Ancient China Timeline

  • Period: 2205 BCE to 1766 BCE

    Xia Dynasty

    The xia dynasty was the first dynasty in traditional chinese history.
  • Period: 1766 BCE to 1122 BCE

    Shang Dynasty

    The Shang dynasty or Yin dynasty, according to traditional historiography, ruled in the Yellow River valley in the second millennium BC, succeeding the Xia dynasty and followed by the Zhou dynasty.
  • Period: 1122 BCE to 220 BCE

    Zhou Dynasty

    The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history. In 481 the start of the Warring States period during the Zhou dynasty.
  • Period: 220 BCE to 9

    Qin Dynasty

    The first Emperor- Qin Shi Huang Di
  • Period: 206 BCE to 9

    Western Han Dynasty

    The Western Han Dynasty had the development of paper and porcelain and trade established on the Silk Road
  • Period: 9 to 25

    Xin Dynasty

    The Xin dynasty only had one emperor which lasted from 9 to 25 AD. It interrupted the Han dynasty, dividing it into the periods of the Western Han and the Eastern Han.
  • Period: 25 to 589

    Eastern Han Dynasty

    The Han were restored and remained in power until increasing corruption led to their collapse. Then they divided into three separate kingdoms and then their dynasties ruling the North and the South
  • Period: 589 to 618

    Sui Dynasty

    Reestablishment of Imperial rule all over China.
  • Period: 618 to 916

    Tang Dynasty

    Growth of cities and trade. Buddhism became an important religion.
  • Period: 960 to 1279

    Song Dynasty

    Reunified China after a period of rebellion at the end of the Tang Dynasty.
  • Period: 1279 to 1368

    Yuan Dynasty

    After the Song Dynasty is overthrown by Kublai Khan, the leader of the Mongols.
  • Period: 1368 to

    Ming Dynasty

    Start of the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty influenced trade and culture.
  • Period: to

    Qing Dynasty

    China's last Imperial Dynasty under Manchu rule.