Welcome to the Yellow Lion Region and China. One of the oldest civilizations in the world, China's recorded history stretches over approximately 3,600 years. According to the creation mythology of the region, at the beginning of time there was only formless chaos. Eventually, the chaos gathered to create the cosmic egg, within which the opposing principles of Yin and Yang came together until they formed a perfect balance. It was from this balance that Pangu, the first living creature, was born. Separating Yin from Yang, Pangu set about creating the earth and sky by forcing them apart. The task took 18,000 years and he was (in some stories) aided in his labors by "the four most fortunate beasts", who are the Dragon, the Turtle, the Phoenix, and the Qilin (a mythological deer-like creature sometimes loosely equated with the unicorn). After his task was done Pangu died and his body became the mountains; his blood, sweat, and tears became the oceans and rivers; his breath the wind; his voice the thunder; and his hair the forests. Humans came later, created by Yü Huang Shang Ti (Pure August Jade Emperor—or less formally, Grandfather Heaven), the chief god of Taoist mythology.

As with many of the other great cultures of the world, Chinese civilization began on the banks of a major river—in the Yellow River Valley. The huge geographical area known today as China was once home to thousands of ethnic groups, but the vast majority of the country's history is dominated by a single cultural group and language. Sometime around 4,000 BCE, when the Yellow River Valley was much more temperate than it is now, a matriarchal society settled there and began to practice agriculture. They raised millet, the weather being too cold in this region for rice. They domesticated animals, but continued as hunters as well. Tribal warfare appears to have been common. They may even have practiced some form of ancestor worship, but, until further evidence is found, this is only conjecture.

In the mists of Chinese pre-history stand three semi-mystical, legendary figures. Known as The Three Cultural Heroes, they are Fu Hsi (foo she), the inventor of writing, hunting, trapping, and fishing; Shen Nung (shay nung), the inventor of agriculture and mercantilism; and Huang Di (huang dee), who invented government and Taoist philosophy. While most Western historians dismissed these three as myths, most Chinese regard their existence as historical fact. Such was the beginning of Chinese history.

Shang (1523-1028 BCE) - synonymous with the Bronze Age, China's first dynasty is credited with the invention of writing, the cultivation of silk worms, and the use of money.

Chou (1027-256 BCE) - Also called the Zhou, China's second dynasty was one of the longest. Arising in the Iron Age, it gave rise to two of China's greatest religions, Confucianism and Taoism.

Qin (221-206 BCE) - The Qin (also known as Chin) were responsible for unifying the country into a single culture. It gave China its name, language, a form of government that lasted nearly 2000 years, the Great Wall, and is known today for the famous Terra Cotta warriors.

Han (206 BCE - 220 CE) - Trade with the West, particularly with the Roman Empire, began with the opening of the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty. In addition to China's third largest religion, Buddhism, the dictionary and encyclopedia were begun during the Han rule.

Sui (581-618 CE) - Although short-lived, the Sui Dynasty rebuilt the Great Wall, began a system of property tax, and advocated the equal field system.

Tang (618-906 CE) - The Tang were a renaissance dynasty for China. Music, dance, and poetry were encouraged; the compass, gunpowder, and block printing were invented during their reign.

Sung (960-1279 CE) - Also called the Song Dynasty was considered a Golden Age for China. Paper currency was first employed during this period and a graduated income tax was introduced. The are of making porcelains became highly refined during the Sung era.

Yuan (1280-1365 CE) - The Mongols overthrew the Sung and set up their own dynasty they called the Yuan. One of the most well-known events of the Yuan Dynasty was the visit of Marco Polo to China. His detailed descriptions of the wonders of the Orient was a large factor in launching the Age of Exploration.

Ming (1368-1644 CE) - Chinese for "brilliant", the Ming Dynasty brought native rule back to China. The art of ceramics and porcelains with the prominent use of gold became a hallmark of this dynasty. The Great Wall was once again rebuilt; the capital was moved to Beijing where the Forbidden City was built; and missionaries from Portugual were allowed into the Middle Kingdom inaugurating the "foreign invasion". The dynasty ended with the suicide of the last emperor in 1644.

Ch'ing (1644-1912 CE) - A second foreign and China's last dynasty, the Ch'ing were Manchurian. During their reign, Western influences continued to grow. Territory was seized by foreigners during the Western imperialist period and eventually the Ch'ing power declined. In the early part of the 20th Century, the Ch'ing were overthrown and the 2000 year old dynastic cycle of government came to an end.

In all, twenty-four dynasties ruled over China. Some lasted only decades, others like the Han maintained power for hundreds of years. Some were overthrown by invaders. At other times famine and other natural disasters caused the people to decide that the ruler had "lost the mandate of heaven". At such times, they rose in rebellion and a new dynasty came to power. Yet, while each dynasty added to the cultural history of the nation, the basic pattern of life persisted. The cities you will be visiting here represent the best of China's 4,000 years of history.