The regent Wang Mang displaces the Han and proclaims the Xin dynasty, launching land reforms; his regime falls in 23 CE.
The Han court official Cai Lun presents a papermaking process using bark, rags and fishing nets.
The Han dynasty conquers Nanyue in 111 BCE and establishes the commanderies of Jiaozhi, Jiuzhen and Rinan, beginning a long period of Chinese rule.
The polymath Zhang Heng builds the first known instrument for detecting earthquakes.
Emperor Wu of Han sends Zhang Qian to Central Asia, a journey that opens the way for Silk Road trade.
A peasant uprising led by Zhang Jiao shakes the Eastern Han and paves the way for an era of rival warlords.
Zhao Tuo, king of Nanyue, conquers Âu Lạc and incorporates it into Nanyue; traditionally dated to 179 BCE.