I. Prehistoric Times II. Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou Dynasties III. Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods IV. Qin and Han Dynasties V. Three Kingdoms, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties VI. Sui, Tang, and the Five Dynasties VII. Liao, Song, Xixia, Jin, and Yuan Dynasties VIII. Ming and Qing Dynasties

Ming and Qing Dynasties

(1368–1911)

I. Establishment of the Ming Dynasty



In 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang (later known as Emperor Taizu) established the Ming Dynasty at Nanjing. In 1421, Emperor Chengzu moved the capital to Beijing.

Upon founding the Ming, Emperor Taizu formulated new laws and introduced reforms that concentrated the legislative, administrative, jurisdictional, military, and supervisory powers in his hands. Centralized authoritarian rule reached a new height.

Imperial Palace in Beijing
Imperial Palace in Beijing

  • Da Ming Lü (Code of the Great Ming)
    Block-printed edition, Ming Dynasty, 30th year of Hongwu Era (1397)

  • Da Ming Hui Dian (Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty)
    Block-printed edition of Palace Treasury, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Fish-scale Registers
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Household Registration Certificate
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Wasteland Reclamation Certificate
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Copper Tally
    Ming Dynasty, Hongwu Era (1368–1398)

  • Ivory Tally
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Copper Tally
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Copper Seal
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Wooden Seal of the Imperial Guard
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

II. Economy and Daily Life in the Ming Dynasty



In the early Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu (r. 1368–1398) implemented encouraging policies to restore and develop production. By the mid-to-late Ming, growth in the commodity economy led to new modes of production in certain industries. Lifestyles and social values began to change as the pursuit of luxury and individuality became fashionable.
Map of the Yellow River and the Grand Canal
By Pan Jixun (1521–1595), Ming Dynasty
White-glazed Porcelain Jar Incised with Floral Design
Ming Dynasty, Yongle Era (1403–1424)
Blue-and-white Vase with Two Lugs and Intertwining Branch Design
Ming Dynasty, Xuande Era (1426–1435)
Doucai (contending colours) Porcelain Jar with Flower and Butterfly Design
Ming Dynasty, Chenghua Era (1465–1487)
Wucai (polychrome) Porcelain Jar and Lid with Fish and Water Plant Design
Ming Dynasty, Jiajing Era (1522–1566)
Splendours of the Imperial Capital
Anonymous, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
Thriving Southern Capital
Anonymous, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
White-glazed Porcelain Seated Shakyamuni Buddha
Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (1573–1620)

  • Tilling at Dawn
    Anonymous, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Brocade with Multicoloured Cloud, Dragon, and Sea Wave Design
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Gauze with Dragon Roundels, Lingzhi (fungus), and Characters for Longevity
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Cotton Cloth from Songjiang
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Cotton Cloth Printed with Passion Flower Pattern
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • White-glazed Porcelain Vase Incised with Intertwining Lotus Design
    Ming Dynasty, Yongle Era (1403–1424)

  • White-glazed Porcelain Bowl with Petal-shapedRim
    Ming Dynasty, Yongle Era (1403–1424)

  • Ming Dynasty, Yongle Era (1403–1424)
    Ming Dynasty, Yongle Era (1403–1424)

  • Blue-and-white Porcelain Zun (vessel) with Lingzhi (fungus) Design

    Ming Dynasty, Xuande Era (1426–1435)

  • Doucai (contending colours) Porcelain Stem Cup with Grape Design
    Ming Dynasty, Chenghua Era (1465–1487)

  • Doucai (contending colours) Porcelain Cup with Children Playing

    Ming Dynasty, Chenghua Era (1465–1487)

  • Wucai (polychrome) Porcelain Gu (vessel) with Auspicious Animal Design
    Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (1573–1620)

  • Wucai (polychrome) Porcelain Vase with Dragon among Flowers Design
    Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (1573–1620)

  • Blue-and-white Porcelain Vase with Dragon among Flowers Design
    Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (1573–1620)

  • Steel Sword
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Copper Cannon
    Ming Dynasty, 1st year of Jingtai Era (1450)

  • Copper Ghanta and Vajra

    Ming Dynasty, Xuande Era (1426–1435)

  • Openwork Copper Incense Burner
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Copper Incense Burner and Stand with Arabic Script
    Ming Dynasty, Zhengde Era (1506–1521)

  • Black Lacquer Ewer Inlaid with Mother-of-pearl
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Bamboo Brush Holder Made by Zhu Sansong
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Red Lacquer Box with Carved Bird and Flower Design
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Cloisonné Enamel Stem Cup with Fish and Water Plant Design
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Double-gourd-shaped Cloisonné Enamel Bottle
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Cloisonné Enamel Gu (vessel) with Intertwining Lotus Design
    Ming Dynasty, Xuande Era (1426–1435)

  • Knickknack Peddler
    Anonymous, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • “Daming Tongxing Baochao” (paper currency)
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Copperplate forPrinting “Daming Tongxing Baochao” (paper currency)
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Coins
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Silver Ingot
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Abacus
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Dengzi (weighing apparatus)
    Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (1573–1620)

  • Standard Copper Weight of Changzhou County

    Ming Dynasty, 3rd year of Tianqi Era (1623)

  • Emperor Xianzong Enjoying the Lantern Festival
    Anonymous, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Double-gourd-shaped Blue-and-white Porcelain Bottle with the Eight Immortals
    Ming Dynasty, Jiajing Era (1522–1566)

III. Foreign Relations in the Ming Dynasty



Between 1405 and 1433, the Ming government dispatched the famous maritime explorer Zheng He (1371–1434) and his fleet on epoch-making expeditions to the Indian Ocean. Zheng’s expeditions resulted in friendly ties with countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa. While China maintained close contacts with Korea, relations with Japan were impaired by Japanese pirate attacks along China’s coast and Japan’s wars against Korea.

After the discovery of new sea routes in the 16th century, Europeans began to come to China, opening a new era of direct dialogue between Chinese and Western civilizations.

Bronze Bell
Ming Dynasty, 6th year of Xuande Era (1431)

  • Iron Spearhead with Inscriptions
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Zheng He’s Sailing Charts (replica)

  • San Bao Tai Jian Xi Yang Ji Tong Su Yan Yi (Zheng He’s Journeys the Western Ocean)
    By Luo Maodeng (dates unknown), Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Stele about Sea Goddess Showing Her Blessings (replica)
    Ming Dynasty, 6th year of Xuande Era (1431)

  • Resisting Japanese Pirates
    Anonymous, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Steel Sabre with Inscription
    Ming Dynasty, 10th year of Wanli Era (1582)

  • Poem Scroll from a Korean Friend
    Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (1573–1620)

  • Korean King’s Official Communication to Chinese Ministry of Rites
    Ming Dynasty, 40th year of Wanli Era (1612)

IV. Establishment and Growth of the Qing Dynasty



The Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty in Chinese history, was founded by the Manchus––an ethnic group from northeast China. The Manchus ruled for nearly 300 years from the time of the first leader Nurhachi to the last Qing emperor, Puyi. During the early period (from 1644 when the Qing capital was moved to Beijing until the breakout of the Opium War in 1840), the Manchu rulers established a central authority and achieved unprecedented consolidation and growth for a unified multi-ethnic China.
Jade Imperial Seal with Coiled-dragon Knob
Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Suppressing the Jungar Revolt
By Qian Weicheng (1720–1772), Qing Dynasty

  • Portrait of Nurhachi
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • “Tianming Tongbao” Coin with Manchu Script
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • “Tiancong Tongbao” Coin with Manchu Script
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Jade Seal
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Wooden Imperial Plaques Deploying the Troops
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Da Qing Lü Li (Code of the Great Qing)
    Da Qing Lü Li (Code of the Great Qing)

  • Household Register for Increased Population in Wucheng County, Zhejiang
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Fish-scale Register for Huizhou Prefecture
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Complete Book of Taxation and Labour for Huangzhou
    Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (1736–1795)

  • Portrait of the Kangxi Emperor
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Portrait of the Qianlong Emperor
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Portrait of General Zheng Chenggong (photo)
    Original by Huang Zi (dates unknown), Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • General Zheng Chenggong’s Cannonball
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Inspection Tour of Taiyang
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Transporting Provisions to the Northern Campaign
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty, 36th year of Kangxi Era (1697)

  • Muslim Areas in the Western Regions: Oirat

    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Black Flannel Bow Case and Quiver with Silver Ornaments
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Gilded Figure of the Fifth Dalai Lama
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Wooden Seal with Iron Surface for the Fifth Dalai Lama
    Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

  • Jade Carved Imperial Edict
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Gold Imperial Edict Conferring the Title Panchen Erdeni (replica)
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Seal of the Rje-drung Hutuktu

    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

V. Economy and Ethnic Cultures in the Qing Dynasty



The early Qing government took measures to restore an economy severely damaged by the chaos of war. By the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong Eras (1662–1795), economic development reached unprecedented heights.
Wasteland Reclamation License
Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Porcelain Zun (vessel) with Swallows and Gold-painted Design
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (1736–1795)
Qianlong Emperor’s Southern Inspection Tour: Street Market at Qianmen
Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Agriculture and Sericulture

    Xu Fu (–), Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Illustrations of Cotton Cultivation
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) rubbing

  • Catching Locusts
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Building a Dam across the Yellow River
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Traffic on the Lu River
    By Jiang Xuan (dates unknown), Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Coloured Cotton Fabric with Checked Pattern
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Cotton Print with Floral Pattern
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Gold-threaded Satin with Cloud and Dragon Pattern
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Gauze with Dragon Roundel Design
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Agriculture and Sericulture
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Manufacturing Porcelain at Jiujiang
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Blue-and-white Porcelain Vase with Banquet Scene
    Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era (1662–1722)

  • Sky-blue-glazed Porcelain Zun (vessel)
    Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era (1662–1722)

  • Enamel Bowl with Floral Design
    Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era (1662–1722)

  • Wucai (polychrome) Underglaze Red Porcelain Jar with Dragon among Clouds and Sea Waves
    Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era (1662–1722)

  • Porcelain Hu (vessel) with Animal-shaped Ears, Imitation Guan Ware
    Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (1736–1795)

  • Turquoise-green-glazed Porcelain Vase
    Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (1736–1795)

  • Famille-rose Openwork Porcelain Vase with Revolving Inner Vase
    Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (1736–1795)

  • Blue-and-white Porcelain Flask with Astamangala (eight auspicious Buddhist symbols)
    Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (1736–1795)

  • Famille-rose Porcelain Vase with Plum Blossom, Bamboo, and Swallow Design
    Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era (1723–1735)

  • Flambé-glazed Porcelain Zun (vessel)
    Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era (1723–1735)

  • Doucai (contending colours) Porcelain Vase with Sea Wave and Floral Roundel Design
    Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era (1723–1735)

  • Rouge-glazed Porcelain Bowl
    Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era (1723–1735)

  • Famille-rose Porcelain Zun (vessel) with Children Playing
    Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing Era (1796–1820)

  • Beijing Shop Fronts
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Splendours of Suzhou (replica)
    Original by Xu Yang (dates unknown), Qing Dynasty, 24th year of Qianlong Era (1759)

  • Hu Yun’s Street Vendors and Performers

    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Year-end Accounts Balance Sheet for Longsheng Shop
    Year-end Accounts Balance Sheet for Longsheng Shop

  • Rice Shipping Contract between Boatman and Rice Trader at Dantu County
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Iron Sliding Weight
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  •  “Kangxi Tongbao” Bronze Coins
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • “Yongzheng Tongbao” Bronze Coins
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • “Qianlong Tongbao” Bronze Coins
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Signboard for Puji Pawnshop
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Abacus
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Ruler
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • A General View of the Vast Land
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Imperial Qing Illustrations of Tributaries
    By Jin Tingbiao (dates unknown) et al, Qing Dynasty, 26th year of Qianlong Era (1761)

  • Chen’s Illustrations of Local Customs in Dongning
    By Chen Shijun (dates unknown), Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Illustrations of a Qing Dynasty Wedding
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Embroidered Waistband with Silver Buckle of the Kazak People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Tibetan Copper Ewer with Dragon-shaped Handle
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Mongolian Knife
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Embroidered Tobacco Bag of the Daur People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Birch Bark Box with Impressed Design of the Oroqen People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Wax Print Cloth of the Miao People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Kapok Cloth of the Li People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Porcelain Vase with Lotus Design
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Uygur Flannel with Floral Pattern
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Brocade with Bird Pattern of the Zhuang People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Silver Box with Bird and Animal Design of the Dai People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Painted Lacquer Wine Container of the Yi People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Silver Earrings of the De’ang People
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

VI. Foreign Relations in the Qing Dynasty



The early Qing government adopted a closed-door policy and strict controls over foreign and domestic trade. During the Kangxi Era (1662–1722), some coastal cities were designated as trading ports and a government-approved company was set up for foreign trade. Up until the early 19th century, China exported raw silk, tea, and porcelain in large quantities and enjoyed a trade surplus with Western countries. China also maintained close contact with neighbouring countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and India. Nevertheless, as the Western world began to embrace the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, the Qianlong Emperor was still unaware of the widening gap between China and the West. The sun was setting on the glories of the Qing Empire.

  • Black Lacquer Brush Holder with Landscape in Gold Paint
    This brush holder was a present from Japan to the Qing court.

  • Shippouyaki Enamel Vase with Chrysanthemum and Bird Design
    This vase was a present from Japan to the Qing court.

  • Korean Paper in Different Colours
    Korean paper

  • Elephant Tusks
    These two elephant tusks were presents from Vietnam to the Qing court in the 18th century.

  •  

  • Silver Bowl with Embossed Design
    This bowl was a present from Cambodia to the Qing court in the 18th century.

  • Copper Water Vessel with Incised Design

    This Indian vessel travelled to China during the Qing Dynasty.

  • Iron Knife with Gold Design
    This knife was given by the Nepali king to the Qing court in 1785.

  • Wucai (polychrome) Porcelain Medicine Jar with Paired Eagles
    This jar was custom-made in China during the Kangxi Era (1662–1722) for the Russian tsar, Peter I (1672–1725).

  • Mexican Silver Coin

  • German Telescope

  • Blue-and-white Porcelain Plate with Pavilion Design
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Blue-and-white Porcelain Bowl with Human Figures and Workshop Mark
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Raw Silk

    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Sabre with Leather Sheath and Jade Handle Inlaid with Gold and Gemstones
    In 1793

VII. Culture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties



In the context of a growing commodity economy and new modes of production, the late Ming and early Qing saw the emergence of a number of early enlightenment philosophers, pragmatic scientists, and highly individualistic writers and artists.

At the same time, European missionaries came to China, bringing advanced Western knowledge that contributed to the development of modern Chinese science and technology.

Strange Tales of Liaozhai
Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Phoenix Coronet for Empress Dowager Xiaojing
Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (1573–1620)
Black Lacquer Medicine Cabinet with Gold-traced Dragon Design
Ming Dynasty, Wanli Era (?1573-1620AD?)

  • A Letter Home by Wang Shouren
    Ming Dynasty, 6th year of Zhengde Era (1511)

  • Ming Yi Dai Fang Lu (Waiting for the Dawn)
    By Huang Zongxi (1610–1695), Qing Dynasty

  • Portrait of Gu Yanwu (photo)
    From Portraits of the Qing Scholars (by Ye Yanlan, Qing Dynasty)

  • Ri Zhi Lu (Notes on Everyday Learning)
    By Gu Yanwu (1613–1682), Qing Dynasty

  • Portrait of Wang Fuzhi (photo)
    Original by Yang Pengqiu (dates unknown), late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Manuscript of Song Lun (Comments on the Song Dynasty)
    By Wang Fuzhi (1619–1692), Qing Dynasty

  • Yong Le Da Dian (Great Canon of the Yongle Era) (replica)
    Yong Le Da Dian (Great Canon of the Yongle Era) (replica)

  • Si Ku Quan Shu (Complete Books in Four Categories)
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Gu Jin Tu Shu Ji Cheng (Collected Books of the Past and Present)
    Movable-type printed edition of Wuyingdian, Qing Dynasty, 4th year of Yongzheng Era (1726)

  • Er Shi Si Shi (Twenty -four Histories)
    Block-printed edition of Wuyingdian, Qing Dynasty, 4th-49th years of Qianlong Era (1739–1784)

  • San Guo Zhi Tong Su Yan Yi (Romance of Three Kingdoms)
    Block-printed edition, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Characters from Outlaws of the Marsh
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Journey to the West
    Anonymous, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Jin Ping Mei (Plum in a Golden Vase)
    By “Lanling Xiaoxiaosheng”, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Hong Lou Meng (A Dream of Red Mansions)
    By Cao Xueqin (1724–1764), Qing Dynasty

  • Night Banquet at Yihong Garden
    Anonymous, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Ru Lin Wai Shi (Unofficial History of the Scholars)
    By Wu Jingzi (1701–1754), Qing Dynasty

  • Portrait of Tang Xianzu (photo)
    From Portraits of Celebrities (by Ye Yanlan, Qing Dynasty)

  • Ding Zhi Chun Qiu (The Age of Confrontation)
    Hand-copied edition, Qing Dynasty

  • Xian Qing Ou Ji (Casual Expressions of Idle Feelings)
    By Li Yu (1611–1680), Qing Dynasty

  • Wood Gate Covered in Snow
    By Tang Yin (1470–1523), Ming Dynasty

  • Crouching Rock and Old Plum Tree
    By Chen Hongshou (1598–1652), Ming Dynasty

  • Landscape
    By Wang Yuanqi (1642–1715), Qing Dynasty

  • Orchids and Bamboo
    By Zheng Xie (1693–1765), Qing Dynasty

  • Landscape and Flowers in Ink
    By Yun Shouping (1633–1690), Qing Dynasty

  • Hibiscus and Egrets
    By Yun Shouping (1633–1690), Qing Dynasty

  • Jie Zi Yuan Hua Zhuan (Painting Manual of the Jiezi Garden)
    By Shen Xinyou (dates unknown); illustrated by Wang Gai (1654–1710) et al, Qing Dynasty

  • “Xuan Yu” Ink Made by Cheng Junfang
    Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

  • Jade Hu (vessel) with Water and Bird Design
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Jade Double Brush Washer with Six Dragonfly Rings
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Red Lacquer Box Carved with “One Hundred Children” Design
    Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (1736–1795)

  • Wood-carved Shepherd Boy Riding on Ox
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Yellow Glass Vase with Kui (dragon) and Poem
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Copper-bodied Painted Enamel Flowerpot with Bat and Lotus Design
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Brush with Famille-rose Porcelain Stem and Gold-traced Dragon among Clouds

    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  •  

  • Ink from Wenyuange Imperial Library
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Duan Inkstone with Carved Peacock Design
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Tian Gong Kai Wu (Exploitation of the Works of Nature)
    By Song Yingxing (1587–?), Ming Dynasty

  • Nong Zheng Quan Shu (Complete Treatise on Agriculture)
    By Xu Guangqi (1562–1633), Ming Dynasty

  • Xu Xia Ke You Ji (Travels of Xu Xiake)
    By Xu Xiake (1587–1641), Ming Dynasty

  • Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica)
    By Li Shizhen (1518–1593), Ming Dynasty

  • Ge Yuan Mi Lü Jie Fa (Quick Method for Determining Close Ratios in Circle Division)
    By Ming Antu (1692–1765), Qing Dynasty

  • Gilded Imperial Protractor
    Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era (1662–1722)

  • Sundial
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Astronomical Instrument
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

  • Di Qiu Tu Shuo (Illustrations of the Earth)
    Translated by Michel Benoist (1715–1774)

  • Ling Tai Yi Xiang Tu Ce (Illustrations of the Lingtai Armillary Sphere and Celestial Globe)
    By Ferdinand Verbiest (1623–1688)

  • Celestial Globe
    By Qi Yanhuai (1774–1841), Qing Dynasty, 10th year of Daoguang Era (1830)

  • He Gong Qi Ju Tu Shuo (Illustrations of Implements Used for River Management)
    By Linqing (1791–1846), Qing Dynasty

  • Yi Lin Gai Cuo (Corrections to Medical Classics)
    By Wang Qingren (1768–1831), Qing Dynasty

  • Wood Block for Printing Corrections to Medical Classics
    Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)

VIII. Economy and Culture in the Late Qing Dynasty



After the Opium War in 1840, China witnessed unprecedented economic and cultural change. Motivated to strengthen China in the mid-19th century, a group of pro-Westernization Chinese officials and early nationalist industrialists began importing foreign machinery, employing foreign technicians, and establishing new industries like shipbuilding, railway, mechanized mining and textile production, telegraph, telephone, banking, postal services, and hydraulic electricity. At the same time, new schools, museums, public libraries, and publishing houses emerged. In literature, novels that satirized collusion between officials and foreigners were popular, as well as foreign classics translated by Lin Shu (1852–1924) and Yan Fu (1854–1921) and books on modern science and technology.

  • Large Dragon Postal Stamps
    1878

  • Small Dragon Postal Stamps
    1888

  • Telephone
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Banknotes Issued by Foreign Banks in China
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Notes Issued by Ta-ching Government Bank
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Railway Stock Certificate
    1906

  • Membership Certificate from Institution of Civil Engineering, UK

    1894

  • Gilded Brass Clock in the Shape of a Ship
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Brass Barometer in the Shape of a Locomotive
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Thermometer in the Shape of a Car
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Chinese Passport
    1907

IX. From the Qing Empire to the Founding of the Republic of China



The 1840s saw the beginning of the Qing Empire’s decline in successive wars launched by imperialist powers—the Opium War (1840–1842), Second Opium War (1856–1860), Sino-French War (1883–1885), Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895), and the invasion of the eight-nation allied forces in 1900. China was compelled to sign a series of unequal treaties. In an effort to save the nation, the Chinese people stood up and initiated the “anti-imperialism and anti-feudalism” campaign. The Revolution of 1911 and the establishment of the provisional government of the Republic of China at Nanjing in early 1912 signalled the end of the Qing Dynasty. As the Chinese monarchy collapsed, a new chapter opened in the history of China.

  • Trading Port of Hong Kong
    Anonymous, late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Macao
    Anonymous, late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Opium Pipe
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Manuscript of A Sketch on Lifting the Ban on Catholicism
    By Weng Tonghe (1830–1904), late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Silver Pushou (door knocker)
    Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)

  • Late Qing Dynasty (1840–1911)
    Lithographed edition, 1901

  • Qiu Shu (Book of Compelled Words)
    By Zhang Binglin (1869–1936)

  • Zhe Jiang Chao (Zhejiang Tide)
    Edited by Zhejiang students in Japan, 1903

  • Huang Di Hun (Spirit of the Yellow Emperor)
    Edited by “A Descendent of the Yellow Emperor”, 1903

  • Overseas Telegrams after Sun Yat-sen’s Inauguration
    1912

  • Commemorative Cup for the Founding of the Republic of China
    1912

  • Newspaper Extra about the Qing Emperor’s Abdication
    February 13, 1912

  • Tian Xia Wei Gong (The World Belongs to All)
    Handwritten by Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925), Republic of China

  • Bo Ai (Universal Love)
    Handwritten by Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925), Republic of China

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