The Great Wall: Construction, Defences and the Moon Myth
The Great Wall developed across successive dynasties. Explore its defensive structures and why the Moon-visibility claim is a myth.
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History
Key events and dynasties that shaped modern China — timelines, facts, and references.
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Guides
75 guides · Page 2 of 7
Guan Yu: Distinguishing History, Fiction and Later Images
An artistic depiction of Guan Yu can document later storytelling and worship without verifying every scene it portrays.
Gunpowder: Technology, Applications and Historical Evidence
Gunpowder is included among historical Chinese technological innovations in the Smithsonian’s teaching reference.
Han Dynasty: Western Han, Interregnum and Eastern Han
The Met separates Western Han, 206 BCE–9 CE, from Eastern Han, 25–220 CE.
Hanshan Temple: Reading an Institutional Historical Account
Hanshan Temple is in Suzhou, near the historic canal and Fengqiao area.
China’s High-Speed Rail: A Dated Development Study
The World Bank’s 2019 study examines the development of China’s high-speed railway system.
The Imperial Examinations: A Historical Selection System
Imperial civil-service examinations were a historical route into government service, not a modern universal aptitude test.
Jin Dynasty: Distinguish Western and Eastern Jin
Western Jin and Eastern Jin are distinct periods; neither should be confused with the later Jurchen Jin.
Jokhang Temple: A Component of Lhasa’s Heritage Ensemble
Jokhang Temple Monastery in Lhasa is part of the World Heritage ensemble associated with the Potala Palace.
Lao She in London: An Institutional Record
Lao She taught colloquial Chinese at the School of Oriental Studies in London between 1924 and 1929.
Laozi: The Text and the Uncertain Biography
Laozi names a central figure of Daoist tradition and a text also known as the Daodejing.
Leshan Giant Buddha: The Sculpture and Its Heritage Setting
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71-metre hillside carving in Sichuan, dating to the eighth century.