Chinese Dynasties

Pre-Imperial Era

  • Hsia Dynasty (legendary): 1994-1523 B.C.
  • Shang Dynasty: 1523-1068 B.C.
  • Chou Dynasty: 1027-256 B.C.
  • Ch'in Dynasty: 255-221 B.C.

    First Unification

  • Ch'in Dynasty: 221-207 B.C.
  • Earlier (Western) Han: 202 B.C.-A.D. 9
  • Hsin Dynasty: A.D.9-23
  • Latern (Eastern) Han: 25-220

    First Partition

  • Three Kingdoms: 220-280
    Second Unification

  • Western Chin Dynasty: 265-317
    Second Partition

  • Wei, Ch'i, and other dynasties: 317-589

    Third Unification

  • Sui Dynasty: 589-618
  • 618-906
    Third Partition

  • Five Dynasties: 906-960

    Fourth Unification

  • Sung Dynasty: 960-1127
  • Southern Sung Dynasty: 1127-1279

    During the Five Dynasties and the Sung Dynasty, two barbarian dynasties had control over Northern China:

  • Liao (Khitan): 907-1125
  • Chin (Jurchen):1127-1234
    Fifth Unification

  • Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty: 1279-1368
  • Ming Dynasty: 1368-1644
  • Ch'ing (Manchu) Dynasty: 1644-1912
  • The Republic: 1912-present


    Sorry if the timeline is a bit distorted or messed up. Enlarge screen if needed.

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