Counting the Chinese dynasties, how many years did each dynasty exist?
China has a long history and many dynasties. Starting from the ancient Xia Dynasty, it has gone through the Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing and other dynasties, forming the main vein of China's long history. Below, let's take a closer look at the duration of these dynasties.
Xia Dynasty (c. 2070 BC – c. 1600 BC).
The Xia Dynasty was the first hereditary dynasty recorded in Chinese history books, and it was also the first dynasty in Chinese history to have a direct written record of the same period. According to historical records, the Xia Dynasty had 17 dynasties and 33 kings, which existed for about 471 years. The founder of the Xia Dynasty was Qi, and his father Yu was the legendary Yu who controlled the water.
Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 BC – c. 1046 BC).
The Shang Dynasty was the second dynasty in Chinese history and the first dynasty in China to have a direct written record of the same period. According to historical records, the Shang Dynasty had 30 dynasties and 60 kings, which existed for about 554 years. The founder of the Shang Dynasty was Tang, and its ancestor was Qi.
Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046 BC – 256 BC).
The Zhou Dynasty was divided into two periods, the Western Zhou and the Eastern Zhou. During the Western Zhou Dynasty, the ruler of the Zhou Dynasty was Ji Fa, King Wu of Zhou, who established the feudal system of the Zhou Dynasty, which existed for about 790 years. During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the ruler of the Zhou Dynasty was Ji Yijiu, the king of Zhou Ping, who moved his capital to Luoyang and began the Eastern Zhou period, which existed for about 514 years. The founder of the Zhou Dynasty was Ji Chang, the king of Zhou Wen.
Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC).
The Qin Dynasty was the first great unified dynasty in Chinese history, developed from the Qin state in the late Warring States period. Qin Shi Huang unified China, established a centralized political system, and implemented strict laws and unified weights and measures. The Qin Dynasty existed for about 15 years.
Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD).
The Han Dynasty was the second great unified dynasty in Chinese history, divided into two periods, the Western Han Dynasty and the Eastern Han Dynasty. During the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Liu Che of the Han Dynasty implemented measures such as the Tui En Order, strengthened the centralization of power, and existed for about 210 years. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu, re-established the rule of the Han Dynasty, which existed for about 195 years. The founder of the Han Dynasty was Liu Bang, the ancestor of the Han Dynasty.
Tang Dynasty (618 AD - 907 AD).
The Tang Dynasty was the third great unified dynasty in Chinese history and one of the most glorious periods in Chinese history. The Tang Dynasty implemented measures such as the imperial examination system, which led to unprecedented social and cultural development. The Tang Dynasty existed for about 289 years. The founder of the Tang Dynasty was Tang Gaozu Li Yuan.
Song Dynasty (960 AD – 1279 AD).
The Song Dynasty was the fourth great unified dynasty in Chinese history, divided into two periods, the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Song Dynasty implemented a centralized political system and strengthened cultural and educational measures, which existed for about 319 years. During the Southern Song Dynasty, the economy and culture of the Song Dynasty were highly developed, and they existed for about 360 years. The founder of the Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, Taizu of the Song Dynasty.
Yuan Dynasty (1271 AD - 1368 AD).
The Yuan Dynasty was the first unified dynasty in Chinese history to be established by ethnic minorities, and the ruler was the Mongol Son Jin clan. During the Yuan Dynasty, the Mongol rulers imposed a strict hierarchy that oppressed and exploited the Han and other ethnic groups. The Yuan Dynasty existed for about 97 years. The founder of the Yuan Dynasty was Kublai Khan, the ancestor of the Yuan dynasty.
Ming Dynasty (1368 AD - 1644 AD).
The Ming Dynasty was the fifth great unified dynasty in Chinese history, founded by Zhu Yuanzhang. During the Ming Dynasty, the rulers strengthened the centralization of power and implemented the system of tuntian and craftsman. The Ming Dynasty also implemented a maritime ban policy, prohibiting foreign affairs. The Ming Dynasty existed for about 276 years.
Qing Dynasty (1644 AD - 1912 AD).
The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal dynasty in Chinese history and was founded by the Manchurian aristocracy. During the Qing Dynasty, the rulers imposed a strict feudal system, oppressing and exploiting the Han and other ethnic groups. The Qing Dynasty existed for about 268 years. After the Qing Dynasty, China entered the first period.
The above is the respective duration of the Chinese dynasties. Each of these dynasties had its own unique historical and cultural background that had a profound impact on the development of Chinese history. By understanding the history of these dynasties, we can better understand the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.