Chinese history is often framed as a series of “chapters”, called dynasties. Each one ruled for centuries and left its mark on culture, science, and art. Today, we’re taking you on a journey through the most important dynasties.
- Xia (c. 2070–1600 BC)
Possibly legendary, tied to Yu the Great, who supposedly tamed the Yellow River floods.
- Shang (1600–1046 BC)
This is when oracle bone script came about, and bronze casting and divination were mastered. They also introduced a solid hierarchy.
- Zhou (1046–256 BC)
Longest-lasting dynasty. Introduced the “Mandate of Heaven”, which meant that the emperor ruled by divine mandate. This period gave us Confucius and Laozi and, with them, the two most influential Chinese philosophies: confucianism and taoism.
- Qin (221–206 BC)
First emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China. He ordered the construction of the Great Wall and left us the Terracotta Army.
- Han (206 BC–220 AD)
Four centuries in which the Chinese empire expanded trade along the Silk Road. Writing was standardized and there were great scientific and technological advances.
- Tang (618–907)
Golden age of poetry, art and trade. Some historians believed it was the zenith of Chinese civilization. Chang’an (now Xi’an) was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
- Song (960–1279)
Known for major inventions such as gunpowder, the compass, and printing. Technologically brilliant but militarily fragile.
- Ming (1368–1644)
The Forbidden City was built during this era. Admiral Zheng led massive naval voyages. These centuries enjoyed social and political stability.
- Qing (1644–1912)
Last imperial dynasty, also known as the Great Qing. This dynasty controlled more territory than any other. Ruled by Manchus, it ended with the revolution of 1911 and the birth of modern China.
After this journey through over 4,000 years of history, you might be wondering… is China the oldest civilization in the world? Although some historians believe it is, they all agree that it is, more specifically, the oldest living civilization in the world. All the other ancient civilizations either disappeared or were absorbed by others. China, on the other hand, endured and is absolutely thriving.
