Chinese history spans thousands of years, marked by the rise and fall of various dynasties. The earliest known dynasty, the Xia Dynasty, laid the foundation for a civilization that would flourish through the Shang and Zhou dynasties, leading to significant advancements in culture, philosophy, and governance. The Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China, ruled from 1644 to 1912. It was a period of great expansion and cultural exchange, but also faced challenges such as internal strife and foreign invasions. The fall of the Qing marked the end of imperial rule and the beginning of modern China.