HomeShowsThis Day In History
Stream HISTORY
HomeShowsThis Day In HistoryStream HISTORY
  1. Home
  2. Topics
  3. Ancient China
  4. Topics

Ancient China ‑ Topics

Ancient China gave rise to some of history's most powerful dynasties, such as the Tang Dynasty, the Han Dynasty and the Qin Dynasty, which began building the Great Wall of China.

Attila the Hun (406-453) burning townships during Invasion of Italy. Woodcut, undated.

Huns

The Huns were nomadic warriors who terrorized much of Europe and the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. They were impressive horsemen best known for their astounding military achievements.

Read more
Ming Dynasty Dingling MausoleumBEIJING, CHINA - MAY 6, 2018 - (FILE) Buildings of Dingling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty and funerary objects such as crowns, phoenixes, gold ware and ornaments are seen in Changping district of Beijing, capital of China, May 6, 2018. From May 1956 to July 1958, the Ming Dingling Mausoleum was excavated. It is the only mausoleum of the Ming Dynasty emperor that has been excavated so far. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Ming Dynasty

The Ming Dynasty ruled China from A.D. 1368 to 1644, during which China’s population would double. Known for its trade expansion to the outside world that established cultural ties with the West, the Ming Dynasty is also remembered for its drama, literature and world‑renowned porcelain.

Read more
Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors

Qin Dynasty

Capital of Qin Dynasty The Qin (pronounced “chin”) region was located in modern‑day Shaanxi province, north of the Zhou Dynasty territory—Qin served as a barrier between it and the less civilized states north of it. The capital of the Qin Dynasty was Xianyang, which was extensively enlarged after Qin dominance was established. Qin itself had […]

Read more
HISTORY: Han Dynasty

Han Dynasty

China’s ancient Han Dynasty was known for its promotion of Confucianism and opening the Silk Road trade route to Europe, permanently altering the course of Chinese history.

Read more
HISTORY: Tang Dynasty

Tang Dynasty

In power from 618 to 906 A.D., the Tang Dynasty is considered a golden age of Chinese arts and culture.

Read more
HISTORY: Shang Dynasty

Shang Dynasty

The earliest recorded ruling dynasty of China, the Shang were known for their advances in math, astronomy, artwork and military technology.

Read more
3:30 minTV-14

Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire and became one of the most feared conquerors of all time.

Watch now
2:14 minTV-14

Great Wall of China

It took millennia to build, but today the Great Wall of China stands out as one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Watch now
3:07 minTV-PG

Builders of China’s Great Wall

The Great Wall of China was constructed over several centuries and claimed the lives of thousands of builders.

Watch now
Cityscapes Of Beijing - The Great WallBEIJING - DECEMBER 03: A general view of the Great Wall on December 3, 2006 in Beijing, China. Beijing will be the host city for 2008 Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by Guang Niu/Getty Images)

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is an ancient series of walls and fortifications, totaling more than 13,000 miles in length, located in northern China. Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of China and its long and vivid history

Read more
Sun Wu, style name Changqing, better known as Sun Tzu or Sunzi, was an ancient Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher who is believed to have authored 'The Art of War', an influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Sun Tzu's 'Art of War' grew in popularity and saw practical use in Western society, and his work has continued to influence both Asian and Western culture and politics.

The Art of War

The Mystery of Sun Tzu For generations, scholars have been trying to figure out who Sun Tzu was–if he existed at all. Legend has it that he was a Chinese military leader in an era known as the Spring and Autumn Period. This was a time of great turmoil in China, as many vassal states […]

Read more

Xian Tombs of Qin Dynasty

In 1974, peasants stumbled upon an astounding find: The burial complex of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty containing an estimated 8,000 lifelike terracotta soldiers.

Read more
A+E Global Media Logo
  • HISTORY Education
  • HISTORY Vault®
  • HISTORY Apps
  • HISTORY2™
  • HISTORY en Español®
  • Military HISTORY®
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Share Your Opinions
  • FAQ / Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Employment Opportunities
  • A+E Factual Studios™
  • Accessibility Support
  • A+E Studios®
  • TV Parental Guidelines
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Cookie Notice
  • Ad Choices
© 2025, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.