Papermaking: Development Beyond a Single Inventor Story
Cai Lun’s association with papermaking should not be treated as proof that no paper existed earlier.
The reference shelf
History
Key events and dynasties that shaped modern China — timelines, facts, and references.
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Guides
75 guides · Page 4 of 7
The Potala Palace and Lhasa's Historic Ensemble
The World Heritage ensemble in Lhasa includes the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple Monastery and Norbulingka.
Poverty Reduction in China: Dates, Standards and Attribution
China’s April 2021 poverty-alleviation white paper reports the elimination of rural absolute poverty under the national standard by the end of 2020.
Early Chinese Printing: A Dated Diamond Sutra Example
The British Library’s printed Diamond Sutra is dated to 868 CE.
Qian Xuesen: An Institutional Biography
Qian Xuesen was an applied-mechanics and systems-engineering scientist associated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Qin Dynasty: Empire and a Short Chronology
The Met dates the Qin dynasty to 221–206 BCE.
Qin Unification: The 221 BCE Reference
Qin unification is conventionally dated to 221 BCE.
The End of Qing Rule: Abdication and the Palace
The Qing emperor abdicated on 12 February 1912.
Reform and Opening: A 1978 Policy Reference
The December 1978 Third Plenum is a key reference point in accounts of China’s reform and opening.
The Republic of China: Reading the 1912 Transition
The museum chronology marks the beginning of the Republic of China on 1 January 1912.
Shang Dynasty: Chronology and Material Evidence
The Met dates the Shang dynasty to approximately 1600–1046 BCE.
Shaolin Temple: A Component of the Dengfeng Heritage Site
Shaolin’s architectural complex is one component of the Dengfeng World Heritage property.