Chinese History Index

The exceptionally long, unbroken history of civilization in China is unrivaled. Here is a directory of a part of SACU's information on China's historical development up to the formation of the People's Republic in 1949. For articles on China after 1949 please refer to our modern history section.

History Historical time chart of China through the last 5,000 years including all the Chinese dynasties.

Maps A guide to the development of China through a sequence of four maps.

5,000 years of history China claims a long and eventiful history, this article takes the broad overview and compares China to other cultures.

Paper Records The invention of paper and printing led to a burgeoning imperial civil service.

Great Inventions The four great Chinese inventions: paper; printing; gunpowder and the compass represent huge steps forward in technological development.

Opium in China The wars with Britain about trade in opium are a dark chapter, this article looks at the war more from the Chinese perspective.

The Boxer Rebellion This uprising at the turn of the 20th century had a fundamental impact on China.

First Qin Emperor The paramount figure of early Chinese history is Shihuangdi - the first emperor of the Qin.

The Last Emperor The Last Qing Emperor Puyi had a younger brother Pujie, this article documents a rare interview with him in Beijing.

Manchus Manchus live in north-eastern provinces of China and formed the last Qing Imperial dynasty.

Beijing Origins Beijing, the capital of China has a very long history, its history can be traced back over two thousand years.

May 4th Movement The settlement of the colonies in China after the First World War led to a resurgence of nationalism in China.

Empress Cixi Broadly contemporary to Queen Victoria, the Dowager Empress Cixi was the more pwerful figure, leading China in the tumultuous dying days of the Qing dynasty.

Outposts Colonial powers have a long history in the principal outposts of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.

Qin Stories A number of stories and fables from the turbulent days of the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC).

Art Collection A quick tour of the extraordinary Burrell collection in Glasgow.

Examination System China boasts an extraordinary ancient examination system that has only recently been modernised.

Traditional Architecture In Beijing only a few areas still contain the traditional 'hutongs' that used to be the predominate style of Chinese cities.

Seafaring Introduction to the pioneering efforts of Chinese sailors.

For articles about China after 1949 please go to our modern history index.

History	Historical time chart of China through the last 5,000 years including all the Chinese dynasties.
Maps	A guide to the development of China through a sequence of four maps.
5,000 years of history	China claims a long and eventiful history, this article takes the broad overview and compares China to other cultures.
Paper Records	The invention of paper and printing led to a burgeoning imperial civil service.
Great Inventions	The four great Chinese inventions: paper; printing; gunpowder and the compass represent huge steps forward in technological development.
Opium in China	The wars with Britain about trade in opium are a dark chapter, this article looks at the war more from the Chinese perspective.
The Boxer Rebellion	This uprising at the turn of the 20th century had a fundamental impact on China.
First Qin Emperor	The paramount figure of early Chinese history is Shihuangdi - the first emperor of the Qin.
The Last Emperor	The Last Qing Emperor Puyi had a younger brother Pujie, this article documents a rare interview with him in Beijing.
Manchus	Manchus live in north-eastern provinces of China and formed the last Qing Imperial dynasty.
Beijing Origins	Beijing, the capital of China has a very long history, its history can be traced back over two thousand years.
May 4th Movement	The settlement of the colonies in China after the First World War led to a resurgence of nationalism in China.
Empress Cixi	Broadly contemporary to Queen Victoria, the Dowager Empress Cixi was the more pwerful figure, leading China in the tumultuous dying days of the Qing dynasty.
Outposts	Colonial powers have a long history in the principal outposts of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.
Qin Stories	A number of stories and fables from the turbulent days of the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC).
Art Collection	A quick tour of the extraordinary Burrell collection in Glasgow.
Examination System	China boasts an extraordinary ancient examination system that has only recently been modernised.
Traditional Architecture	In Beijing only a few areas still contain the traditional 'hutongs' that used to be the predominate style of Chinese cities.
Seafaring	Introduction to the pioneering efforts of Chinese sailors.