Doing Business in China For Dummies®

Understanding the Big, Historical Picture

China’s civilization is one of the oldest on the planet, dating back almost 4,000 years. Of course, you don’t have to go back quite that far to get an idea of the historical events that shaped China’s current business scene. The following sections give you a briefing on some of the more pivotal events and situations. Understanding some Chinese history is essential so you sound knowledgeable about China in front of your business partners or contacts.

Introducing the Middle Kingdom: The rule of dynasties

The founding father of imperial China was Qin Shi Huang, or the First Emperor. Shi Huang was a member of the Qin (pronounced chin), the strongest kingdom in China at the time. They came into power in 221 BCE. Before Qin’s rule, China was controlled by smaller and less powerful kingdoms that didn’t recognize any central government in China. Qin brought the country together.

Qin’s accomplishments are considered to be among the greatest of any ruler in the history of the world. Qin standardized the written language, weights and measures, and coins. He also expanded China’s borders by seizing territory in the south and to the north of China and was the impetus behind the first Great Wall northwest of Beijing and the marvelous Terracotta Army soldiers in Xi’an.

Qin developed the imperial system in China that would last for more than 2,000 years. Along the way, China made incredible advances in science, medicine, military, agriculture, and more, ...