China has over 5000 years of history and rich artistic traditions. This guide introduces foreigners to Chinese history and art.
Chinese History Overview
Major Dynasties
| Dynasty | Period | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Xia | c. 2070-1600 BC | First dynasty (legendary) |
| Shang | 1600-1046 BC | Bronze work, oracle bones |
| Qin | 221-206 BC | First empire, Great Wall, Terracotta Army |
| Han | 206 BC-220 AD | Silk Road, Confucianism |
| Tang | 618-907 | Golden age of poetry |
| Song | 960-1279 | Porcelain, landscape painting |
| Ming | 1368-1644 | Forbidden City, Great Wall renovation |
| Qing | 1644-1912 | Last dynasty, peak territory |
Must-Visit Historical Sites
Beijing
- Forbidden City: Imperial palace, 24 emperors
- Great Wall: Badaling or Mutianyu sections
- Temple of Heaven: Imperial sacrifices
- Summer Palace: Imperial gardens
Xian
- Terracotta Army: Qin Shi Huangs tomb
- Ancient City Wall: Best preserved in China
- Wild Goose Pagoda: Buddhist architecture
Other Cities
- Luoyang: Longmen Grottoes (Buddhist caves)
- Dunhuang: Mogao Caves, Silk Road
- Hangzhou: West Lake, ancient capital
Chinese Art Forms
Calligraphy
- Considered highest art form
- Five main scripts: Seal, Clerical, Regular, Running, Cursive
- Tools: Brush, ink, paper, inkstone (Four Treasures)
Traditional Painting
- Landscape painting (shan shui) most important
- Emphasis on spirit over realism
- Famous artists: Fan Kuan, Guo Xi, Qi Baishi
Porcelain
- China named after this craft
- Jingdezhen = porcelain capital
- Ming blue and white most famous
Opera
- Peking Opera: Most famous, Beijing
- Combines music, singing, acrobatics
- Elaborate costumes and makeup
Museums to Visit
- Palace Museum (Beijing): Imperial collections
- National Museum (Beijing): Chinese history
- Shanghai Museum: Ancient art
- Terracotta Army Museum (Xian): Qin dynasty