The Chinese Dynasties

Shang (1523-1028 BCE)

- synonymous with the Bronze Age, China's first dynasty is credited with the invention of writing, the cultivation of silk worms, and the use of money. 

Chou (1027-256 BCE)- Also called the Zhou, China's second dynasty was one of the longest. Arising in the Iron Age, it gave rise to two of China's greatest religions, Confucianism and Taoism. 

Qin (221-206 BCE)- The Qin (also known as Chin) were responsible for unifying the country into a single culture. It gave China its name, language, a form of government that lasted nearly 2000 years, the Great Wall, and is known today for the famous Terra Cotta warriors. 

Han (206 BCE - 220 CE)- Trade with the West, particularly with the Roman Empire, began with the opening of the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty. In addition to China's third largest religion, Buddhism, the dictionary and encyclopedia were begun during the Han rule. 

Sui (581-618 CE)- Although short-lived, the Sui Dynasty rebuilt the Great Wall, began a system of property tax, and advocated the equal field system. 

Tang (618-906 CE)- The Tang were a renaissance dynasty for China. Music, dance, and poetry were encouraged; the compass, gunpowder, and block printing were invented during their reign. 

Sung (960-1279CE)- Also called the Song Dynasty was considered a Golden Age for China. Paper currency was first employed during this period and a graduated income tax was introduced. The are of making porcelains became highly refined during the Sung era. 

Yuan (1280-1365 CE)- The Mongols overthrew the Sung and set up their own dynasty they called the Yuan. One of the most well-known events of the Yuan Dynasty was the visit of Marco Polo to China. His detailed descriptions of the wonders of the Orient was a large factor in launching the Age of Exploration. 

Ming (1368-1644 CE)- Chinese for "brilliant", the Ming Dynasty brought native rule back to China. The art of ceramics and porcelains with the prominent use of gold became a hallmark of this dynasty. The Great Wall was once again rebuilt; the capital was moved to Beijing where the Forbidden City was built; and missionaries from Portugual were allowed into the Middle Kingdom inaugurating the "foreign invasion". The dynasty ended with the suicide of the last emperor in 1644. 

Ch'ing (1644-1912 CE)- A second foreign and China's last dynasty, the Ch'ing were Manchurian. During their reign, Western influences continued to grow. Territory was seized by foreigners during the Western imperialist period and eventually the Ch'ing power declined. In the early part of the 20th Century, the Ch'ing were overthrown and the 2000 year old dynastic cycle of government came to an end. 

In all, twenty-four dynasties ruled over China. Some lasted only decades, others like the Han maintained power for hundreds of years. Some were overthrown by invaders. At other times famine and other natural disasters caused the people to decide that the ruler had "lost the mandate of heaven". At such times, they rose in rebellion and a new dynasty came to power. Yet, while each dynasty added to the cultural history of the nation, the basic pattern of life persisted. The cities you will be visiting here represent the best of China's 4,000 years of history.

http://www.preceden.com/timelines/4015-the-chinese-dynasty-timeline

http://www.tripchinaguide.com/photo-p801-9248-western-jin-dynasty-map.html