How was the Chinese number system invented?

The Chinese number system originated over 3,000 years ago, developing from early counting methods and the use of tally marks. Ancient Chinese mathematicians created a decimal-based system, using symbols for numbers that could be combined to represent larger values. This evolved into the written characters we see today, with significant contributions from scholars during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). The system's structure allowed for efficient calculations and laid the foundation for future mathematical advancements in China.