China, like many other countries, is full of a rich magical history. In the second half of this issue, we will be talking about China, located in Asia, one of the largest countries in the world.

Beginning with the history of China. China has a very diverse landscape. It has many mountains and deserts which dominate much of the country. The first Chinese civilizations began around the Huang He River.

The Xia Dynasty was the first dynasty of China and was created in 2100 BCE. The Xia Dynasty ruled for 400 years before they were dethroned by the Shang Dynasty. Under the Shang, the first cities were built in China, along with advancements in writing and divination. Eventually, the Shang were conquered by the Zhou Dynasty then led to the beginning of the dynastic cycle. The dynastic cycle is when a dynasty would rule over China. When the government was good, the dynasty was good. Eventually, when the dynasty declined, it was believed that they lost the Mandate of Heaven or “Favour of the gods.” This would last for many thousand years.

China has many important forms of magic and interesting magical practices to discuss. Unlike most of the countries we will discuss, China is without a magical school. Though there may be one, it is not well-known or has nothing to discuss about it. As mentioned earlier, Ancient China practised divination. This type of divination was called “Oracle Bones”, which was when diviners would read the cracks within bones to make decisions. As for important wizards and witches, Liu Tao was from China, and Tao was one of the three people in the 1932 Supreme Mugwump election, Tao ran alongside Santos and Grindelwald. It is also to note that Tao is the only one during the 1932 election to not win at some point, as Grindelwald won first but cheated, and then Santos won. Even before the election, many believed that Tao would not win.

China has a large catalogue of magical creatures. Unsurprisingly, the large Chinese Fireball is native to the country of China. The Chinese Fireball is the dragon which Viktor Krum fought during the 1994 Triwizard Tournament. Besides the Fireball, the Zouwu, a creature constantly confused with the Chinese Fireball, is also native to China. Also, the famous Qilin is from China, as it is used to determine Supreme Mugwump elections as the Qilin can see the future and see the good in people. In the far east of China, the Demiguise, Occamy, and Horned Serpent can be found. The Horned Serpent is a house at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and is the house that I was in when I attended! Other creatures in China include the Mooncalf, Streeler, Clabbert, and more. To mention a plant, the Chomping Cabbage is presumed to have certain versions of the species native to China.

Well, that is all to be said for China. China does have a rich magical history, and it is recommended to take Ancient Studies to learn even more about it! In August, the next country that shall be discussed will be France, so get ready for that!

Written by: Michael Isserles
Edited by: Marietta Oizys
Proofread by: Amelia River