The study of the history of China is part of the study of sinology, as are language and philosophy. The history of China goes back a long way. The following lines should give a short overview.
China's history in fast forward
2.5 million years B.C.
Paleolithic period
12,000 B.C.
Neolithic period
2200-1600 B.C.
Xia Dynasty (founded by the legendary Great Yu)
2200-800 B.C.
Bronze Age
1600-1046 B.C.
Shang Dynasty; the first preserved written documents date back to the time of this reign
1046-256 B.C.
Zhou Dynasty
between the 6th and 3rd century B.C.
Philosopher: Laozi (also: Laotse or Lao-tzu)
551-479 B.C.
Philosopher: Confucius
497-381 B.C.
Philosopher: Mozi
500 B.C.
First sections of the Great Wall of China are made of clay and straw
221-207 B.C.
Qin Dynasty (秦朝 Qín Cháo), beginning of the imperial period
221-210 B.C.
Zhao Zheng becomes emperor Qin Shi Huangdi
210-207 B.C.
Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's youngest son becomes Emperor Er Shi Huangdi
214 B.C.
by order of the first Chinese emperor Qin Shihuangdi further wall sections (mainly made of natural stone) are built as a bulwark against attackers from the north
210 B.C.
The first emperor of the Qin Dynasty Qin Shi Huangdi died during an inspection tour. His second son took over the inheritance and from then on called himself Shi Huangdi (Second Emperor).
207 B.C.
the emperor was murdered by the eunuch Chao Gao
206 BC - 220 AD
Han Dynasty
202-194 B.C.
Emperor: Han Gaozu (Liu Bang)
194-188 B.C.
Emperor: Huidi
188 -179 B.C.
Rule of the empress widow Lü Hou
179- 157 B.C.
Emperor: Wendi
157 -141 B.C.
Emperor: Jingdi
141 -87 B.C.
Emperor: Wudi
74 - 48 B.C.
Emperor: Xuandi
48- 33 B.C.
Emperor: Yuandi
33-6 B.C.
Emperor: Zhengdi
6 - 1 B.C.
Emperor: Aidi
1 B.C. 6 A.D.
Emperor: Pingdi
6 A.D. - 9 A.D.
Wang Mang as provisional emperor
220 A.D.
Confucianism becomes the philosophy of the state
220–280
Time of the Three Realms
265–420
Jin Dynasty
420–581
The Southern and Northern Dynasties
581
Coup d'Etat by General Yang Jian
581–618
Sui Dynasty
618–907
Tang dynasty; trade via the Silk Road increases and Christianity and Zen Buddhism gain a foothold in China
649-683
Emperor: Gaozong
683
the son of Wu Zhaos (wife of Gaozong and former concubine of Gaozong's father) becomes emperor
690-705
Wu Zhao deposes her son as emperor and becomes empress Wu Zetian
907–960
The five dynasties and ten kingdoms
916–1125
Liao Dynasty
960–1279
Song Dynasty
1125–1234
Jin Dynasty
1279
Kublai Khan, the leader of the Mongols, conquers Lin'an
1261–1368
Yuan Dynasty
1271-1294
the Mongolian ruler Kublai Khan (born as Borjigin Kublai) rules as Shizu
1294-1307
the mongolian ruler Timur Khan (born as Borjigin Temür) rules as Chengzong
1307-1311
the Mongolian ruler Külüq Khan (born as Borjigin Qayshan) rules as Wuzong
1311-1320
the Mongolian ruler Buyantu Khan (born as Borjigin Ayurparibhadra) rules as Renzong
1321-1323
the Mongolian ruler Suddipala (born as Borjigin Suddhipala) rules as Yingzong
1323-1328
the Mongolian ruler Yesun Timur Khan (born as Borjigin Yesün-Temür) rules as Jinzong
1328
the Mongolian ruler Arigaba (born as Borjigin Arigaba) rules as non-existent
1328-1329 and 1329-1332
the Mongolian ruler Jijaghatu Toq-Temür (born as Borjigin Toqa Timur) rules as Wenzong
1329
the Mongolian ruler Qutugku Khan (born as Borjigin Qoshila) rules as Mingzong
1332
the Mongolian ruler Irinchibal (born as Borjigin Irinchibal) rules as Ningzong
1333-1370
the Mongolian ruler Ukhaatu Khan (born as Borjigin Toghan Timur) rules as Huizong
1368–1644
Ming dynasty; the last sections of the Great Wall of China are built with a mixture of lime and rice to protect them from the Mongols
1368 – 1398
Zhu Yuanzhong becomes emperor and calls himself: Ming Taizu
1399-1402
Zhu Yunwen becomes emperor and calls himself: Gongmin Hui
1402-1424
Zhu Di becomes emperor and calls himself: Taizong (Chengzu)
1405-1433
The famous navigator Zheng He undertakes seven voyages and reaches Africa
1424-1425
Zhu Gaochi becomes emperor and calls himself: Renzong
1425-1435
Zhu Zhanji becomes emperor and calls himself: Xuanzong
1435-1449
Zhu Qizhen becomes emperor and calls himself: Yingzong
1449-1457
Zhu Qiyu becomes emperor and calls himself Daizong
1457-1464
Zhu Qizhen becomes emperor and calls himself: Yingzong
1464-1487
Zhu Jianshen becomes emperor and calls himself: Xianzong
1487-1505
Zhu Youtang becomes emperor and calls himself: Xiaozong
1505
The eunuch Liu Jin virtually takes over the government business
1505-1521
Zhu Houzhao becomes emperor and calls himself: Wuzong
1513
Portuguese sailor Jorge Alvarez reaches China
1521-1566
Zhu Houcong becomes emperor and calls himself: Shizong
1557
Commercial port of the Portuguese in Macao
1566-1572
Zhu Zaihou becomes emperor and calls himself: Muzong
1572-1620
Zhu Yijun becomes emperor and calls himself: Shenzong
1582
Matteo Ricci reaches South China
1601
The Jesuit Father Matteo Ricci reaches Beijing
1620-1620
Zhu Changluo becomes emperor and calls himself: Guangzong
1620-1627
Zhu Youjiao becomes emperor and calls himself: Xizong
1627-1644
Zhu Youjian becomes emperor and calls himself: Sizong
1644–1911
Qing Dynasty
1796-1804
Rebellion of the White Lotus Sect
1839-1842
the Opium War
1897-1898
Foreign powers acquire further privileges and leased areas. e.g. Germany leases the city of Qingdao (Tsingtao)
1900
Boxer Rebellion
1911
- 10.10.1911
Revolution of 1911. Wuchang uprising and thus the end of the empire
1912
- 1.1.1912
Republic of China proclaimed in Nanking. Sun Yatsen is elected the first president
1912
- 12.2.1912
The last quay resigns
1912
- 25.8.1912
Establishment of the National People's Party (Kuomintang; KMT). Sun Yatsen is elected chairman
1919
- 4.5.1919
Movement of the fourth of May. Patriotic student protests against the Chinese Government's indulgence in the Versailles peace negotiations, starting in Beijing and spreading across the country. The students are campaigning for science and democracy and condemning Confucian traditions.
1921
- July 1921
Foundation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Shanghai
1925
- 12.3.1925
Sun Yatsen dies
1927
- April 1927
Jiang Kaishek, commander of the KMT army, violently strikes down a general strike in Shanghai (Shanghai massacre), thereby terminating the alliance with the CCP and founding a national government in Nanking
1931
- September 1931
The Japanese Kwantung Army began the occupation of Manchuria. Anti-Japanese protests sweep the country
1934
- 16.10.1934
Under pressure from the KMT Army, the Communist Red Army leaves the central Chinese territories it holds and begins the "Long March
1935
- 8.1.1935
At the Zunyi conference during the long march Mao Zedong is elected head of the CCP
1935
- 20.10.1935
The long march ends in northern Shaanxi, where the Red Army establishes a base
1937
- 7.7.1937
Incident at the "Marco Polo Bridge". Beginning of the large-scale Japanese invasion, which rapidly progresses from North China to South China
1937
- 13.8.1937
Beginning of the fights for Shanghai
1937
- 20.11.1937
The National Government in Nanking announces the transfer of the seat of government to Chongqing (Chungking) in view of the Japanese threat
1937
- 13.12.1937
Japanese troops occupy Nanking. Beginning of the Nanking massacre
1940
- 30.3.1940
Installation of a Japanese puppet government for China in Nanking
1941
- 7.12.1941
Japanese attack on the US naval base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii heralds the war in the Pacific
1945
- 6.8.1945
Hiroshima is destroyed by the dropping of an American nuclear bomb. The second atomic bomb on Nagasaki follows three days later.
1945
- 8.8.1945
The Soviet Union declares war on Japan
1945
- 14.8.1945
The Japanese Emperor announces unconditional surrender
1945
- 28.9.1945
Chongqing negotiations between Mao Zedong (CCP) Zhou Enlai (CCP) and Jiang Kaishek (KMT) on the future of China and the restoration of state unity
1945
- September / October 1945
About 50,000 US Marines land in Chinese ports to help disarm and evacuate Japanese troops
1945
- 27.11.1945
George Marshall is appointed Special Envoy to China by the US President. His attempts to persuade the national government led by Jiang Kaishek to make peace with the Communists (CCP) fail. US sanctions against Jian Kaishek desired by Marshall are only partially implemented.
1946
- 5.5.1946
Official relocation of the seat of government nacvh Nanking
1946
- 26.6.1946
Resumption of the civil war because of a major offensive by government troops against the Red Army
1946
- 24.12.1946
Rape of student Shen Chong by a US soldier in Beijing. Nationwide anti-American demonstrations follow
1947
- Early May 1947
Food shortages due to rapid inflation. Riots break out in Shanghai and other cities, mainly involving workers and students
1947
- 30.6.1947
The crossing of the Yellow River by the People's Liberation Army (VBA) of the Chinese Communists marks a turning point in the civil war
1948
- 2.4.1948
The US Congress passes a law on aid to China worth 338 million dollars
1948
- 25.5.1948
Start of student protests against the American Japan policy
1948
- 19.8.1948
Announcement of the currency reform, which provides for the introduction of the gold yuan, wage and price controls and other measures to stabilise the economy
1949
- 15.1.1949
The People's Liberation Army takes Tianjin
1949
- 31.1.1949
The People's Liberation Army takes Beijing
1949
- 25.4.1949
The People's Liberation Army takes over Nanking
1949
- 27.5.1949
The People's Liberation Army completes the capture of Shanghai
1949
- 21.9.1949
The Political Consultative Conference meets in Beijing and prepares the formation of a new government
1949
- 27.9.1949
Beijing is declared the capital instead of Nanking
1949
- 1.10.1949
Foundation of the state: Mao Zedong proclaims the People's Republic of China in Tian'anmen Square in Beijing
1949
- 2./3.10.1049
The Soviet Union and the PR China agree to establish diplomatic relations
1949
- 10.12.1949
Jiang Kaishek is fleeing to Taipei. The state of war continues for 40 years.
1949
- 16.12.1949
Mao Zedong meets Stalin in Moscow
1950
- 14.2.1950
Signing of the Sino-Soviet friendship treaty in Moscow
1950
China's entry into the Korean War
1960-1963
Soviet Union withdraws all advisors from China and terminates nuclear assistance
1960-1963
the three bitter years
1962
Border war between China and India
1963
Public announcement of the differences between China and the Soviet Union
1964
The first Chinese nuclear bomb is detonated
1966
Liu Shaoqi, Deng Xiaoping and other important party leaders are disempowered
1966
All schools and universities will be closed
1968
Mao calls on the youth "to learn from the masses". Under this motto, about 15 million young people are sent to villages for several years
1968
India and China break off diplomatic relations
1969
fighting breaks out on the Ussur river and in Xinjiang (border between China and the Soviet Union)
1970
The first Chinese space satellite was successfully launched
1970
The Qinghua University in Beijing is the first university in the country to resume teaching
1971
- 25.10.1971
China's admission to the UN
1971
Lin Bao dies
1972
US President Nixon visits China and meets Mao
1972
Japan and other Western countries establish diplomatic relations with China
1973
Deng Xiaoping is rehabilitated
1974
a campaign of criticism against Lin Bao and Confucius is launched
1976
Death of Zhou Enlai
1976
- 9.9.1976
Mao Zedong dies at the age of 82
1976
Hua Guofeng becomes new party leader
1976
Gang of four is arrested
1976
End of the Cultural Revolution
1978
Deng Xiaoping becomes the first man in the state
1978
Beginning of the rehabilitation of right-wing extremists and intellectuals
1979
China intervenes militarily in North Vietnam
1979
Deng Xiaoping visits the USA
1979
USA and China establish diplomatic relations
1980
Start of the 1-child policy
1980
- September 1980
Zhao Ziyang takes over from Hua Guofeng as Prime Minister
1980
Liu Shaoqi is rehabilitated
1981
Condemnation of the Gang of Four and six other former party and military leaders
1982
The office of the Chairman of the Communist Party of China will be filled at the XIIth Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. The office of the Chairman of the Communist Party of China will be abolished at the XII Congress and replaced by that of the General Secretary. Hu Yaobang is elected General Secretary.
1982
Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister comes to Beijing for talks on Hong Kong's future
1983
India and China resume diplomatic relations
1984
The UK and China make a joint statement on the future of Hong Kong.
1987
- January 1989
Hu Yaobang will be removed from office. His successor is Zhao Ziyang
1987
China agrees with Portugal on the handover of Macao in 1999, following the Hong Kong model
1987
Abolition of martial law in China
1989
- 3. and 4.6.1989
Demolition of the protests on Tian-An-Men Square by the military
1989
Visit of Soviet President Michael Gorbachev
1989
- April 1989
Hu Yaobang dies
1989
Unrest and deployment of the military in Tibet
1993
Start of construction of the Three Gorges Dam
1993
Jiang Zemin becomes president
1997
- 1.7.1997
Handover from Hong Kong to China. The island is declared a Special Administrative Region
1997
Deng Xiaoping dies in February at the age of 92
1998
The persecution of the Falugong sect begins
2001
China becomes a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
2002
Jiang Zemin handed over the offices of party and head of state to Hu Jintao.
2007
Hu Jintao is confirmed in his offices.
2008
China hosts the Summer Olympics
2010
End of the currency peg to the US dollar