Agriculture
This grain became China’s most important food crop during the Song dynasty.
rice
This Chinese invention helped sailors navigate on long trips.
magnetic compass
Define urbanization
growth of cities
How did the introduction of champa rice affect China’s population and society overall?
increased food → population growth → more time for other work → economic growth
This warm, wet region of southern China became the center of rice farming.
Chang Jiang Valley
This major canal helped farmers ship rice north.
Grand canal
This famous visitor from Europe was amazed at how crowded Chinese cities were.
Marco Polo
Explain how new farming tools (like the improved plow and chain pump) led indirectly to the rise of trade.
improved farming → surplus food → specialization → trade
This new rice from __ matured in only about two months. What was it called and where was it from?
Champa rice from Vietnam
Compare the speed of an oxcart to barge
oxcart - 25 miles / day
barge - 45 miles /day
This Chinese city reached about 2 million people—far more than European cities at the time.
Hangzhou
How did the popularity of luxury items contribute to the increase of merchants and artisans in China?
Students should understand demand → production → more skilled workers
Farmers used this tool with buckets on a loop to move water into fields.
chain pump
What caused an increase in demand for luxury goods?
Surplus of food/resources led to landowners becoming wealthier
What was the effect of increased trade in China?
First, it resulted in the growth of the merchant class. Second, business brought increased prosperity, giving China the highest living standard in the world at that time. Third, many commercial centers grew into big cities.
Why did urbanization increase once more people could make a living in trade and business rather than farming?
opportunities → migration → city growth
These raised “steps” built on hillsides allowed Chinese farmers to grow rice in steep areas.
Terraces
Name 4 goods China exported, name 2 places they exported to
Products like rice, silk, tea, porcelain, and jade were exported to Arabia, India, and Europe
Which custom became common during the Song dynasty? Among which group of people was it especially popular?
This custom of foot binding first became common during the Song dynasty. It marked a decline in the status of women. Wealthy young girls tightly bound their feet with cloth so that their toes were bent under.
How did the use of the magnetic compass and new sailing knowledge affect China’s connection to other regions of the world?
navigation → overseas trade → cultural and economic exchange