c. 138 BCE – c. 125 BCE★★★★★
Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions
Emperor Wu of Han sends Zhang Qian to Central Asia, a journey that opens the way for Silk Road trade.
ExplorationEconomy· China
Timeline
6 events2nd century BCE
7th century
- 605 – c. 610★★★★★
Sui builds the Grand Canal
Emperor Yang of Sui links and extends canals into the Grand Canal, joining the Yellow River and Yangtze basins.
TechnologyEconomy· China
18th century
- 1793★★★★★
Macartney Embassy to China
A British embassy led by Lord Macartney meets the Qianlong Emperor but fails to secure expanded trade.
PoliticsEconomy· China, United Kingdom
19th century
- 1839 – 1842★★★★★
First Opium War
Britain wars with Qing China after it cracks down on the opium trade; the defeat opens what China calls the 'century of humiliation'.
WarEconomy· China, United Kingdom
20th century
- 1958 – 1962★★★★★
Great Leap Forward
A campaign of rapid industrialisation and collectivisation leads to a great famine that kills tens of millions.
EconomyPoliticsDisaster· China - December 1978★★★★★
China launches Reform and Opening
The Third Plenum of the 11th Central Committee, guided by Deng Xiaoping, shifts China's focus to economic development and opening up.
EconomyPolitics· China