Geography of China

Question 1

Where would you expect to find the most people living in China?

Answer 1

East China- close to the ocean, more trade, fertile land

Question 2

Where is most of China’s 10% of fertile land?

Answer 2

North China Plain- flat area (more water + sunlight), access to shore = more trade

Question 3

Would it be easy to invade China?

Answer 3

No- many natural barriers (mountains, plateaus, etc)

Question 4

What would be the best place to invade China?

Answer 4

North/Northeast- not as many natural barriers

Question 5

Why do the Chinese call their country the “middle country”?

Answer 5

It is isolated from other countries

Question 6

Does China or the US have more arable land per person?

Answer 6

US- in China there is a large number of people but only 9% of the land is arable

Question 7

What were the Silk Roads?

Answer 7

• Network of trade routes through wetlands with occasional oases running through areas of Asia
• Meant for trading silk and other goods

Question 8

What are 2 reasons why the Silk Roads were a critical influence on Chinese history?

Answer 8

• Allowed trade to flourish during three major Chinese dynasties
• Oases provided travelers food and water

Question 9

How has China’s geography influenced / shaped its development?

Answer 9

• Many natural barriers- harder for enemies to attack
• Two major rivers (Yellow River, Yangtze)- water trade routes, transportation
• Isolated- weren’t connected as much to other countries, allowing them to develop their own unique culture
• Silk Roads