China Chronology

China has a long and rich history of dynastic rule that spans thousands of years. The first dynasty in China was the Xia, which emerged around 2100 BCE, and the last dynasty, the Qing, ended in 1912 CE with the abdication of the last emperor. In between, there were many periods of political and cultural achievements, as well as wars and upheavals. Some of the most notable dynasties include the Zhou, the Han, the Tang, the Song, the Yuan, the Ming, and the Qing.