The Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) was a period of great prosperity and innovation in Chinese culture, when advances were made in many areas of government, economy, and social life. These changes had an immense impact on the culture of China, leaving an indelible mark in the history books.
Arguably the most important innovation of the Tang Dynasty was the introduction of a merit-based civil service exam system that allowed members of the lower classes to gain entry into the bureaucracy and to be promoted based on their ability. This allowed people from all walks of life to have access to government positions regardless of their social status. This laid a strong foundation for the establishment of a meritocracy and solidified the idea that social advancement was possible through individual effort and hard work.
During this period, Buddhism, which had been introduced during the Han Dynasty, became firmly entrenched in Chinese society and culture. Monasteries and temples were built, as well as schools dedicated to teaching Buddhist doctrines and practices. The increasing prevalence of Buddhism in Chinese culture caused a shift in societal values, by emphasizing the importance of compassion, nonviolence, and the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.
The Arts flourished during the Tang Dynasty. Chinese painting was developed, and literature began to flower with the emergence of great poet-statesmen such as Li Bai and Du Fu. Poetry, along with calligraphy, brush painting, and papercutting, were highly prized and often used as symbols of status and power. Further advances in the visual arts included the creation of porcelain and the introduction of many new musical instruments and musical styles.
The Tang Dynasty was also a time of great scientific and technological innovation. Paper money and the use of oxen-powered irrigation wheels were among the advances made during this period. Astronomy and mathematics also progressed, with scholars studying the heavens and making new discoveries. The inventions of gunpowder and the compass are attributed to the Tang Dynasty, and these two advancements became crucial in the development of later Chinese culture.
By the end of the Tang Dynasty, the Silk Road had been fully established, allowing trade to flourish between China and the West. This had a huge effect on Chinese culture, introducing new ideas, technologies, and religions that would become deeply ingrained in Chinese society.
Overall, the Tang Dynasty changed Chinese culture profoundly, laying the groundwork for many of the cultural practices and customs that we know today. It was a period of great progress and achievement, and its legacy is still felt today. From the merit-based civil service system to the flourishing of sciences and the arts, the Tang Dynasty brought about tremendous change in Chinese culture and left a lasting imprint on the nation’s history.