Tang dynasty

The greatest of China's imperial dynasties, which ruled from 618 to 907. Founded by the Sui official Li Yuan (566–635), it extended Chinese authority into central Asia, Tibet, Korea, and Annam, establishing what was then the world's largest empire. The dynasty's peak was reached during the reign of Emperor Minghuang or Hsuan-tsung (712–56) .

The Tang dynasty set up a centralized administrative system based on the Han examination model. Buddhism continued to spread and the arts and science flourished. Printing was invented, gunpowder first used, and seaborne and overland trade and cultural contacts were widened. See also China: early imperial history 221 BC–AD 1279.