Perspective Journeys

Dynasties and history

Imperial Chinese history is divided into different dynasties. The dynasties are ruled by an Emperor from an Imperial lineage.

Towards the end of each dynasty, contenders fight for a new order attempting to establish their respective dynasties. The major dynasties are periods where the imperial institution had majority control of most parts of China.

The actual geographical coverage of China varies from time to time and foreign policy of respective dynasties also shifted according to political developments. The Han and Tang period were orientated towards the West. After the Tang, there was a southwards focus as the Silk Road was disrupted by new emerging powers.

A dynasty comes to an end through conquest, forced abdication, official acts of surrender or symbolic removal of previous rulers. Traditionally, the new dynasty commissioned the compiling and writing of the previous dynasty's history.

By that act, it signaled the legitimate rule of the new dynasty.

Reign name and political ambitions

The Emperors of each dynasty had a reign title where the notion of time revolves around his rule.

The reign names illuminated specific challenges, ambitions or achievements of the time. For example, the reign of Emperor Tong Zhi (Son of Empress Dowager Cixi,慈禧太后) was Tong Zhi, 同治, meaning co rule of joint rule and ushered the Empress Dowager Cixi's political career.

Usually, the next Emperor will be appointed from the Emperor's sons or close blood relatives of the next generation. However, there are exceptions. When Emperor Tong Zhi passed away in 1875, Empress Dowager Cixi chose Emperor Tong Zhi's cousin to be the next Emperor. He was given the reign title GuangXu, 光緒, meaning "Glorious Succession" marking the Empress Dowager's success in holding on to the imperial power. Emperor Guangxu's father was the Brother of Emperor Xian Feng, 咸豐, and his mother was the sister of Empress Dowager Cixi.

Reign names and shopping

The reign names of respective Emperors were written at the base of porcelains and it helps to date antique pieces.

However this practice is very popular even today. Contemporary pieces are given the reign names of Qing or even Ming emperors.  

The list below shows reign title of  11 Qing Dynasty Emperors who ruled China from 1644 to 1911.

In Singapore, most artifacts and institutions dates to the late Qing period and the list is a helpful reference to identify its history.

Click for downloads:

Download list of Chinese dynasties

If you are a travel agent or organizer, click here

If you have any queries or require further information, please write to: info@perspectivejourneys.com

Copyright © 2006-7 Perspective Journeys, All Rights Reserved. . .