1.
In what year was The Summer Palace in Beijing sacked and burned by British and French forces?
Correct Answer
C. September 21, 1859
Explanation
In 1859, The Summer Palace in Beijing was sacked and burned by British and French forces. This event occurred during the Second Opium War, which was fought between China and Western powers. The Summer Palace was a lavish imperial palace complex, and its destruction was a significant blow to the Chinese empire. The attack on the palace was part of the Western powers' efforts to assert their dominance and secure favorable trade agreements with China.
2.
Which form of Buddhism was most prevalent in China?
Correct Answer
D. Mahayana
Explanation
Mahayana Buddhism was the most prevalent form in China because it offered a more inclusive and accessible approach to Buddhism compared to other forms. Mahayana emphasized the idea of universal salvation and the possibility for all beings to attain enlightenment. This appealed to the Chinese people as it aligned with their cultural values of compassion and altruism. Additionally, Mahayana Buddhism incorporated elements of Chinese culture and beliefs, making it more relatable and easier to adopt. Its popularity led to the establishment of numerous Mahayana Buddhist temples, scriptures, and rituals throughout China.
3.
In what year did the Portuguese first settle in Macau?
Correct Answer
B. 1557
Explanation
In 1557, the Portuguese first settled in Macau. This marked the beginning of Portuguese colonization in the region. The Portuguese established a trading post in Macau, which eventually grew into a major port and a center for trade between China, Japan, and Europe. The Portuguese presence in Macau lasted for over 400 years until the territory was handed over to China in 1999.
4.
What was the former British territory of Weihaiwei used during World War II?
Correct Answer
C. A Japanese Concentration Camp
Explanation
During World War II, the former British territory of Weihaiwei was used as a Japanese concentration camp. This means that it was a place where the Japanese government detained and imprisoned individuals, often based on their nationality or ethnicity. Concentration camps were known for their harsh conditions, forced labor, and human rights abuses. In this case, Weihaiwei was used by the Japanese as a location to detain and control individuals during the war.
5.
How old was the 14th Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet in 1959?
Correct Answer
B. 24
Explanation
The 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 at the age of 24.
6.
In which city was the Communist Party of China founded in 1921?
Correct Answer
A. Shanghai
Explanation
The Communist Party of China was founded in Shanghai in 1921. This city was chosen as the birthplace of the party because it was a major center of industrialization and urbanization in China at that time. Additionally, Shanghai had a large population of workers and intellectuals who were sympathetic to the communist cause. The city's strategic location as a port and its cosmopolitan atmosphere also made it an ideal place for the party to organize and gain support.
7.
What city is China's second-largest in terms of population?
Correct Answer
C. Beijing
Explanation
Beijing is China's second-largest city in terms of population. Shanghai is the largest city in China, but Beijing is the second-largest. Guangzhou and Wuhan are also large cities in China, but they are not as populous as Beijing.
8.
Although it is doubtful that there was ever a Portuguese settlement on Taiwan, the Portuguese gave the name Formosa. What does the name mean?
Correct Answer
D. Beautiful
Explanation
The Portuguese gave the name "Formosa" to Taiwan, which means "beautiful" in Portuguese. This suggests that the Portuguese found Taiwan to be a visually appealing and attractive place.
9.
Before 1933, what was China's national currency?
Correct Answer
B. There Wasn't Any National Currency
Explanation
Before 1933, China did not have a national currency. Instead, it had a variety of regional currencies and foreign currencies in circulation. The lack of a national currency created economic instability and made trade and commerce difficult. It was only in 1933 that the Chinese government established the Central Bank of China and introduced the Chinese yuan as the national currency.
10.
In the years before the 13th century, where was the state of Nan Chao situated?
Correct Answer
B. In Present-Day Yunnan Province
Explanation
In the years before the 13th century, the state of Nan Chao was situated in present-day Yunnan Province.
11.
What is the name of the third-largest minority group in China, a people unrelated to the Chinese culturally, ethnically, or linguistically?
Correct Answer
C. The Uighur
Explanation
The Uighur is the name of the third-largest minority group in China. They are culturally, ethnically, and linguistically unrelated to the Chinese.
12.
In which movie, an opening attraction at the Radio City Music Hall, New York, 1933, was Barbara Stanwyck held captive by a Chinese warlord?
Correct Answer
A. The Bitter Tea Of General Yen
Explanation
The correct answer is "The Bitter Tea Of General Yen." This movie featured an opening attraction at the Radio City Music Hall in New York in 1933 where Barbara Stanwyck's character was held captive by a Chinese warlord named General Yen.
13.
Under the Treaty of Nanjing, how long was Britain supposed to retain Hong Kong as a territory?
Correct Answer
A. Forever
Explanation
The correct answer is "Forever." Under the Treaty of Nanjing, Britain was supposed to retain Hong Kong as a territory indefinitely, without any specified time limit. This treaty was signed in 1842 between Britain and China, after the First Opium War, and it granted Britain control over Hong Kong Island. The "forever" provision meant that Hong Kong remained under British rule until 1997, when it was finally transferred back to China under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
14.
What was the site of the epicenter of the massive earthquake, measuring 8.2 on the Richter Scale, that devastated central China in 1976?
Correct Answer
B. Tangshan
Explanation
In 1976, a massive earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter Scale struck central China, causing widespread devastation. The epicenter of this earthquake was located in Tangshan.
15.
What does the name "China" mean?
Correct Answer
C. The Country Of The Middle
Explanation
The name "China" means "The Country Of The Middle." This is because China is located in the middle of East Asia, surrounded by various countries. The term "middle" refers to its central location in relation to other countries in the region.
16.
After Japan captured the capital of China during World War II, what was the new wartime capital?
Correct Answer
C. Chongqing (Chungking)
Explanation
After Japan captured the capital of China during World War II, the Chinese government relocated their capital to Chongqing (Chungking). This decision was made to ensure the safety of the government and to continue the resistance against the Japanese occupation. Chongqing, located in southwestern China, was chosen for its strategic location and difficult terrain, which made it harder for the Japanese forces to attack. The Chinese government operated from Chongqing as the new wartime capital until the end of World War II.
17.
The Chinese invented all but which of the following?
Correct Answer
C. Ink
Explanation
The Chinese invented paper, sundial, and printing, but they did not invent ink. Ink has been used by various ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and the Mesopotamians, before it was introduced to China.
18.
How many principal rivers flow through China?
Correct Answer
B. Six
Explanation
China is a country known for its vast river systems. The Yangtze, Yellow, Pearl, Amur, Mekong, and Brahmaputra are the six principal rivers that flow through China. These rivers play a crucial role in the country's economy, providing water for irrigation, transportation, and hydroelectric power generation. Additionally, they have significant cultural and historical importance, shaping the development and civilization of various regions in China.
19.
Into which three zones is China's climate divided?
Correct Answer
D. Arctic, Temperate, Subtropical
Explanation
China's climate is divided into three zones: Arctic, Temperate, and Subtropical. The Arctic zone refers to the northernmost region of China, characterized by extremely cold temperatures and a polar climate. The Temperate zone covers the central part of China and experiences four distinct seasons with moderate temperatures. The Subtropical zone is located in the southern part of China and has a warm and humid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. These three zones represent the different climatic conditions across China's vast territory.
20.
China's rock formations are representative of which ancient era?
Correct Answer
A. Paleozoic
Explanation
China's rock formations are representative of the Paleozoic era. The Paleozoic era, also known as the "age of ancient life," occurred from about 541 to 252 million years ago. During this era, China's landmass was home to a diverse range of marine and terrestrial life forms, including early fish, amphibians, reptiles, and plants. The rock formations found in China provide valuable evidence and fossils from this ancient era, helping scientists understand the evolution and history of life on Earth.