You move the beads up and down to calculate. About 1,000 years ago someone from China invented the compass. About 1,700 years ago a man invented the wheelbarrow. The Chinese invented the saddle for easier riding. Other interesting things that came from China are porcelain figures, a special round pan for cooking called the wok, and acupuncture used for healing people.
Most people live in the country and some live in small villages.
Houses in villages are usually made of mud or clay but sometimes Chinese people will use stone bricks. Many country houses don't have power or running water. Many people live in cities. Chinese apartments are different than our apartments. Families in apartments usually share kitchens and bathrooms with other families.