Emperor Kanmu moves the capital to Heian-kyō, beginning the Heian period, a golden age of Japanese court culture.
The revolt of An Lushan and Shi Siming causes massive loss of life and permanently weakens the Tang dynasty.
Mai Thúc Loan rebels against Tang rule in Hoan Châu and proclaims himself emperor before the revolt is suppressed.
A copy of the Diamond Sutra found at Dunhuang is the oldest surviving dated printed book in the world.
The Kojiki, Japan's oldest surviving chronicle, is presented to the imperial court.
The capital Heijō-kyō, modelled on Chang'an, is established, beginning the Nara period.
Li Bai, the 'Immortal Poet' and one of the greatest poets of the Tang dynasty, is born.