Medals from China
Chinese Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More
China emerged as one of the world’s first civilizations and was one of the foremost economic powers from the 1st until the 19th century. China’s political system was based on absolute hereditary monarchies or dynasties and is a unitary one-party socialist republic. The Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) saw some of the most advanced technology at that time, including papermaking and the compass. The invention of gunpowder and movable type in the Tang dynasty (618–907) and Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127) completed the Four Great Inventions.
The People’s Republic of China has established numerous orders and medals, which you can find below. These medals symbolize the nation’s reverence for courage, sacrifice, and loyalty, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the defense of their homeland.
Popular Chinese Medals, Orders & Decorations
China boasts a rich tradition of awarding medals and decorations that span centuries of history, reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage, military prowess, and political achievements. Among the most popular medals in China are those bestowed for acts of valor and service in the military, such as the Order of Bayi and the Medal of the Republic. Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by China.
The Order of the Sacred Tripod
The Order of the Sacred Tripod or Pao Ting is a military award of the Rep. of China created in 1929 for contributions to national security.
The Imperial Grand Order
The Imperial Grand Order is a Chinese Order established in 1911 alongside four other medals to replace the Order of the Double Dragon.
The Order of the Double Dragon
The Order of the Double Dragon was an order founded by the Guangxu Emperor on 7 February 1882 and awarded in the late Qing Dynasty.
The Order of Bayi
The Order of Bayi is a Chinese military award awarded to heroes of the Liberation of China during the First Civil War between 1927 and 1949.
The Order of the Republic
The Order of the Republic is the highest order of honor of the People’s Republic of China. It was established on 29 September 2019.
All the Chinese Medals,
Orders & Awards
Since its founding, China has issued several medals to “unite the sons and daughters of China with common values“. However, in the early days of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, leaders believed that the pursuit of medals would encourage individualism and selfishness – something inconsistent with the political moral standards. This is why the national honor system of China wasn’t fully established until 2016.
The Order Of The Imperial Dragon or Bao Xing Merit Medal
The Order Of The Imperial Dragon or Bao Xing Merit Medal is a military award given to British and French government officials and civilians.
The Wu Pei Fu Qualification Award For Public Affairs
The Wu Pei Fu Qualification Award For Public Affairs is a Chinese medal established c. 1912 and awarded for “virtuous behavior”.
The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Taiwan)
The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is a Taiwanese medal established in 1980. The medal is decorated in gilt and enamels.
The Order of Brilliant Jade
The Order of Brilliant Jade is a civilian order established in 22 December 1933 and that can be worn only by the head of a nation.
The Order of the Cloud and Banner
The Order of the Cloud and Banner is a military award of the Republic of China awarded for contributions to national security.
The Order of the Sacred Tripod
The Order of the Sacred Tripod or Pao Ting is a military award of the Rep. of China created in 1929 for contributions to national security.
The Order of Loyalty and Valor
The Order of Loyalty and Valor s a military award created on 23 September 1944 and awarded for outstanding command in battle.
The Imperial Grand Order
The Imperial Grand Order is a Chinese Order established in 1911 alongside four other medals to replace the Order of the Double Dragon.
The Order of the Double Dragon
The Order of the Double Dragon was an order founded by the Guangxu Emperor on 7 February 1882 and awarded in the late Qing Dynasty.
The Order of Liberation
The Order of Liberation is a Chinese military award given to heroes of the Liberation of mainland China during the Second Chinese Civil War.
The Order of Independence and Freedom
The Order of Independence and Freedom is a military award of the Rep. of China created in 1955 and given for conspicuously gallantry.
The Order of Bayi
The Order of Bayi is a Chinese military award awarded to heroes of the Liberation of China during the First Civil War between 1927 and 1949.
The Order of Friendship
The Order of Friendship is one of the highest orders of honor of the People’s Republic of China and bestowed to foreigners for contributions.
The Order of the Republic
The Order of the Republic is the highest order of honor of the People’s Republic of China. It was established on 29 September 2019.
More About Chinese Medals, Orders & Awards
Some more information about the People’s Republic of China’s Honors System and the country’s medals and awards.
Does China have an Honor System?
No. China is one of the few countries in the world (alongside Switzerland, South Sudan and Eritrea, and a few others) to not have a national honors system. In 2007, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China announced the decision to establish one. On December 27, 2015, the Standing Committee of the Twelfth National People’s Congress passed a law on National Medals and Titles of Honor. It came into force on January 1, 2016.
What is China's Most Important Medal?
The Order of the Republic is probably the People’s Republic of China’s most important award. It’s given to outstanding people who have made significant contributions to the construction of socialism and the defense of the country. The Friendship Medal (or Order of Friendship) is also awarded to foreigners who have contributed to China’s socialist modernization drive, promoted exchanges and cooperation with other countries, and helped maintain world peace.
How Frequently Does China Award Medals?
China usually awards medals and titles every five years, on the fifth and tenth anniversaries of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, the People’s Liberation Army, and the People’s Republic of China – although they can be awarded at other times too, if necessary.
Here are some recipients of Chinese military medals or orders:
Peng Dehuai: A prominent military leader in the early years of the People’s Republic of China, Peng Dehuai played a crucial role in the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War. He was awarded various military medals and honors for his leadership and contributions to the Chinese military.
Lin Biao: A prominent Communist military leader during the Chinese Civil War and the early years of the People’s Republic of China, Lin Biao was instrumental in organizing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He received numerous military medals and honors for his service and leadership.
Nie Rongzhen: A distinguished Chinese military officer and scientist, Nie Rongzhen played a key role in the development of China’s nuclear weapons program. He was awarded several military medals and honors for his contributions to national defense and scientific research.
Wang Shusheng: A decorated Chinese military officer who served as a commander in the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army during the Korean War. He received several military medals and honors for his bravery and leadership in combat.
Sun Li-jen: A renowned Chinese military leader who served as a general in the Republic of China Army during World War II and the Chinese Civil War. Despite his later exile from mainland China, Sun Li-jen received various military medals and honors for his contributions to the defense of China.
