Li Yuan (Emperor Gaozu) takes the throne at Chang'an, opening one of the most prosperous dynasties in Chinese history.
Li Shimin kills two rival brothers and soon takes the throne as Emperor Taizong, whose reign is remembered as a golden age.
The monk Xuanzang travels to India and brings back hundreds of Buddhist texts, which he translates into Chinese.
Emperor Yang of Sui links and extends canals into the Grand Canal, joining the Yellow River and Yangtze basins.
A moral and political code attributed to Prince Shōtoku, drawing on Confucian and Buddhist ideals of government.
The Japanese court launches reforms modelled on Tang China, centralising power around the emperor.
Emperor Wen of Sui conquers the southern Chen dynasty, ending nearly three centuries of division.