Chinese history spans thousands of years, marked by the rise and fall of dynasties. The earliest known dynasty, the Xia, is believed to have emerged around 2070 BCE, followed by the Shang and Zhou dynasties, which contributed to the development of Chinese culture, philosophy, and governance. The teachings of Confucius during the Zhou period laid the foundation for Chinese ethics and social structure.
The Qin dynasty, established in 221 BCE, unified China and introduced significant reforms, including the famous Great Wall. Over the centuries, dynasties like the Han, Tang, and Ming flourished, each leaving a lasting impact on art, science, and trade. Today, China's