The four great inventions of ancient China refer to papermaking, printing, gunpowder and the compass. They are celebrated in China for their huge impact on the entire world.

China was the world's first country to make paper. Paper was made during the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC - 8 AD).

In 105, Cai Lun improved the papermaking method. He used worn-out fishnet, tree bark, bits of rope, and rags as raw materials, which could be easily found and bought at low cost. The invention and use of paper led to a revolution in the manufacture of writing materials, paving the way for the invention of printing technologies.