Chinese Dynasties

Chinese dynasties have gone through thousands of years of changes, forming the foundation of a powerful nation and culture. From the establishment of the Xia Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, China has experienced 24 major dynasties, each of which has made its unique political, economic and cultural footprint to the foundation.  It will undoubtedly influence the progress and future of Chinese civilization.

The earlier dynasties laid the foundation for civilization.  The Xia Dynasty (夏朝,about 2070 BC-1600 BC) was the first hereditary dynasty in Chinese history, marking the transition from tribal alliance to state form. Subsequently, the Shang Dynasty (商朝,about 1600 BC-1046 BC) started the China’s written history. The Western Zhou Dynasty (西周,about 1046 BC-771 BC) consolidated its rule through the feudal system, which became model for future dynasties. The Eastern Zhou Dynasty (东周,770 BC-256 BC) was divided into the Spring and Autumn Period (春秋) and the Warring States Period (战国). The warlords fought for dominance.  The country flourished into ideological and cultural discussions, with the various schools of thought contending on how to best rule a kingdom.

The Qin Dynasty (秦朝,221-207 BC) conquered the six other kingdoms and installed the first centralized dynasty in Chinese history. Qin Shihuang (秦始皇) unified the writing, currency, and weights and measures, laying the foundation for one unified country. The Han Dynasty (汉朝,202-220 BC), during the reign of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing (文景之治) and Emperor Wu (汉武帝), had one of the golden era in chinese history.  The nation was prosperous, strong, and rich in cultural development. The Three Kingdoms Period (三国,220-280 AD) was a turbulent period with fighting among the three warlords. The turbulence continued into the Jin Dynasties and the Southern and Northern Dynasties (两晋南北朝,265-589 AD) with the country divided into north and south. The nomad frequently invaded the north and mixed with the Han.  At the same time, Buddhism had spread to China. Both forces injected new vitality into the country and its culture.

The Sui Dynasty (隋朝,581-618 AD) ended the division between the Northern and Southern Dynasties.  It created the imperial examination system, built the Grand Canal, and laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty (唐朝,618-907) was another gooden era in Chinese history. The Zhenguan Reign (贞观之治) and the Kaiyuan Prosperity (开元盛世) made the Tang Dynasty one of the most powerful countries in the world. Its cultural arts, such as Tang poetry and paintings, and trading with other foreign countries on silk road, had a far-reaching influence in history and the world.

The Song Dynasty (宋朝,960-1279) was divided into the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty. It had a prosperous economy and advanced science and technology, but its military was weak and faced threats from the northern tribes such as Liao (辽) and Jin (金). Eventually, Mongolians (蒙古) unified the northern tribes.  They then invaded China and established the Yuan Dynasty (元朝,1271-1368). It occupied a vast territory, but its ethnic oppression policy led to its eventual collapse. The Ming Dynasty (明朝,1368-1644) was the last unified dynasty established by the Han people. Events like Zheng He’s voyages (郑和) to the West became its highlights. The Qing Dynasty (清朝,1616-1912) was the last feudal dynasty in Chinese history. It had a prosperous economy and culture in the early period, but it declined in the later period due to isolation and corruption, and was eventually overthrown by the Xinhai Revolution(辛亥革命).

The famous sinologist Martin Jacques called China a civilization state.  Chinese people always see history over four thousand years.  The Chinese adore its deep culture and national unity and inclusiveness.  China was divided many times but in the end always united back to one country.  It was many times ruled by minority tribes but eventually included into one culture.  These historical heritages are the backbone and the identity of the Chinese nation.  It also provides inspiration for the development of the modern state.