Why is China called "The Cradle of the Oldest Civilization?

Question

Why is China called "The Cradle of the Oldest Civilization?

Answer 1

Not sure the cradle of civilization is supposed to be in the near east, mesopotamia and such unless yer talking about taking written language into consideration then they seem to credit it to egypt and that area. However, china did have quite a bit of overall stability throughout its history so if length of a single empire is your criteria that may be it. MAY.

Answer 2

Depends what you mean.  China was 'civilized' before other cultures, if that is what you mean.

Humankind did not start there, however.  

Answer 3

It is an expression that was used before the world became aware that there were much older civilizations than Chinese ones.

But looking at the human rights abuses going on in China today civilized is not a word that fits too well!!!

Answer 4

I've never heard China called that.  The Fertile Crescent, including Mesopotamia, is generally called the Cradle of Civilization because that is where the first cities in the world were built.