Chinese dynasties have a long and storied history, stretching back over four thousand years. Throughout this period, countless dynasties have risen and fallen, each leaving its own mark on Chinese culture.
Xia Dynasty (c. 2070 – c. 1600 BCE): The oldest of the Chinese dynasties, the Xia was established at the very dawn of Chinese civilization. This dynasty was founded in the 21st century BCE by Emperor Yu the Great, and it lasted until around 1600 BCE when it was overthrown by the Shang Dynasty. During its rule, the Xia dynasty saw the establishment of a feudal system and development of early writing, astronomy and calendars.
Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 – c. 1046 BCE): The Shang dynasty succeeded the Xia in the late 16th century BCE. This was the first dynasty to be recorded in written history, and it was famous for its bronze and jade technologies. These inventions would become fundamental to Chinese society for centuries to come. The Shang dynasty also saw major advances in writing and mathematics, as well as the establishment of a true imperial court system. It was eventually overthrown by the Zhou dynasty in 1046 BCE.
Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046 – 256 BCE): Also known as the “classical” period of Chinese civilization, the Zhou dynasty was characterized by the introduction of a new imperial system, Confucianism, and the spread of Buddhism. This period saw great advances in literature, art and philosophy, and the formation of the Chinese tributary system. The Zhou dynasty lasted until 256 BCE when it was overthrown by the Qin dynasty.
Qin Dynasty (221 – 207 BCE): With the help of his general, Li Si, Qin Shihuangdi unified China and established the Qin dynasty in 221 BCE. He standardized the written script, coinage, weights, and measures throughout the new empire. The Qin also built the first sections of the Great Wall of China and a vast network of roads linking the provinces together. Despite these gains, the Qin dynasty collapsed only 14 years into its rule, largely due to its oppressive systems of government.
Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE): Founded in 202 BCE, the Han dynasty was one of the most powerful and influential eras of Chinese civilization. This era saw great advances in agriculture, engineering, trade, and technology, and the expansion of the Great Wall of China. The Han also developed a new written script based on the traditional logo-syllabic characters and introduced the 24 solar terms calendar. This dynasty was also remembered for its strong centralized government and its civil service exam system that would shape Chinese culture for centuries. The Han dynasty fell in 220 CE, but its legacy remains today.
Three Kingdoms Period (220 – 280 CE): Following the collapse of the Han dynasty, China fell into a period of political and social upheaval known as the Three Kingdoms Period. During this time, three dynasties emerged: the Wei in the north, the Shu in southwestern China and the Wu in the east. All three of these kingdoms vied for control over the land until the Jin dynasty, founded by the Sima family, eventually unified them in 280 CE.
Jin Dynasty (265 – 420 CE): Founded by the Sima family in 265 CE, the Jin dynasty lasted for 155 years before the northern barbarians finally overwhelmed them in 420 CE. This period saw great advances in scientific and medical knowledge, such as the introduction of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies. The Jin also reorganized the administrative structure of the state, revised the penal code and standardized weights and measures.
Northern and Southern Dynasties (420 – 589 CE): Following the fall of the Jin dynasty, China split into two separate dynasties, the Northern and Southern Dynasties . The Northern Dynasties were founded by the Tuoba clan of the Xianbei, while the Southern Dynasties were ruled by the Liu Song, Qi and Chen families. This period is known for its great military and philosophical achievements, such as the compilation of the Book of Songs and the construction of the Grand Canal.
Sui Dynasty (581 – 618 CE): The Sui dynasty only lasted for 37 years, but it was nevertheless an important period in Chinese history. Under the Sui, the Grand Canal was completed and contact between China and other parts of Asia was greatly increased. They also built the Great Wall and reformed the taxation system, which helped to improve the economy. This period was followed by the Tang dynasty in 618 CE.
Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE): The Tang dynasty was one of the most powerful and culturally rich periods of Chinese history. Under this dynasty, Chinese culture flourished and foreign trade increased significantly. Great advances were made in the areas of medicine, architecture, painting and music, and the Tang dynasty was a major point in the development of Chinese poetry. This period ended with the fall of the Tang in 907 CE and the rise of the Song dynasty.
Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 CE): The Song dynasty was the last imperial regime in China before the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. During this time, the use of gunpowder was perfected, grandiose architectural projects were undertaken and the monetary system was reformed. This period also saw great advances in culture and education, resulting in the renown Song academy system. The Song dynasty was replaced by the Yuan in 1279 CE.
Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368 CE): Founded by the Mongols in 1271 CE, the Yuan dynasty was an incredibly cosmopolitan and militaristic period in Chinese history. This period saw the introduction of new religions, the development of new agricultural techniques, and widespread construction projects. The Yuan dynasty was also known for its religious and racial policies, which often led to discrimination against Chinese people. It was eventually overthrown in 1368 CE by the Ming dynasty.
Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 CE): The Ming dynasty was founded by the peasant leader Zhu Yuanzhang in 1368 CE. This dynasty saw great advances in shipbuilding, foreign trade, and commerce, and the creation of the Forbidden City in Beijing. It also witnessed the flowering of Chinese landscape painting, music and literature. The Ming was eventually overthrown by the Manchus in 1644 CE.
Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912 CE): The last imperial dynasty of China, the Qing dynasty was founded by the Manchus in 1644 CE. This period saw great advances in agricultural production and trade, as well as the opening of numerous trade ports. The Qing period also saw the introduction of many Western technologies, such as railways and guns, as well as the reform of the civil service examination system. The dynasty was overthrown in 1912 CE and replaced by the Republic of China.
Republic of China (1912 – 1949 CE): Following the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1912 CE, China became a republic. This period saw great social and political change, including the implementation of democracy and a new constitution. The Republic of China was criticized by communists as a period of disorder and chaos, and it eventually fell to the communist forces in 1949 CE.
People’s Republic of China (1949 – present): Established in 1949 CE, the People’s Republic of China is a single-party communist state ruled by the Chinese Communist Party. Since its founding, the PRC has been an economically powerful nation and a major global player. It has also undergone extensive economic reforms and modernization, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.