Chinese History
5,000 Years of Civilization
Journey through the rise and fall of dynasties that shaped Chinese civilization, from the legendary Xia to the last imperial Qing Dynasty. Experience the grand sweep of human drama, innovation, and cultural achievement across millennia.
5,000+
Years of History
10+
Major Dynasties
400+
Emperors
30+
UNESCO Sites
Defining Moments in Chinese History
c. 2070 BCE
Birth of Civilization
Yu the Great tames the floods and establishes the first dynasty
c. 1600 BCE
Written History Begins
Oracle bones record the earliest confirmed Chinese writing
1046 BCE
Mandate of Heaven
Zhou creates political philosophy that justified dynastic change
221 BCE
First Emperor
Qin Shi Huang unifies China and creates the imperial system
Dynastic Timeline
Legendary founders
Oracle bones & bronze
Longest dynasty
First unification
Explore Chinese Dynasties
Dive deep into the stories, achievements, and legacies of China's imperial dynasties