1. 2013 Chinese Dynasties

2. Pronunciations Huang He hwahng he Shang shong Zhou Joe Loess less
Henan hey – nahn
Wei way
Qin chin

3. A Dynasty is a line of rulers that come from the same family
Key Terms….
A Dynasty is a line of rulers that come from the same family
An aristocrat is a noble, or upper class person, whose wealth comes from their land 3

4. China’s history is usually divided into time periods based on the rule of different dynasties. A ‘dynasty’ is a ruling family that passes the power to rule down through the generations. These rulers were thought to be ‘divine’, or actual gods, and thus were obeyed without question.

5. Three Kingdoms
220 A.D A.D.
After the collapse of the Later Han Dynasty in 220, without a strong central government, warlords begin to rise and fight each other for land, plunging China into a state of anarchy, establishing their boundaries from their conquered lands. China split into three kingdoms- Wei, Shu, and Wu.
It was militarily unstable configuration and Inner China was reunited in AD 265 by the Western Jin Dynasty, the successors of the Wei.

6. ~ 羅貫中 Luo, Guanzhong Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Warlord Sun Jian found the Imperial Seal and kept it secretly for himself, further weakening royal authority. Warlord Cao Cao and Liu Bei were also starting to build up power. Liu Bei, along with his sworn brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, pledge to do their best for the country. Liu Bei later recruits the genius strategist Zhu Ge Liang and builds up his forces against Cao Cao.
“The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been.”
~ 羅貫中 Luo, Guanzhong Romance of the Three Kingdoms

7. Jin Dynasty
265 A.D.– 420 A.D.
The Jìn Dynasty, was founded by the Wanyan (完顏 Wányán) clan of the Jurchens, the ancestors of the Manchus who established the Qing Dynasty some 500 years later.

8. Sixteen Kingdoms (Wu Hu Period)
304 A.D A.D.
This was one of the most devastating periods in Chinese history. Following a long period of Chinese dominance since the Qin Dynasty. five northern tribes (Wu Hu) had been established in North China (匈奴 Xiongnu/Hun, 鲜卑 Xianbe, 羯 Jie, 羌 Qiang, 氐 Di). The Wu Hu uprising took over much of the Chinese heartland. It did not end until Jin reclaimed much of central China while Northern Wei took over the areas north of the Yellow River.

9. Southern and Northern Dynasties
420 A.D. – 589 A.D.
The Southern and Northern Dynasties was an age of civil war and political disunity. However it was also a time of flourishing in the arts and culture, advancement in technology, and the spread of Buddhism and native Daoism.

10. Sui Dynasty

11. Sui and Tang Dynasties The Period of Disunion Civilization Thrived
The Han dynasty ruled China from 206 BC to AD 220—more than 400 years. After the dynasty collapsed, military leaders split China into rival kingdoms. These events began a period of disorder and warfare that historians call the Period of Disunion.
Nomads invaded northern China, formed own kingdoms
Many northern Chinese fled south to region of Yangzi River
A number of southern dynasties rose, fell
The Period of Disunion
Despite these events, Chinese civilization thrived, developed
Nomadic invaders in north adopted aspects of Chinese civilization
Northern Chinese immigrants’ culture blended with local cultures in south; arts, philosophy flowered
Civilization Thrived
The Period of Disunion lasted more than 350 years, ending when a northern ruler named Wendi reunified China, founding the Sui dynasty.

13. Sui Dynasty
581 A.D. – 618 A.D.
The Sui Dynasty held its capital at Luoyang. It was marked by the reunification of Southern and Northern China. The Equal-Field system was initiated to reduce the rich-poor social gap. The system worked on the basis that all land was owned by the government, which would then assign it to individual families.

14. Centralized Government
The Sui Dynasty
Wendi worked to build centralized government
Restored order, created new legal code, reformed bureaucracy
Created policies to provide adult males with land, ensure availability of grain
Centralized Government
Greatest accomplishment of Sui dynasty, completed during reign of Yangdi, Wendi’s son
1,000 mile waterway linked northern, southern China
Yangdi forced millions of peasants to work on canal; led to discontent, rebellion
618, Yangdi assassinated, Sui dynasty ended
Grand Canal

15. Sui Dynasty, C.E.
“Land Equalization” System  land redistribution.
Unified coinage.
Grand Canal constructed.
Established an army of professional soldiers.
People were overworked and overtaxed!
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.

16. The Grand Canal

17. Canals
The world’s first transport contour canal was constructed in China in the 3rd century BCE on the orders of Shi Huangdi.
“The Magic Canal” (Lingqu)
Linked the Xiang and Li Rivers.
The “Grand Canal,” begun in 330 BCE, was completed during the Yuan dynasty (1293).
Both canals are still in use in China.

18. The Grand Canal Today
Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal.
From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long,
linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important
water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty ( ), it connects several big rivers
and provides an important means of transportation and communication.
With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would
have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north?

19. Tang Dynasty

20. The Tang Dynasty Period of Brilliance
Tang dynasty ruled 618 to 907; Chinese influence spread
China experienced period of brilliance, prosperity, cultural achievement
Government, other institutions served as models across East Asia
Built on Sui Foundations
Established capital at Chang’an, Sui capital
Second capital located at Luoyang
Government control remained centralized, based on bureaucracy of officials
Civil Service
To obtain talented officials, Tang expanded civil service examination system
People had to pass written exams to work for government
Created flexible law code; model for law codes in Korea, Japan

21. Foreign Affairs Expansion Tang expanded China, Chinese influence
Regained western lands in Central Asia, gained influence over Korea
Contact with Japan increased; Japanese scholars came to China to study
Expansion, increased contact with others grew foreign trade
Expansion
Much of expansion occurred during reign of Taizong, 626 to 649
Taizong relied on talented ministers to help govern
In addition to military conquests, Taizong had schools built to prepare students for civil service exams
After his death, one of his sons became emperor

22. New emperor was weak, sickly
Wu Zhao
New emperor was weak, sickly
Emperor’s wife, Wu Zhao gained power
Following death of husband
Wu Zhao ruled through her sons
Eventually became emperor herself—the only woman to do so in Chinese history
Wu Zhao overthrown, 705
Dynasty reached height under Xuanzong
During reign, 712 to 756, empire prospered

24. Tang Dynasty 618 A.D A.D.
At the end of Sui Dynasty, the whole country fell into chaos due to the tyranny of Emperor. Rebellions roused by peasants were everywhere. One of the generals, Li Shih-min, took over ruling the empire, and established Tang Dynasty.
Historians regard the Tang Dynasty as a high point in Chinese civilization. The Tang period was the golden age of literature and art. Tang rule perfected a government system supported by a large class of Confucian literati selected through civil service examinations.

25. The Tang dynasty was established by one of Yangdi’s generals.
The Tang dynasty ruled for about 300 years, from A.D. 618 to A.D. 907.
The Tang dynasty brought about many reforms to improve government.

26. Tang Dynasty, 618-907 C.E. Imperial examination system perfected.
Liberal attitude towards all religions.
Spread of Buddhism in China
Golden Age of foreign relations with other countries. 
Japan, Korea, Persia
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.

27. Tang Government Organization
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.

28. The Tang Dynasty ( ) is the second great dynasty (of Chinese history that was able to unify a vast territory, to spread its culture and to absorb the cultures of surrounding states and peoples. Tang set it’s capital in Chang'an 長安 (modern Xian 西安). Trade stretched to the South East Asian archipelago, and the religion of Buddhism spread to Korea and Japan.

29. Reforms are changes that bring improvements.
One of the most powerful Tang emperors was Taizong.
He reinstated the civil service examination.
Empress Wu was a ruler in the Tang dynasty who strengthened China’s military.
The Tang dynasty expanded China’s empire and regained much of its power in Asia.
By the mid-A.D. 700s, the Turks began to threaten the Tang dynasty’s hold in Asia.

30. Empress Wu Zetian,
The only female Empress in China’s history who ruled alone. 
Searched for outstanding individuals to attract to her court.
Construction of new irrigation systems.
Buddhism was the favored state religion.
Financed the building of many Buddhist temples.
BUT… She appointed cruel and sadistic ministers to seek out her enemies.
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.

31. They took control of central Asia and the Silk Road, damaging China’s economy.
The Tang dynasty weakened and fell.
A Chinese general established the Song dynasty, which ruled for about 300 years, from A.D. 960 to A.D

32. The Tang dynasty strengthened China’s economy by supporting farming and trade.
The Chinese developed new technologies, such as steelmaking and printing.
During the Tang and the Song dynasties, China enjoyed a golden age of art and literature.

33. A Growing Economy
The political stability under the Tang dynasty helped the economy regain strength.
As peace was restored, farmers were able to make advances and be more productive.
They improved irrigation, introduced new ways of growing crops, and developed new kinds of rice.

34. Farmers began growing tea, which became a popular drink.
New roads and waterways helped increase trade with other parts of Asia.
The Silk Road became a busy trade route again.
Silk fabric was one item traded by the Chinese, as well as tea, steel, paper, and porcelain, which is fine clay baked at high temperatures.

35. Changes in Agriculture
Crops were grown on terraced hillsides
Chain pumps were used for irrigation
Water buffaloes pulled improved plows
Rice plants grown in seedbeds
Rice growing took lots of work done by many people
Rice was transplanted to paddies
Fast growing drought resistant rice grown

36. Why agriculture changed in China…
Farmers moved to the south, a good region for growing rice
New type of rice was introduced
An improved plow and harrow were developed
Farmers fertilized their crops

37. Growth of Trade & Commerce
Goods were moved along canals on barges
Junks were used for trade with foreign countries
Peasants sold surplus crops, animals, & goods made at their homes
Oxcarts & pack animals moved products along roads
Small shops lined streets & bridges
Indigo, spices, silver, ivory, & coral were imported
People used paper money & traded in copper coins at deposit shops

38. Why commerce developed in China…
There was a vast system of rivers & canals
Improvements in navigation made long sea voyages easier
Wealthy landowners demanded more goods
Paper currency helped trade

39. Urbanization Many types of people lived in the cities
Vendors sold food from trays on their heads. Silk, silver, fans, & other items were for sale
Many types of people lived in the cities
Signs identified the many goods being sold
There were theaters & outdoor entertainers
Urban women had less status than rural women
Restaurants & teahouses provided food & drink
Chinese cities were the largest in the world & Cities were crowded & exciting

40. Reasons for urbanization in China…
People came to the city to trade as commerce increased
Large landowners moved to cities because they preferred the shops & social life there

41. Put in the correct order…
A new type of rice allows farmers to plant at least two crops of rice per year.
Rice production increases.
Landowners become wealthier
Landowners have money for luxury items.
Small traders bring more luxury items to local markets.
Large cities develop.

42. Tang Dynasty, 618-907 C.E. New technologies:
Printing  moveable print 
Porcelain
Gunpowder
Mechanical clocks
More cosmopolitan culture.
Reestablished the safety of the Silk Road.
Tea comes into China from Southeast Asia. 
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.

43. Foot-Binding in Tang China
Broken toes by 3 years of age.
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.
Size 5 ½ shoe on the right

44. Foot-Binding in Tang China
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.
Mothers bound their daughters’ feet.

45. Foot-Binding in Tang China
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.
For upper-class girls, it became a new custom.

46. The Results of Foot-Binding
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.

47. Tang Dynasty 618-907 Created gunpowder- Fireworks!
Created programs to help the poor
Created gunpowder- Fireworks!
Brought back the Civil service exam
Open to all men, but only the rich could afford the education
Must be knowledgeable in Confucianism
Only 1 in 5 passed

48. Aristocracy: The Tang Dynasty
Mertiocracy: The Song Dynasty
Who were scholar-officials?
Scholars that got government jobs through examinations
What was the examination for scholar-officials primarily based on?
Based on the teachings of Confucius
Why did aristocrats continue to hold most offices?
Only wealthy could afford tutors, books, & time to study needed to prepare for the exams
According to emperors & scholars, knowledge of Confucius would produce what type of government official?
People who had studied Confucius would be rational, moral, & able to maintain order
What new group of people were allowed to become government officials during the Song Period?
Lower classes
Why did people want government jobs?
More respect & were excused from taxes & military service

49. The Age of Buddhism From India
Buddhism first came to China from India during Han times
During Period of Disunion many Chinese turned to Buddhism
Taught people could escape suffering, appealed to people in turmoil
State Religion
Under Tang rule, Buddhism became state religion
Buddhist temples appeared across land, missionaries spread Buddhism
400 to 845 in China, Age of Buddhism; ended when lost official favor
Tang Decline
750s, decline began, government weak, nomadic invasions, rebellions
Military defeats lost Tang lands in Central Asia and the north
907, emperor killed, Tang dynasty ended

50. Five Dynasties Ten Kingdoms 907 A.D. – 960 A.D. 920 A.D. - 979 A.D.
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms was an era of political upheaval in China, between the fall of the Tang Dynasty and the founding of the Song Dynasty. During this period, five dynasties quickly succeeded one another in the north, and more than 10 independent states were established, mainly in the south.

51. Song Dynasty

52. Government and Civil Service
The Song Dynasty
China split apart after Tang dynasty
Did not reunify until 960 with Song dynasty
Song ruled for about 300 years, created achievement, prosperity
Under Song, Chinese civilization became most advanced in world
After Tang Dynasty
Song established capital at Kaifeng, restored centralized government control
Enlarged government bureaucracy, reformed civil service examination system
Neo-Confucianism gained favor, emphasizing Confucian ethics, spiritual matters
Government and Civil Service

53. Civil Service Exams Southern Song
Extremely difficult to pass; those who did became scholar-officials
Scholar-officials received good salary, were respected
Civil service exams became more open to ordinary people
Exams became pathway to gaining wealth, status
Southern Song
Song rulers never regained northern, western lands lost by Tang
Tried to buy peace with threatening nomads by sending lavish gifts
1120s, nomadic people, Jurchen, conquered northern China, founded Jin empire
Song continued in south as Southern Song dynasty 150 more years

55. Song Dynasty
960 to 1,279 A.D.
In 960 A.D., the Song Dynasty came to power. This was the first government in world history to issue paper money. This dynasty also saw the first known use of gunpowder, as well as first discernment of true north using a compass.

56. The Civil Service Exam
Under the Sung Dynasty, the examination system attained the form it was to retain to the end of the dynastic system:
- 3 levels of exams for different government positions
- Students complained the exams were too difficult or that it was all memorization and irrelevant.
- Many brought cheat sheets with them

57. Song [Sung] Dynasty, 960-1279 C.E.
Creation of an urban, merchant, middle class.
Increased emphasis on education & cheaper availability of printed books.
Magnetic compass makes China a great sea power! 
The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family.
Founded the Imperial University
Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system)
Soldiers dropped to lowest status.
Confucianists at work; Daoists at home.
The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake!
Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation
Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported.
Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there.

58. As a means to make multiple impressions, woodblock printing has a long history in China and was already well developed in the Tang Dynasty. By the time of the Song Dynasty, woodblock art was thriving.

59. Song Peasant Family
Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal.
From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long,
linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important
water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty ( ), it connects several big rivers
and provides an important means of transportation and communication.
With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would
have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north?

60. Rice Cultivation Began Under the Song
Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal.
From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long,
linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important
water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty ( ), it connects several big rivers
and provides an important means of transportation and communication.
With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would
have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north?

61. Song Rice Cultivation
Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal.
From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long,
linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important
water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty ( ), it connects several big rivers
and provides an important means of transportation and communication.
With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would
have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north?

62. Song Dynasty 960-1279 Prosperous and innovative
Trade and Foreign Contact
Great naval force
Advanced farming techniques- Rice!
Creation of block printing
Use of algebra
Abacus
Use paper money
Banking

63. Role of Women of the Song
Practiced foot binding- meant to reflect wealth and prestige, crippled for life
Servants to men

64. Cultural Achievements
The Tang and Song dynasties were periods of great cultural achievement. Art and literature flourished, and many inventions and advances occurred in science and technology.
Tang period produced some of China’s greatest poets
Du Fu, Li Bo, two most famous
Poems of Confucian ideals, joys of life
Literature and Art
Reached new heights
Wu Daozi, murals celebrating Buddhism, nature
Landscapes of great beauty
Some used only black ink
Painting
Exquisite objects made from clay
Tang: pottery figurines, often to go in tombs
Song: excelled at making porcelain
Admired, sought after worldwide
Artisans

65. Inventions and Innovations
Architecture
Indian Buddhist temples influenced design of Chinese pagoda
Featured roofs at each floor curving upwards at corners
Inventions
During Tang, Song periods, China became a world leader in technology, science
Gunpowder major invention, used in fireworks, weapons
Magnetic Compass
Major Tang technical advance
Uses Earth’s magnetic field to show direction
Revolutionized sea travel, contributed to world exploration
Printing
Paper, ink invented earlier
Tang period, developed woodblock printing
Text carved into wood, coated with ink, pressed on paper

66. Moveable Type Paper Money
Song dynasty invented another type of printing, moveable type
Uses blocks on which letters, characters carved
Blocks rearranged, reused to print many things
Faster than woodblock, spread to Europe, revolutionized printing
Paper Money
Another Song invention
Had used bulky metal disks placed on strings
As economy grew, lighter, more useful form of currency developed
Paper money light, easy to use, quickly spread in use in China

67. Prosperity and Society
In addition to cultural achievements, the Tang and Song periods were a time of growth and prosperity.
Chinese agriculture became more productive
New irrigation techniques
New variety of rice
Production of cotton, tea increased
Increased food production contributed to population growth
Tang population 60 million, Song population 100 million
Agriculture
Improvements in roads, canals increased trade within China
Foreign trade expanded, mostly over land routes like Silk Roads
Late Tang: advances in sailing, shipbuilding helped sea trade
Song: merchants became important in society; money, banking began to develop
Trade

68. City Life Society Women As farming, trade grew so did China’s cities
China had largest cities in world at the time
Tang capital, Chang’an, population more than 1 million, many cultures
Song dynasty, several cities had million or more; sea trade caused port cities to boom
Despite urban growth, most Chinese still lived, farmed in countryside
Power of aristocratic families declined during period
New class developed, gentry
Included scholar-officials, leading landowners
Most still peasants, farmers
Paid most of taxes, little schooling
Society
Status of women declined, most visibly in upper classes
Desire for small, dainty feet led to custom of footbinding
Painful process to keep feet from growing, deformed feet over time
Symbol of husband’s authority
Women