Question

How did the mountain ranges in the western and northern parts of China affect its development?

They isolated ancient China from neighboring cultures.
They provided stone and timber for building settlements.
They served as the location for ancient China’s religious temples and shrines.
They were used by the government to mark the boundaries of the empire.

Answer 1

The mountain ranges in the western and northern parts of China primarily isolated ancient China from neighboring cultures. This geographical barrier contributed to the development of a distinct Chinese civilization, as it limited interaction and influence from other cultures and peoples. The rugged terrain made travel and communication difficult, fostering a unique cultural and societal evolution within China. While the mountains may have provided resources like stone and timber, their main impact was in terms of isolation and the subsequent development of China's civilization.