World · East Asia & Pacific · 16 hrs ago
Collector explains how China’s measurement standards changed over time
Weights and measures help people trade fairly and allow governments to set rules for taxes, land and public works.
In an interview, Chinese collector Zhang Zhenhe describes how measurement standards developed in China over thousands of years.
He says China’s rulers repeatedly sought to unify those standards across the country.
In modern times, foreign systems and industrial growth brought pressure to update traditional measures.
Zhang says China adopted the international metric system while retaining some traditional practices and cultural meaning.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the country further developed measurement laws and aligned its system with international standards.
Zhang argues that this history shows how a country can learn from other systems while maintaining control of its own rules.
Collector Zhang Zhenhe says China’s measurement standards developed through long periods of national standardisation and adaptation to international systems.
He describes measurement as a basis for fair trade, government administration and social order.
Zhenhe says China adopted aspects of the international metric system while retaining traditional practices and cultural meaning.
He argues that China’s experience shows measurement systems can modernise through exchange without simply replacing tradition.
Zhenhe has collected more than 2,000 historical documents and instruments related to Chinese and foreign measurement systems.
- Who
- Zhang Zhenhe, a collector and vice-chair of the China Collectors Association’s measurement collection committee.
- What
- He explained how China’s measurement standards changed over time, including their move towards national unity and modern standards.
- When
- The interview was published on October 11, 2026. The article says it took place recently.
- Where
- Harbin, China.
- Why
- The interview examined how measurement reflects civilisational exchange, changes in institutions and the development of national standards.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Measurement is the foundation of civilisation’s survival, whether in the East or the West, and a universal language of civilisation.
China did not abandon its thousand-year tradition, nor did it reject international standards.
Measurement modernisation is not simply replacement and rupture.
Measurement is the most suitable small-scale story about China to share with the world.
China’s measurement traditions developed from early practices including using natural references and physical objects as measures.
China unified measurement standards, according to Zhang.
China adopted international metric standards while retaining traditional measurement culture and practices.
The government further developed measurement laws and aligned the system with international standards.
Zhang’s illustrated book on the history of modern Chinese measurement was published.
China News Service published its interview with Zhang.
- Collector
- Zhang Zhenhe
- Collection
- More than 2,000 historical documents and measurement instruments
- Book
- *Illustrated Appreciation of the History of Modern Chinese Measurement*
- Publication year
- 2019
- Interview publication date
- October 11, 2026
Sources
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