The dynasties of China from 206 BCE to 1911 CE.

  • Period: 206 BCE to 220

    The start of the Han Dynasty

    Modified and consolidated the foundation of the imperial order. First ruler was Liu Bang and was the longest lasting dynasty.
  • Period: 220 to 589

    The Period of Disunity.

    The empire was fragmented. The entire empire is in pieces and Buddhism is spreading due to these bad times.
  • Period: 581 to 618

    The Sui Dynasty

    The Sui Dynasty reunified China after Period of Disunity but only last a few year before the Tang Dynasty takes over. The Sui also set in motion an artistic and cultural time for the Tang dynasty.
  • Period: 618 to 906

    The Tang Dynasty

    A time of cosmopolitanism and cultural flowering occurred. During the Tang Dynasty the height of Buddhist influences in China until its repression around 845 by closing Buddhist shrines.
  • Period: 960 to 1279

    The Song Dynasty

    An era of significant economic and social changes because the examination system for bureaucratic recruitment so all people can be part of the government if they pass a test that will determine if they can take part in the government.
  • Period: 1279 to 1368

    The Yuan Dynasty

    Founded by the Mongols. Beijing was made the capital. The first ruler was Kublai Khan, grand son of Genghis khan. During the Yuan the Grand Canal was rebuilt and roads and postal stations are placed in good order.
  • Period: 1368 to

    The Ming Dynasty

    The first Ming emperor, Hongwu. The basic governmental structure established by the Ming was continued by the subsequent Qing dynasty and lasted until the imperial institution was abolished in 1911. Also a vibrant literary scene as represented by publication of the novel Journey to the West.
  • Period: to

    The Qing Dynasty

    The Qing dynasty also called the Manchu dynasty,Continued the economic developments of the late Ming, leading to prosperity and a dramatic increase in population from 150 million to 450 million.