Establishment of the Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty was established by Emperor Wen of Sui, marking the end of the period of disunity in China and setting the stage for the Tang Dynasty.
581
618
Foundation of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was founded by Emperor Gaozu of Tang, heralding a golden age of Chinese culture, arts, and international trade.
690
Reign of Empress Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian became the only female emperor of China, ruling during the Tang Dynasty and significantly influencing its politics and culture.
751
Battle of Talas
The Battle of Talas between the Tang Dynasty and the Abbasid Caliphate resulted in the transfer of papermaking technology to the Islamic world.
907
End of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty collapsed, leading to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a time of fragmentation and chaos in China.
960
Foundation of the Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was established, succeeding the period of disunity and marking significant advancements in technology and culture.
1271
Establishment of the Yuan Dynasty
Kublai Khan founded the Yuan Dynasty, integrating China into the vast Mongol Empire and enhancing trade and cultural exchange.
1368
Foundation of the Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, marking the end of Mongol rule and the beginning of a new era of Chinese sovereignty and cultural renaissance.
1405
Voyages of Zheng He
Admiral Zheng He began his famous maritime expeditions, extending China's influence across the Indian Ocean and establishing trade links.
1644
Establishment of the Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was founded by the Manchus, succeeding the Ming Dynasty and becoming the last imperial dynasty of China.
1683
Annexation of Taiwan
The Qing Dynasty annexed Taiwan, consolidating its control over the island and integrating it into the Chinese empire.
1793
Macartney Embassy
The British Macartney Embassy visited the Qing court, marking an early attempt at establishing formal trade relations between China and the West.
1839
First Opium War
The First Opium War broke out between China and Britain, leading to significant changes in Chinese foreign policy and trade practices.
1850
Taiping Rebellion
The Taiping Rebellion, one of the largest civil wars in history, erupted, challenging Qing rule and causing widespread devastation.
1911
End of the Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was overthrown during the Xinhai Revolution, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China and the end of over two millennia of imperial rule.
