Some Records About The Arctic in Early Chinese Books

A review of early Chinese writings has revealed several references to the Arctic. The oldest of these is Zhou bi suan jing from the second century B.C. The latest reference considered is from the early seventh century A.D. Among the characteristics of the Arctic known to the early Chinese were its high latitude with respect to the pole star, its cold climate and consequent dearth of vegetation, and its lengthy period of winter darkness. The existence of an Arctic Ocean was also recognized.