If you‘re diving into Chinese history—whether in a classroom or while you learn Chinese online—you’ll quickly encounter a long list of dynasties that ruled China over thousands of years. For beginners, it can be overwhelming. What came first? Which one was the Tang? Was the Qing the last?
A good online Chinese teacher will often suggest that understanding China‘s dynasties is about getting a feel for the rhythm of Chinese history, and will tell you that you should not learn them by heart like a vocabulary list!
First, here‘s the simplified list of the main Chinese dynasties, in chronological order:
Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing; After the Qing there was the Republic of China (1912–1949), People‘s Republic of China (1949–present) established.
Now, let‘s briefly walk through them—and then we’ll look at how to remember the order.
Xia (夏)
Considered the first dynasty in traditional Chinese history, though archaeological evidence is sparse. Often treated as semi-legendary.
Shang (商)
The first dynasty with strong archaeological records, including oracle bones and early writing. Known for bronze work and ancestor worship.
Zhou (周)
A long-lasting dynasty divided into Western Zhou and Eastern Zhou (which includes the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods). Birthplace of Confucianism and Daoism.
Qin (秦)
Short but hugely influential. Emperor Qin Shi Huang united China, standardized writing, currency, and began the Great Wall. The word “China” may come from Qin.
Han (汉)
A golden age of Chinese civilization. Han culture, government structure, and Confucian ideals shaped much of what we think of as traditional China.
Sui (隋)
Short-lived but important. Reunified China after centuries of division. Built the Grand Canal.
Tang (唐)
Another golden age. Poetry, international trade, openness to Buddhism and foreign cultures. Chang‘an (now Xi’an) was one of the world‘s largest cities.
Song (宋)
Known for art, innovation (gunpowder, printing), and a strong economy. Politically weaker than Tang but intellectually rich.
Yuan (元)
Founded by the Mongols, led by Kublai Khan. First time China was ruled by a non-Han dynasty. Marco Polo visited during this period.
Ming (明)
A return to Han Chinese rule. Famous for porcelain, sea voyages (Zheng He), and the construction of the Forbidden City.
Qing (清)
The last imperial dynasty. Ruled by the Manchus. Saw territorial expansion, cultural flourishing—but also internal decay and Western pressure.
How to Remember the Order
A popular mnemonic to help remember the order is:
“Xia Shang Zhou, Qin Han, Sui Tang Song, Yuan Ming Qing”
Try clapping or tapping it like a rhythm:
- Xia Shang Zhou — (pause)
Qin Han — (pause)
Sui Tang Song — (pause)
Yuan Ming Qing
The natural breaks follow historical shifts and make it feel like a chant.
Another memory trick: Think of them in clusters of meaning:
Ancient and legendary: Xia, Shang, Zhou
Unifiers and builders: Qin, Han
Middle empires: Sui (brief), Tang (strong), Song (smart)
Foreign rule and restoration: Yuan (Mongols), Ming (revival)
Final empire: Qing (end of imperial rule)
Students at language schools like GoEast Mandarin are encouraged to link history to cultural expressions—like poetry from the Tang dynasty or idioms born in the Warring States era. This helps dynasties feel less like a list and more like layers of a story.
Once you know the flow of dynasties, Chinese history becomes far easier to explore. Each period has its own flavor, inventions, philosophies, and famous figures—making the whole journey through time both meaningful and memorable. Most well-known Chinese poets, for example, are from the Tang and Song Dynasty, also considered the golden age of ancient China.
