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The Tang dynasty is considered a golden age in Chinese history. Known for its strong military power, successful diplomatic relationships, economic prosperity. -
The Qin dynasty was the first dynasty of Imperial China. It is named for its progenitor state of Qin, which was a fief of the confederal Zhou dynasty which had endured for over five centuries -
The Sui dynasty, although brief, saw great changes in Chinese history. Its capital was held at Daxing, present-day Xi’an. Confucianism disintegrated as the dominant religion, making way for Taoism and Buddhism. Literature flourished – it is thought that the legend of Hua Mulan was composed during this time. Under Emperor Wen and his son, Yang, the army was enlarged to the largest in the world at the time. -
The Song dynasty saw the reunification of China under the Emperor Taizu. Major inventions included gunpowder, printing, paper money and the compass. Plagued with political factions, the Song court eventually fell to the challenge of the Mongol invasion and was replaced by the Yuan dynasty.