chi

…the two basic measurements, the zhi and the zhang, were set at about 25 cm (9.8 inches) and 3 metres (9.8 feet), respectively. A noteworthy characteristic of the Chinese system, and one that represented a substantial advantage over the Mediterranean systems, was its predilection for a decimal notation, as demonstrated…

Based on the chi, a unit of length after 1860 measuring 14.1 inches, the mou has been defined by customs treaty as 920.417 square yards. In ancient China, where units of measure displayed great regional and functional variety, the mou ranged from 1/30 to 1/8 hectare (333.333 to…

…of length equal to 10 chi, or 3.58 metres (11 feet 9 inches). The value was agreed upon by China in treaties (1842–44 and 1858–60) with England and France. It was thereafter used by Chinese maritime customs as the standard value for assessing all tariff duties. The length of one…