Chinese Inventions Inventions from ancient China that are celebrated in Chinese culture for their historical significance and as symbols of ancient China’s advanced science and technology are called the Four Great Inventions. These Four Great Inventions are: the compass, gunpowder, papermaking and printing. These discoveries had a large impact on the development of civilizations throughout the world. China invented many other products and technologies, that are still in use today. Here are a few that might be surprising: Nail polish: Nail polish dates from 3000 BC and originates from China. Nail polish used during the Ming Dynasty was made from a mixture of egg whites, beeswax, dyes, gum arabic, and gelatin. Playing cards: The first reference to the card game in world history dates no later than the 9th century and by the 11th century playing cards could be found throughout the Asian continent. Fireworks: Fireworks first appeared in China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279), in the early age of gunpowder. The common people in the Song era could purchase simple fireworks from market vendors Belt hook: The belt hook was a fastener commonly used in China. Belt hooks date to the 7th century BC in China, and were made with bronze, iron, gold, and jade. Banknote: Paper currency was first developed in China. Its roots were in merchant receipts of deposit during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) Toilet paper: Toilet paper was first mentioned in text in the year 589 during the Sui Dynasty, with full evidence of continual use in subsequent dynasties. And if all of that was not important enough... Alcoholic beverages: The earliest archaeological evidence of the consumption of alcoholic beverages was discovered in neolithic China dating from 7000–6600 BC. Ganbei! (Cheers!) .