CHINA:
Culture Hearth

Chinese culture and civilization can be traced back as far as 4,000 years [wwhearsm].  There is evidence that China’s ancient roots may have begun prior to the onset of Mesopotamian civilizations [hearthgr].  In the lower basin of the Huang He near the confluence of the Huang and Wei Rivers [chrivers], early Chinese societies developed state-like societies.  Despite ebb and flow, contraction and expansion of these societies [chempire], China’s culture hearth remained strong and vibrant and its cultural lineage never broke over a period of 40 centuries.  China’s isolation served not only as a source of physical protection and strength, but served to enhance a feeling of cultural superiority.

[The text of the above was written by Scott Girhard, San Antonio College from his online course GEOG 1301 World Geography. Used with permission.]