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The first dynasty for which there is historical record and archaeological evidence is the Shang Dynasty. It was a small empire in northern central China. No documents from that country survive, but there are archaeological finds of hieroglyphic writing on bronze wares and oracle bones. The hieroglyphic writing system later evolved into ideographic and partly-phonetic Chinese characters.
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During the Song or Sung dynasty, the Chinese invented printing. With this available, people were finally able to easily write literature. They no longer had to draw their writing.
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During the Five Dynasties period, the Chinese invented painting. With painting, people were able to draw letters. Thus, inspiring people to create literature. As you can see in the Chinese painting, there are letters.
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During the Sui Dynasty, the Chinese invented block printing. With block painting, a technique for printing text, images or patterns used widely throughout East Asia and originating in China in antiquity as a method of printing on textiles and later paper was made available. This helped literature grow even further.
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During the Qin and Ch'in dynasty, the Chinese invented standardized writing and language. This started it all, people began to write.
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The Qin Dynasty standardized the written Classical Language. It is said that a minister of the Qin emperor named Li Si introduced a writing system that later developed into modern Chinese writing. Standardization was meant to help control the society. The standardized writing system also helped people all over the country to communicate more clearly.
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During the Era of Disunity, the Chinese invented Calligraphy. With Calligraphy, people began drawing letters. With these letters, people started writing literature.
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During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese invented papermaking. With paper, you can write. Thus, allowing people to create literature.
