China, representing one of the earliest civilizations in the world, has a recorded history of about 3,600 years. It possesses rich historical documents as well as ancient relics. Like other nations, China, in its development, passed through the stages of primitive society, slave society, and feudal society. During the middle decades of the 19th century, capitalist forces of foreign countries invaded China, and China was slowly transformed into a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. The founding of the People's Republic in 1949 marked China's entry into the socialist stage. During the long period of historical development, the industrious, courageous, and intelligent Chinese people of all nationalities collectively created a great civilization. They made great contributions to all of mankind.

Timeline of History of China

Xia (c. 2200 - c. 1750 BC)

Shang (c. 1750 - c. 1040 BC)

Western Zhou (c. 1100 - 771 BC)

Eastern Zhou (771 - 256 BC) Spring & Autumn Period (722 - 481 BC) Warring
States Period (403 - 221 BC)

Qin (221 - 206 BC)

Earlier Han (206 BC - AD 8) Wang Mang Interregnum (AD 8 - 25) Later Han (25 - 220)

Three Kingdoms (220 - 265) Dynasties of the North and South (317 - 589)

Sui (589 - 618)

Tang (618 - 907)

Northern Song (960 - 1125) Southern Song (1127 - 1279)

Yuan (Mongol) (1279 - 1368)

Ming (1368 - 1644)

Qing (Manchu) (1644 - 1911)

Republican China (1911- 1949 ) (Moved to Taiwan after 1949)

The People's Republic of China (1949- )