Civilization VI · Civilization Guide

China

China's real identity isn't Wonder-building — it's making every Eureka, Inspiration, and Wonder completion worth more, which rewards whatever strategy you're already running rather than locking you into one.

Default LeaderQin Shi Huang
FocusBoosts · Flexible
Unique UnitCrouching Tiger
Unique InfrastructureNone

Unique Ability

"Dynastic Cycle": Eurekas and Inspirations provide 50% of a technology or civic's cost instead of the usual 40%, and completing any Wonder grants a random Eureka and Inspiration from that Wonder's era, if one is still available. (Several Chinese leaders add their own twist — Qin Shi Huang's "Unifier" persona, for example, lets melee units convert Barbarians instead of destroying them.)

Unique Unit: Crouching Tiger

A Medieval era ranged unit (corrected from an earlier "ahead of its era" description) with 1 Range and high Combat Strength for its era, unlocked by Machinery.

Unique Infrastructure

China has no unique building or district — its strength comes entirely from its civilization ability and Crouching Tiger.

How to Play China

  • Chase Eurekas and Inspirations aggressively — the 50%-value boost compounds across the whole game more than any single Wonder does.
  • Build Wonders for the bonus boost they trigger, not just their normal effect — timing a Wonder completion to a tech or civic you're close to finishing is a real optimization.
  • China is flexible enough to lean into almost any victory type — pick based on your leader and your map rather than assuming a Science or Culture default.

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