected China with Europe and other Western civilizations, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between these regions. It played a significant role in the development of civilizations along its path and was named after the valuable silk that was one of the major commodities traded along this route.

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  • 4. 

    Why did Shi Huangdi build the Great Wall of China? 

    • Help trade relations between nations

    • Control flooding along the northern borders

    • Help with irrigation and canal building

    • Protect the empire from northern invaders

    Correct Answer
    A. Protect the empire from northern invaders
    Explanation
    Shi Huangdi built the Great Wall of China to protect the empire from northern invaders. The wall served as a defensive barrier, preventing attacks and invasions from nomadic tribes and other enemies coming from the north. By constructing this massive structure, Shi Huangdi aimed to safeguard the empire's borders and maintain its territorial integrity. This defensive purpose of the Great Wall is well-documented in historical records and is widely recognized as one of the primary reasons for its construction.

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  • 5. 

    Why does the Huang River have a  distinctive yellow color?

    • Yellow flowers grow on it's banks.

    • Yellow topsoil is blown into the river and dissolved.

    • It reflects the yellow light of the sun.

    • It reflects the yellow light of the moon.

    Correct Answer
    A. Yellow topsoil is blown into the river and dissolved.
    Explanation
    The Huang River has a distinctive yellow color because yellow topsoil is blown into the river and dissolved. The river flows through regions with large amounts of loess soil, which is rich in yellow sediment. This sediment gets carried by wind and deposited into the river, giving it a yellow hue. As the river flows, the sediment dissolves in the water, further intensifying the yellow color. This phenomenon is unique to the Huang River and contributes to its distinct appearance.

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  • 6. 

    The Gobi is ...

    • A rare fish used in a Chinese dish

    • The most ferocious of all dragons in Chinese folk lore

    • The name of a disease that struck down the warriors

    • One of the worlds largest deserts; covers parts of China and Mongolia

    Correct Answer
    A. One of the worlds largest deserts; covers parts of China and Mongolia
    Explanation
    The Gobi is one of the world's largest deserts, covering parts of China and Mongolia. This is the correct answer because it accurately describes the Gobi as a desert, which is a well-known fact. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the Gobi.

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  • 7. 

    A line of rulers from the same family is called a _______________.

    • A theocracy

    • Monarchy

    • Dynasty

    • A dictatorship

    Correct Answer
    A. Dynasty
    Explanation
    A line of rulers from the same family is called a dynasty. This term refers to a succession of rulers who are all part of the same family, typically passing down power from one generation to the next. It is commonly used to describe ruling families in monarchies or other forms of hereditary leadership.

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  • 8. 

    A group of non-elected public officials is known as a bureaucracy .... true or false?

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A group of non-elected public officials is known as a bureaucracy. This is true because a bureaucracy refers to a system or organization in which tasks, decisions, and policies are carried out by appointed officials rather than elected representatives. These officials are responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, regulations, and policies on behalf of the government. Bureaucracies are typically hierarchical in structure and aim to ensure efficient and consistent administration of public affairs.

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  • 9. 

    The flooded areas where rice is grown are called rice paddies.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Rice paddies are indeed the flooded areas where rice is grown. Rice is a semi-aquatic plant that requires a lot of water to grow, so farmers flood the fields to create the ideal growing conditions for rice. These flooded areas are commonly referred to as rice paddies.

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  • 10. 

    The Italian merchant who traveled the Silk Road and served as a valued official in China was ...

    • Luigi Marcone

    • Marco Polo

    • Wup Di Doo

    • Diego Varazanno

    Correct Answer
    A. Marco Polo
    Explanation
    Marco Polo is the correct answer because he was an Italian merchant who traveled the Silk Road and served as a valued official in China. He is well-known for his extensive travels and his book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," which documented his experiences in China and other parts of Asia. His accounts of the Silk Road and the Chinese culture had a significant impact on European exploration and trade with China.

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  • 11. 

    What might be considered the first principle of Confucianism?

    • Respect all people

    • All children were not allowed to go to school.

    • Be insensitive toward other people

    • Read as many books as you can.

    Correct Answer
    A. Respect all people
    Explanation
    The first principle of Confucianism is to respect all people. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and empathy. It teaches that individuals should strive to cultivate virtues such as benevolence, righteousness, and filial piety, which are all rooted in respecting and valuing the dignity and worth of every human being. This principle forms the foundation of Confucian ethics and social harmony, promoting harmonious relationships and a sense of community among individuals.

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  • 12. 

    During the Ming & Qing dynasty, the emperor lived in an area that was off-limits to ordinary citizens called the _________?

    • Lotus Library

    • The Forbidden City

    • The Palooka Palace

    • The Royal Rice Garden

    Correct Answer
    A. The Forbidden City
    Explanation
    During the Ming & Qing dynasty, the emperor lived in an area that was off-limits to ordinary citizens called the Forbidden City. This was a vast palace complex located in Beijing, China. It served as the imperial residence and political center for over 500 years. The name "Forbidden City" comes from the fact that it was strictly forbidden for commoners to enter the premises without permission. It was designed to be a symbol of the emperor's power and authority, and only high-ranking officials and members of the royal family were allowed access.

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  • 13. 

    Why has the Huang River been called “China’s Sorrow”? 

    • The river runs through both the desert and the loess valley.

    • The river’s tributaries pick up and carry large amounts of silt.

    • The river is light blue, the same color as human tears.

    • The river’s flooding has wiped out crops and left people homeless.

    Correct Answer
    A. The river’s flooding has wiped out crops and left people homeless.
    Explanation
    The Huang River has been called "China's Sorrow" because its flooding has caused significant devastation, wiping out crops and leaving people homeless. This has been a recurring issue throughout history, leading to the river being associated with sorrow and hardship.

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  • 14. 

    The Chinese invented the wheelbarrow long before the Europeans. What name did they give wheelbarrow?

    • The wooden buffalo

    • The wooden horse

    • The wooden ox

    • The wooden wooley

    Correct Answer
    A. The wooden ox
    Explanation
    The Chinese gave the wheelbarrow the name "the wooden ox". This name suggests that the wheelbarrow was designed to mimic the strength and endurance of an ox, emphasizing its usefulness in carrying heavy loads. The term "wooden" likely refers to the construction material of the wheelbarrow, which was commonly made from wood. Overall, this name highlights the Chinese innovation in inventing the wheelbarrow and their understanding of its practical purpose.

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  • 15. 

    What have people built to control flooding along the Huang River? 

    • Terraces

    • Sinkholes

    • Levees

    • Rice paddies

    Correct Answer
    A. Levees
    Explanation
    Levees have been built along the Huang River to control flooding. Levees are embankments or walls constructed along the riverbanks to contain the water within the river channel and prevent it from overflowing onto the surrounding land. These structures help to regulate the flow of water and reduce the risk of flooding by confining the river within its designated course.

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  • 16. 

    Which of the following was not part of life for the ancient Chinese?

    • Fishing

    • Farming

    • Trade with the Americas

    • Irrigating land

    Correct Answer
    A. Trade with the Americas
    Explanation
    The correct answer is trade with the Americas. This is because the ancient Chinese did not have any known trade connections or interactions with the Americas during their time. They primarily engaged in fishing, farming, and irrigating land as part of their daily life and economic activities.

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  • 17. 

    Who was the first Chinese Emperor?

    • Skin Ye Mic Dow

    • Liu Sheng

    • Shang Ti

    • Shǐ Huáng Dì

    Correct Answer
    A. Shǐ Huáng Dì
    Explanation
    Shǐ Huáng Dì is the correct answer because he was the first emperor of China. He unified China and established the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC. Shǐ Huáng Dì is also known for his strict rule and centralization of power. He implemented various reforms, including standardizing the Chinese script, currency, and measurements, as well as building the Great Wall of China. His reign had a significant impact on Chinese history and laid the foundation for the imperial system that lasted for centuries.

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  • 18. 

    Which best describes the Analects? 

    • Collection of sayings by Confucius

    • A collection of writings by Wu De

    • One of many printed works describing Daoism

    • The main printed works of Buddha

    Correct Answer
    A. Collection of sayings by Confucius
    Explanation
    The Analects is a collection of sayings by Confucius. Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and teacher, and his teachings and ideas are compiled in this book. The Analects is considered one of the most important texts in Confucianism and provides insights into his thoughts on ethics, morality, and social relationships. It is a significant work that has had a profound influence on Chinese culture and society.

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  • 19. 

    ___________ are characters that stand for objects?

    • Hieroglyphs

    • Pictographs

    • Letters

    • Emogees

    Correct Answer
    A. Pictographs
    Explanation
    Pictographs are characters that stand for objects. Pictographs are simple drawings or symbols that represent specific objects or ideas. They were commonly used in ancient civilizations as a form of written communication. Unlike hieroglyphs, which are more complex and represent words or sounds, pictographs directly represent objects or concepts. Letters, on the other hand, represent sounds in a written language, while emogees are modern digital symbols used to express emotions or ideas. Therefore, out of the given options, pictographs are the characters that best fit the description of standing for objects.

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  • 20. 

    Which is a central belief of Daoism?

    • People should revolt and demand peace.

    • People should seek a higher level of education.

    • People should worship Ms.Lanfersiek.

    • People should live in harmony with nature.

    Correct Answer
    A. People should live in harmony with nature.
    Explanation
    Daoism is a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with nature. It teaches that individuals should align themselves with the natural flow of the universe, known as the Dao, and avoid unnecessary conflict or striving. This belief is reflected in the answer choice "People should live in harmony with nature," as it captures the central idea of Daoism.

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  • 21. 

    The earliest form of Chinese writing  was found on ...

    • Rice paper

    • Animal bones

    • Papyrus

    • Clay tablets

    Correct Answer
    A. Animal bones
    Explanation
    The earliest form of Chinese writing was found on animal bones. This refers to the oracle bones, which were animal bones or turtle shells used in divination practices during the Shang Dynasty in ancient China. The inscriptions on these bones provide valuable insights into the early Chinese writing system and the civilization of that time.

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  • 22. 

    It was thought that the Chinese emperor ruled because

    • They received a mandate from heaven

    • Their father was emperor

    • They were related to Confucius

    • Ms. Lanfersiek said so!

    Correct Answer
    A. They received a mandate from heaven
    Explanation
    The Chinese emperor was believed to rule because they received a mandate from heaven. This concept, known as the Mandate of Heaven, was an important belief in ancient Chinese political and religious philosophy. It stated that the emperor was chosen by the heavens to rule and had the divine right to do so. The mandate could be lost if the emperor ruled unjustly or failed to govern effectively, leading to the rise of a new dynasty. This belief system provided legitimacy to the emperor's rule and helped maintain social order in ancient China.

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  • 23. 

    This engineering project helped make trade within China easier.

    • The Great Fleet of Ships

    • The Great Wall of China

    • The Grand Canal

    • The Grand Highway

    Correct Answer
    A. The Grand Canal
    Explanation
    The Grand Canal is a man-made waterway that stretches over 1,100 miles, connecting various major rivers and cities in China. It was constructed during the Sui Dynasty and played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation within China. The canal allowed for the efficient movement of goods and resources, making trade easier and more accessible for merchants and traders. Its construction and maintenance also stimulated economic growth and development along its route, further enhancing trade within China.

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  • 24. 

    The leaders of the Qin dynasty believed in ________________ ,which is the belief that humans are bad, selfish and must be ruled under strict authority.

    • Democracy

    • Daoism

    • Legalism

    • Confucianism

    Correct Answer
    A. Legalism
    Explanation
    The leaders of the Qin dynasty believed in Legalism, which is the belief that humans are bad, selfish, and must be ruled under strict authority. Legalism emphasizes the need for a strong central government and strict laws to maintain order and control over the people. It promotes harsh punishments for any disobedience or rebellion, as it assumes that people are inherently inclined to act in their own self-interest and need to be controlled to prevent chaos and maintain social order. This ideology was influential during the Qin dynasty and played a significant role in shaping the policies and governance of the empire.

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  • 25. 

    How did Confucianism and Daoism influence Chinese history and culture?

    • People became greedy and cruel toward others.

    • Books were burned so students learned less.

    • Values, such as order, harmony, and ways of making the world right, began to spread

    • People turned away from nature to embrace industrialization

    Correct Answer
    A. Values, such as order, harmony, and ways of making the world right, began to spread
    Explanation
    Confucianism and Daoism influenced Chinese history and culture by spreading values such as order, harmony, and ways of making the world right. This suggests that these philosophies promoted a sense of moral and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and peace in society. These values would have had a positive impact on Chinese culture, guiding individuals towards virtuous behavior and promoting a harmonious coexistence among people.

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  • 26. 

     Tao is ...

    • The name of a famous panda

    • The last emperor of China

    • A book about Confucius

    • The way

    Correct Answer
    A. The way
    Explanation
    Tao, also known as "the way," is a fundamental concept in Taoism, a Chinese philosophy. It refers to the natural order and flow of the universe, emphasizing harmony, balance, and simplicity. Tao is not the name of a famous panda, the last emperor of China, or a book about Confucius.

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  • 27. 

    Another name for Confucius was ...

    • Flash Master

    • The Quoteable One

    • Master Kung

    • Kung Fu

    Correct Answer
    A. Master Kung
    Explanation
    Confucius, a Chinese philosopher and teacher, is commonly referred to as Master Kung. This name is derived from his given name, Kong Qiu, with "Kung" being the Wade-Giles romanization of the Chinese character "孔" (Kong). As a highly respected figure in Chinese history, Confucius is often addressed by this alternate name to highlight his role as a master and scholar. The other options, "Flash Master," "The Quoteable One," and "Kung Fu," do not accurately represent Confucius' commonly known names or titles.

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  • 28. 

    Please choose the correct sequence of Chinese dynasties from earliest to most recent.

    • Qin, Zhou, Han, Ming, Shang

    • Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Ming

    • Shang, Qin, Zhou, Han, Ming

    • Ming, Zhou, Han, Qin, Shang

    Correct Answer
    A. Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Ming
    Explanation
    The correct sequence of Chinese dynasties from earliest to most recent is Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Ming. The Shang dynasty was the earliest recorded dynasty in China, followed by the Zhou dynasty. The Qin dynasty came next, followed by the Han dynasty, which was one of the longest-lasting dynasties in Chinese history. The Ming dynasty was the last dynasty in the sequence, ruling China from 1368 to 1644.

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  • 29. 

    You got a job in the Chinese civil service because ...

    • Your family connections

    • Your performance on competitive exams and merit

    • You were good looking like Mr. D

    • You could recite the Analects

    Correct Answer
    A. Your performance on competitive exams and merit
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "your performance on competitive exams and merit." In the Chinese civil service, getting a job is based on one's performance on competitive exams and merit. This means that individuals are selected based on their abilities and qualifications rather than any personal connections or physical appearance. The emphasis is on evaluating candidates objectively and selecting the most deserving ones through a competitive process.

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  • 30. 

    The terra cotta warriors were thousands of unique clay soldiers that were erected to protect Emperor Liu Bang and his tomb in the afterlife.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because the terra cotta warriors were actually created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang and his tomb, not Emperor Liu Bang. Emperor Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of China and he ordered the construction of the terracotta army to accompany him in the afterlife.

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  • 31. 

    The majority of the ancient Chinese worked in the cities as artisans or skilled craftsmen.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because the majority of ancient Chinese did not work in cities as artisans or skilled craftsmen. In fact, during that time, agriculture was the primary occupation for most people in ancient China. Farming and agricultural activities were the main source of livelihood for the majority of the population. Cities were more commonly associated with administrative and governmental functions rather than being centers of skilled labor.

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  • 32. 

    During which of the earliest dynasties did writing appear? 

    • Qin

    • Shang

    • Han

    • Ming

    Correct Answer
    A. Shang
    Explanation
    Writing appeared during the Shang dynasty. The Shang dynasty was one of the earliest dynasties in ancient China, lasting from around 1600 BCE to 1046 BCE. It is known for its advancements in many areas, including the development of a system of writing. The Shang dynasty used a form of writing known as oracle bone script, which involved inscribing characters onto animal bones or turtle shells. This early form of writing was primarily used for divination purposes, but it laid the foundation for the later development of Chinese characters and writing systems.

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  • 33. 

    Name the 2 deserts that lie to the north and west of China.

    • Sahara & Gobi

    • Libyan & Gobi

    • Arabian & Gobi

    • Taklimakan & Gobi

    Correct Answer
    A. Taklimakan & Gobi
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Taklimakan & Gobi. The Taklimakan Desert is located in northwest China, while the Gobi Desert stretches across northern and northwestern China. These two deserts are known for their arid and harsh conditions, with the Gobi Desert being one of the largest deserts in the world.

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  • 34. 

    Childrens' respect for their parents and older relatives that was part of Confucian  beliefs was called ... 

    • Bodaciousness

    • Fillial piety

    • The way

    • Comportment

    Correct Answer
    A. Bodaciousness

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