[snewk]

that is incredibly interesting. do you have a source for more reading?

[dredmorbius]

If you want your mind blown on China and technology: Joseph Needham, Science and Civilisation in China.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_and_Civilisation_in_...

[dredmorbius]

Info on Chinese drilling techniques, though little on pipes.

http://csegrecorder.com/articles/view/ancient-chinese-drilli...

[thaumasiotes]

https://www.amazon.com/Genius-China-Science-Discovery-Invent...