# The twelve main dynasties of Chinese history, from the Xia to the Qing

From the Xia, traditionally founded by Yu the Great, through the long-lasting Zhou and the 14-year Qin, to the Qing, which ended with Puyi's abdication in 1912: China's main dynasties in chronological order, with dates, length and first and last rulers. Dates for the Xia, Shang and Zhou follow the Xia–Shang–Zhou Chronology Project.

- 61 votes · 12 items
- Jul 25, 2023 · 高洋
- https://even.best/en/l/5367/the-twelve-main-dynasties-of-chinese-history-from-the-xia-to-the-qing

## Top 12

1. **Xia dynasty** (6 · ▲7 ▼1) — 2070 BC – 1600 BC, about 470 years. First ruler: Yu the Great; last ruler: Jie.
2. **Qin dynasty** (6 · ▲6 ▼0) — 221 BC – 207 BC, about 14 years. First ruler: Qin Shi Huang; last ruler: Qin Er Shi.
3. **Jin dynasty** (5 · ▲5 ▼0) — AD 266 – AD 420, about 153 years. First ruler: Emperor Wu (Sima Yan); last ruler: Emperor Gong.
4. **Song dynasty** (5 · ▲5 ▼0) — 960 – 1279, about 319 years. First ruler: Emperor Taizu (Zhao Kuangyin); last ruler: Zhao Bing.
5. **Shang dynasty** (4 · ▲6 ▼2) — 1600 BC – 1046 BC, about 554 years. First ruler: Tang; last ruler: Zhou (Di Xin).
6. **Han dynasty** (4 · ▲4 ▼0) — 202 BC – AD 220, about 406 years. First ruler: Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang); last ruler: Emperor Xian.
7. **Yuan dynasty** (3 · ▲3 ▼0) — 1271 – 1368, about 97 years. First ruler: Kublai Khan; last ruler: Toghon Temür.
8. **Zhou dynasty** (2 · ▲3 ▼1) — 1046 BC – 256 BC, about 789 years. First ruler: King Wu; last ruler: King Nan.
9. **Sui dynasty** (2 · ▲3 ▼1) — 581 – 619, about 38 years. First ruler: Emperor Wen (Yang Jian); last ruler: Yang Tong.
10. **Ming dynasty** (1 · ▲3 ▼2) — 1368 – 1644, about 276 years. First ruler: Hongwu Emperor (Zhu Yuanzhang); last ruler: Chongzhen Emperor.
11. **Qing dynasty** (1 · ▲3 ▼2) — 1636 (or 1644) – 1912, about 276 years. First ruler: Hong Taiji; last ruler: Puyi.
12. **Tang dynasty** (-4 · ▲0 ▼4) — 618 – 907, about 274 years. First ruler: Emperor Gaozu (Li Yuan); last ruler: Emperor Ai.

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