After the fall of the Han dynasty, China was reunified by the Sui dynasty in 589 CE. This began the period of the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties, which was characterized by political stability, economic growth, and cultural/intellectual achievements. Key developments included the spread of Buddhism, population growth, improved agriculture, expansion of trade via the Silk Road and Indian Ocean, technological innovations in clockwork, gunpowder, paper, and printing, and the growth of cities and a market economy. However, Confucian social structures around scholars, officials, and patriarchy persisted throughout this period.

1. China -- Sui, Tang, &
Song Dynasties
Sui 589-618
Tang 618-907
Song 960 -1279

2. Background
After the fall of the Han Empire (220 c.e.)
 Northern China was invaded by nomadic
groups (who assimilated Chinese
culture)
 No leader in southern China was strong
enough to control the entire region (30
dynasties in about 300 years claimed the
Mandate of Heaven).
 For 350 years, regional rule was the
political reality.

3. CHANGES
In the 300 years between the Han and
the Sui Dynasties –
 Buddhism spread & changed
 Migration of people into southern China
 Destruction of old growth forests and
animal species

4. Background
By 589, the first
emperor of the Sui
dynasty had
forcefully reunited
northern and
southern China once
again.
The foundations for
the Tang & Song
Dynasties were laid.

7. “A Golden Age”
China during the Tang and Song
dynasties had . . .
political stability (strong central
government)
economic growth & change
intellectual & artistic achievement

8. Grand Canal

15. China during the Sui,
Tang, & Song Dynasties
Sui 589-618
Tang 618-907
Song 960 -1279

16. CHANGES
DURING THE TANG & SONG dynasties
 Economic revolution, commercialization,
and urbanization
 Technological innovation
 Cultural and Economic interaction with
“outsiders” – spread of Chinese culture
 Buddhism changed

17. Economic Revolution in Tang &
Song China
 Agricultural production improved & crop
specialization intensified with improved
infrastructure, iron implements, and
printing.
RESULT –
 Population dramatically
increased

18. ECONOMIC
REVOLUTION
INDUSTRY increased
in manufacturing
 Metals
 Silk
 Porcelain
 Producing goods for the market
instead of local consumption became
common

19. TRADE
 Indian Ocean trade
increased with
Tang control over
coastal Southern
China
 Silk Road trade
increased

21. Commercial developments
Banking and Credit system
Government issued paper money.

22. Technology and Innovation
 First chain driven mechanism - the clock
(1088)
 Gunpowder
 Paper production and block printing
techniques were invented and then
advanced—moveable type.
 Boat building and navigational
technology was more advanced than the
rest of the world.

23. CONTINUITIES from the Classical Period
through the Sui, Tang, & Song Dynasties.
 Confucianism remained a foundation of
government, social structure, and culture
(Daoism, too).
 Agriculture remained the foundation of
the economy.
 Strong central government continued
with a powerful emperor (mandate of
heaven) & scholar-bureaucracy
(examination system)

25.  Written language
was separate from
spoken languages
 The social class
structure &
patriarchy remained
relatively constant.

26. Social Classes (continuities)
 Landowners (landed gentry) were at the
top of the social class system.
 Scholar-bureaucrats (scholar gentry) &
military leaders were also in upper-class.
 Merchants and artisans could acquire a
great deal of wealth - but were still in the
lower classes.

27.  Interaction with nomadic groups to the
North continued to influence the politics,
economy, and culture of China.

28.  Chinese cultural influence on its
neighbors remained strong.

29. Gender Roles
 Women’s status remained low
(despite attempts at reform by
several empresses).
 The Song Period saw women
at a very low social status.
Evidence: Seclusion, lack
of property rights, polygamy
and use of concubines,
exclusion from education, &
FOOTBINDING.

30. From Ning Lao T'ai-t'ai
 “A girl's beauty and desirability were
counted more by the size of her feet
than by the beauty of her face.
Matchmakers were not asked, 'Is she
beautiful?' but 'How small are her
feet?' A plain face is given by
heaven but poorly bound feet are a
sign of laziness.”

34. Other Advancements included:
 Tang and Song China had some of the
largest cities in the world.
 Song Chinese were the first to use
fractions in computations and equations.
 Solar year was accurately measured
 Doctors in Song China compiled and
printed medical texts

35.  In terms of advancements, innovations,
and knowledge, China benefited from
centuries of Chinese scholarship and
technology.
 Influences from other parts of the world
(especially during the Tang period) also
had a considerable effect.