China History Index

Chinese civilization has one of the longest histories on the planet. Embattled yet under which flourished art, literature, science, technology and world discovery. China's dynasties rose and fell with the ages.

Dynastic names generally refer to the house or clan that ruled the period. Later, names such as Ming, meaning bright, were chosen to reflect the new monarchy.

Below is an index outlining China's history. Click on any of the links to learn more about that time in China.

Historical Index

Xia Dynasty ca 2000-1500BC
Shang Dynasty 1700-1027BC
Zhou Dynasty 1027-221BC
Qin Dynasty 221-207BC
Han Dynasty 206BC - AD 220
Three Kingdoms 220-280
Western Jin Dynasty 265-420
Southern and Northern Dynasties 420-588
Sui Dynasty 581-617
Tang Dynasty 618-907
Five Dynasties & Ten Kingdoms 907-979
Liao Dynasty 916-1125
Song Dynasty 960-1279
Yuan Dynasty 1279-1368
Ming Dynasty 1368-1644
Qing Dynasty 1644-1911
Republic of China 1911-1949
People’s Republic of China 1949-present