Chinese History
Over five thousand years of continuous civilization — dynasties that rose and fell, empires that shaped the world, and countless stories of ambition, war, art, and discovery.
Browse dynasties in chronological order. Each entry covers the founding, major emperors, cultural achievements, and decline of the dynasty. Select a dynasty to read in full, or explore subpages within each era.
Han Dynasty
One of China's greatest imperial dynasties, the Han unified the empire, established the Silk Road, and gave the Chinese people the name they still use for themselves today.
Tang Dynasty
Often called China's golden age, the Tang was an era of unparalleled cosmopolitanism, artistic achievement, and the flourishing of poetry — producing Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei.