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The Shang, one of China's earliest civilizations, rule the Huang He Valley.

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Early Chinese writing includes about 3,000 characters. Oracle bones have writing in the form of logographs.

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The Zhou claim the Mandate of Heaven and rule China under a system of feudalism.

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According the Chinese legend, Laozi teaches about the Dao and yin and yang.

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Confucius teaches that people should act properly and respect relationships.

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Hanfeizi proposes Legalism, a philosophy emphasizing a system of strong central government.

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221 - 210 B.C.E. First Unification of China

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221 - 210 B.C.E. First Unification of China

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Emperor Qin Shihuangdi unites northern China, standardizes the culture, and builds the Great Wall.

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Chinese explorer Zhang Qian establishes trade relationships with Central Asian peoples, using a network of routes that become known as the Silk Road.

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The Han develop a bureaucratic system of government and improve life in China.

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Military technology and strategy allow the Han empire to expand into Central Asia and parts of Korea and Vietnam

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Cultural diffusion occurs as Buddhism spreads from India to China.

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The Chinese invent paper during the Han dynasty, making it easier for people to communicate and create documents and records.