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The traditional way of dividing Chinese history is in terms of dynasties. The use of this system is so widespread that it is the usual way to refer to the
Chinese past.
The following is a brief chronology of Chinese history. Between the changing of the dynasties, most dates overlap as ruling periods do not transfer immediately.
If you travel in Beijing, you'd better have some knowledge of Ming and Qing's history.
A Brief Chronology of Chinese History |
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| Xia Dynasty |
2070-1600 B.C. |
| Shang Dynasty |
1600-1046 B.C. |
| Zhou Dynasty |
Western Zhou |
1046-771 B.C. |
Eastern Zhou
Spring and Autumn Period
Warring States Period |
770-256 B.C.
770-476 B.C.
475-221 B.C. |
| Qin Dynasty |
221-206 B.C. |
| Han Dynasty |
Western Han |
206 B.C.-A.D. 25 |
| Eastern Han |
25-220 |
| Three Kingdoms |
Wei |
220-265 |
| Shu Han |
221-263 |
| Wu |
222-280 |
| Western Jin Dynasty |
265-317 |
| Eastern Jin Dynasty |
317-420 |
| Northern and Southern Dynasties |
Southern Dynasties |
Song |
420-479 |
| Qi |
479-502 |
| Liang |
502-557 |
| Chen |
557-589 |
| Northern Dynasties |
Northern Wei |
386-534 |
| Eastern Wei |
534-550 |
| Northern Qi |
550-577 |
| Western Wei |
535-556 |
| Northern Zhou |
557-581 |
| Sui Dynasty |
581-618 |
| Tang Dynasty |
618-907 |
| Five Dynasties |
Later Liang |
907-923 |
| Later Tang |
923-936 |
| Later Jin |
936-947 |
| Later Han |
947-950 |
| Later Zhou |
951-960 |
| Song Dynasty |
Northern Song |
960-1127 |
| Southern Song |
1127-1279 |
| Liao Dynasty |
907-1125 |
| Jin Dynasty |
1115-1234 |
| Yuan Dynasty |
1206-1368 |
| Ming Dynasty |
1368-1644 |
| Qing Dynasty |
1616-1911 |
| Republic of China |
1912-1949 |
| People's Republic of China |
Founded on October 1, 1949 |
| Source: People's Daily Online |
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