October Quiz

A monthly quiz of general history, traditions, geography questions for October
1. Yang Guifei was a concubine who became infatuated by which Emperor?
Wendi
Xuanzong
Qianlong
Yang Guifei, tang dynasty
Color woodcut by Yashima Gakutei (Japan, c.1786-1868). Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Image by Gallery available under a Creative Commons License

2. The ancient examinations required learning the Confucian classics by heart, which consist of how many characters?
50,000
400,000
2,000,000
Confucius, Qufu
Temple of Confucius, Qufu, Shandong

3. The downfall of the Sui dynasty is mainly attributed to the failed military campaign to conquer which country?
Korea
Mongolia
Vietnam
Qufu, Shandong, grave
Gravestones of Confucian family and scholars, Qufu, Shandong

4. What proportion of those who set out on the Long March reached the destination?
22%
12%
32%
Long march;rally
A Communist cadre leader addressing survivors of the Long March. Image available under a Creative Commons License

5. Between the whole period 1990 to 2007 what was China's average annual economic growth rate?
10%
20%
15%
Chongqing, skyscraper
New, modern office buildings in Chongqing, 2014

6. Where in China did Britain invade in 1903?
Tibet
Guangzhou
Xiamen
Luoyang, Henan, gateway
Luoyang ancient gate

7. Wuhan was formed out of Wuchang, Hankou and which other city in 1926?
Yichang
Hanyang
Yueyang
Wuhan
Town of Wuhan on the Bank of the Yangzi River, with View of the Huanghe Tower, Buildings, and Boats. Hubei Province, China, 1874. Image by Boiarskii, Adolf-Nikolay Erazmovich available under a Creative Commons License

8. Blue and white porcelain is mostly associated with which dynasty?
Han
Ming
Qing
chinoiserie, plate, willow pattern, blue and white, pottery
Plate: round, flat with decor in blue in sk. Willow pattern. On the bottom of the inside a river landscape with buildings. Around this a lace-like border with outward-facing heads. Around a lambrequin burlap with flowers and spiral and honey cell patterns. Willow-pattern, Qing dynasty, about 1770. Image by Hallwylska museum available under a Creative Commons License

9. In a traditional betrothal what event could result in breaking off the engagement?
Becoming unemployed
Seeing each other
Having an affair
wedding, marriage
Traditional Chinese wedding. 20th March 2009. Image available under a Creative Commons license .

10. Which city was known as Britain's front door into China?
Beijing
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Shanghai, bridge, road, cityscape

11. 'Sinkiang' is an old spelling of which Chinese place?
Suzhou
Xinxiang
Xinjiang
Yellow River, river
Photo by Amphylite , available under a Creative Commons license .

12. When did China launch its first satellite?
1970
1995
1990
china, space launch, rocket launch, long march
The launch of Long March 3B Rocket, Xichang Satellite Center, China. 1997 or 1998. Image by AAxanderr available under a Creative Commons License

13. The British embassies to China led by Lord Maccartney and Lord Amherst both foundered on which problem?
Language translation
Performing the kowtow
Exchanging gifts
Macartney, embassy, kowtow
William Alexander's drawing of the reception of the Macartney embassy to China. Young Thomas Staunton (kneeling not kowtowing) receives a gift from the Emperor. Image by William Alexander available under a Creative Commons License

14. Maotoi is a famous Chinese liquor, where in China is it made?
Xi'an
Shanghai
Guizhou
food
The Peking Duck as its ready to be sliced. Photo by FotoosVanRobin available under a Creative Commons license .

15. Which province is the hottest in July?
Hainan
Guangdong
Fujian
Mount Everest, Tibet, Qomolangma
Mount Everest (29,035 ft) and Mount Nuptse (+25,000 ft) Image by r hyland available under a Creative Commons License
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