Tang and Song

In 581, the Sui Dynasty united China for a short time. The Grand Canal was dug. It is the world's longest man-made canal. It made moving goods easier.

The Tang Dynasty ruled for the next 300 years. It was a time of peace. Empress Wu ruled in thhe 600's. She worked to make China bigger, stronger, and richer. She was China's only female emperor.

Made education better

Made farming better

Made trade better (opened Silk Road)

Lowered taxes

Made the military stronger

People took tests to get good government jobs. China wanted the most talented people as leaders. However, by 907 taxes were high and the army was weak. Rebels destroyed the capital and killed the Tang emperor.

In 960, the Song Dynasty united China again. China was even more rich and powerful. For 300 years, China was the most advanced place in the world.

Tax money was used for new roads and waterways. This gave people jobs and money. A middle class grew. Families had nice homes. They had free time to shop and go to restaurants, sporting events and plays.

The capital had more than a million people. That was a lot of people to feed! Farmers learned to ripen rice faster, so two crops could be grown each year. Rice and tea became popular at this time.

magnetic compass

paper money

printer with moveable type

mechanical clocks

porcelain

gunpoweder for fireworks and weapons