Did you know the Chinese developed the first versions of paper and written language? The country’s history dates back thousands of years. Lots of other inventions come from China, too, like fireworks, kites and sunglasses.
On our trip to China, we visited an ancient palace complex called the Forbidden City, took lots of pictures of pandas and walked along the Great Wall of China. (Well, some of it. It’s very long!)
Learn more about China through our pictures and activities below!
Sofia and Sam
More people claim Mandarin Chinese as their first language than any other language in the world.
China was the first country to use paper money over a thousand years ago.
Lunar New Year festivities last 15 days. During this time, most people in the country gather with their families to celebrate.
A race during the Dragon Boat Festival
What is it like where you live?
I live in Beijing, which is the capital of China. Beijing has lots of history. The Summer Palace and the Forbidden City are two of many historic places you can visit. I like how there is always something to do in Beijing, like tai chi in the park or biking around with friends.
What do you like about school?
I really like all of my teachers. My favorite classes are math and geography. I start to feel tired after lunch, but at my school a student leads the class in eye exercises. We massage around our eyes to keep them from feeling worn out after looking at the chalkboard all day.
What is your favorite time of year?
I enjoy celebrating Duanwu, or the Dragon Boat Festival, which honors the great ancient Chinese poet, Qu Yuan. On the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, all over China, teams race boats that have a dragon’s head on the front and a tail on the back. My family and I sit by the water to watch the competition. I love how colorful the boats are.
It is also a tradition to eat yummy zongzi while watching the boat races. Zongzi is rice, beans, dates and lotus seeds wrapped up with bamboo leaves and then steamed or boiled. They can be sweet or savory. I like the sweet kind, and they taste even sweeter when my favorite dragon boat wins!
