History of China

History of China

The history of China is a long, colorful history of dynasties, conflicts, and changes. When the Chinese refer to their history, they might be speaking of times that are already legendary. After all, written Chinese history dates back approximately four thousand years. Archaeological material, which has been found, indicates that people were already living in the territory of China today one million years ago.

Before 221 BC rulers were referred to as kings, after the unification in 221 BC they were proclaimed as emperors. The new Republic was formed in 1912, under president Sun Yatsen, ending the succession of Chinese rulers that we refer to as Dynasties.

Dynasties in the History of China

Chinese History Timeline
Chinese History Timeline

China, as one of the four oldest civilisations in the world, has a long and mysterious history of more than 5,000 years. Check out the chronology timeline of Chinese History from ancient China to modern China.
Shang Dynasty Da He Ding Bronze Square Vessel
Xia and Shang Dynasties

Xia Dynasty is the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical records. Shang Dynasty, also known as Yin and Yin Shang, was the second dynasty in Chinese history and the first dynasty in China with direct written records.
Zhou Dynasty Rongsheng Chime Bells
Zhou Dynasty

Zhou Dynasty was the longest dynasty in Chinese history, and in terms of written script, it spanned the period from ancient oracle script to modern Chinese writing. The capital of Zhou was known as Hao, located near Chang'an (today's Xi'an).
Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors
Qin Dynasty

During Qin Dynasty, China came into unification for the first time and under reign of the first emperor Qin Shihuang. Although Qin Dynasty survived for only 15 years, it held an important role in Chinese history.
Han Dynasty

Han Dynasty ruled China for 407 years. The Han Dynasty is a golden age, and one of the greatest dynasties in the history of China. During this period, agriculture, handicrafts and commerce flourished.
Three Kingdoms Period Leaders
Three Kingdoms Period – History, Stratagem and Story

Three Kingdoms is a short period with only 60 years, but it is one of the most popular dynasties among Chinese people, nothing less than the most powerful and flourishing Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty and Qing Dynasty.
Mogao Grottoes Mural Painting of Sui Dynasty
Sui Dynasty

Sui Dynasty became a unified state again after nearly 300-year-long division in this country. The dynasty existed for a short time, only 37 years, but its great significance cannot be ignored like Qin Dynasty.
Tang Dynasty Noble Ladies Painting
Tang Dynasty (Empire Tang)

The Tang Dynasty (618-907) is the most glistening historic period in Chinese history. During this glorious period, the politics, economy, culture and military strength reached an unprecedented advanced level.
Song Dynasty Painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival
Song Dynasty

Song Dynasty was a another period of economic prosperity. It was the first government in world history to issue paper money, and implemented the first Chinese policy to establish a permanent standing navy.
Yuan Dynasty Mongol Cavalry
Yuan Dynasty

The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) ended the 370-year divisive period and unified the whole country. Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan and the supreme leader of all Mongol tribes, established Yuan Dynasty.
Ming Dynasty Great Wall Mutianyu Section
Ming Dynasty

Ming Dynasty (time period from 1368 to 1644) was a dynasty in Chinese history founded by Zhu Yuanzhang, emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty. And it was the last dynasty in China ruled by the Han group.
Beijing Forbidden City
Qing Dynasty

The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty in Chinese history, with a total of twelve emperors. Founded by the Manchu, it flourished in the 18th century and declined in the 19th. The dynasty lasted for 276 years.

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Experience Chinese History with China History Tours

Explore the rich history of China through our carefully curated history tours. Visit ancient capitals, walk on the Great Wall, discover terracotta warriors, and immerse yourself in thousands of years of civilization.

Xian Ancient City Wall

14-day China History Tour on Train

Destinations: Beijing, Datong, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xi'an, Luoyang, Nanjing, Shanghai

Giant Seated Buddha of Yungang Grottoes

16-day China History & Scenery Combo

Destinations: Beijing, Chengde, Datong, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xi'an, Guilin, Longji, Yangshuo, Hong Kong

Shanxi Qiao Family Compound

8-day Shanxi History & Landscape Tour

Destinations: Taiyuan, Pingyao, Linfen, Yuncheng