The World According to Ancient China
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Ancient China often viewed itself as the center of the world, both culturally and geographically. This perception was reinforced by the idea of the “Middle Kingdom” (Zhongguo), which placed China at the center of the known world. Surrounding regions and countries were seen as peripheral or inferior in comparison.
Below is the world map, according to China in 1799.
According to many ancient maps, China’s worldview often reflected a hierarchical structure, with China at the top. Neighboring states were ranked based on their proximity to China, cultural similarities, and their willingness to acknowledge Chinese authority. The farther a state was from the Middle Kingdom, the lower its perceived status. Countries away from China were viewed as peripheral to the Middle Kingdom and were sometimes referred to as “Outer States” or “Barbarian Lands” (Yi Di). These designations conveyed a sense of foreignness and cultural inferiority.
Here is a satirical map from Yanko Tsvetkov’s Atlas of Prejudice that humorously depicts China’s perspective of its neighboring countries.
China’s relations with neighboring countries were influenced by the tributary system. Under this system, surrounding states would send envoys bearing tribute to the Chinese emperor. This practice was seen as a recognition of China’s superior status and the emperor’s divine mandate to rule. It reinforced the idea of China as the central power, with other states paying homage.
China’s cultural influence extended to neighboring countries, especially in East Asia. The adoption of the Chinese writing system (Chinese characters), Confucianism, Taoism, and other aspects of Chinese culture by countries like Japan, Korea, and Vietnam reinforced China’s cultural centrality.
During certain periods of Chinese history, the country adopted isolationist policies, such as the Ming Dynasty‘s restriction of maritime exploration. This led to limited interactions with the outside world and a more insular perspective. However, trade relations contributed to the enlargement of China’s knowledge of the surrounding countries.
The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China to regions as distant as the Mediterranean, provided opportunities for interactions and exchanges. Chinese traders and explorers, such as Zhang Qian and Zheng He, contributed to China’s expanding knowledge of distant lands.
At times, foreign dynasties ruled China, such as the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty, which were of Manchu origin. These foreign rulers integrated elements of their own cultures into China’s governance, sometimes leading to shifts in the Chinese worldview.
Want to learn more about China? Then have a look at:
