The history of China can be divided into three main periods, the first being Ancient China and the Formation of the Chinese Empire. Chinese civilization first emerged in the Yellow River valley and the Yangtze basin, where ancient farmers' settlements developed into the first Chinese states. The Qin Dynasty, which began building the Great Wall of China, marked a period of Chinese unification, where surrounding territories were brought under the rule of the emperor. The Tang Dynasty is considered the 'golden age' of Chinese civilization, with Gao-Tzu prudently maintaining and improving upon the bureaucracy initiated. This period saw the establishment of the dynastic system, which would shape Chinese history for centuries to come.
The second period in the history of China is Imperial China and the Dynastic System. For most of its history, China was organized into various dynastic states under the rule of hereditary monarchs. Imperial Chinese history is marked by the rise and fall of many dynasties, with each dynasty leaving its mark on Chinese culture and society. The emperors of China long fought to maintain control over their vast and diverse empire, with the dynastic system sometimes resulting in periods of relative stability and prosperity, while at other times leading to conflict and upheaval.
The third and final period in the history of China is Modern China and the Rise of Communism. Tensions between the Communist party and the nationalist Kuomintang, its primary rival, erupted into a civil war won by the Communists in 1949. This led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China under the leadership of Mao Zedong. The rise of communism in China was marked by a series of significant events, including the establishment of small communist enclaves in the countryside called soviets. Despite facing significant challenges and setbacks, the Communist Party of China has maintained its grip on power and is now one of the world's most powerful political entities.