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Ancient Chinai

Homo erectus reached what is now China more than a million years ago, while written records date back beyond 1200BC. Archaeologists are even now adding to and expanding our understanding of the rich history of ancient China and pre-Chinese civilisations. 

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Ancient Chinese scholars devised a calendar to help them understand nature, comprising 24 solar terms of 15 days. Each solar term, from Ching Ming to Dongzhi, has its own activities and traditions.

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British geographer, author and unofficial wall ambassador who lives nearby urges visitors to get fit, rise early and take in the wilderness at weekends

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Analysing sedimentary records from the Red River, which originates on the southeast Tibetan plateau and enters the South China Sea near Hanoi, scientists found traces of aggressive human activities, such as the massive destruction of forests, farming, and mining, from the Han Dynasty onwards.

Climate change is having a "bipolar" effect in the South China Sea, warming waters up to three times faster in winter than in summer, mainland scientists say.