The oldest records about China date back to the period of ruler Fu Si, who lived in 30th centuries BC. Supposedly gods inspired him to write the holy book of ancient China "Itzin" from which originated the theory that Universe arose and developes due to alternation of Ing and Yang. Historical sources do not mention any rulers of China preceeding to Shang dynasty (1766-1122 BC).
Shang rulers were subdued by Zhou dynasty, who built their capital nearby the modern Xian. Later, aproximately in 750 BC, they had to escape from barbarians who invaded the country and new capital was founded near the present day Liaoyan, In the early period of ruling power was concentrated in the hands of Emperor. rhodes

Later local rulers managed to create soveraign fiefdoms. From 770 BC these rulers were constantly involved in wars with each other and the whole period from 476 till 221 BC was called The period of Warring States.
At the same time China was attacked by barbarians from the north and north-east. It was decided to build gigantic walls for defence of territory. Finally the central power was concentrated in the hands of prince Qin, whose army overthrew the Zhou ruler.rhodos
New Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi ( First Emperor) became the founder of Qin dynasty in 221 BC. He was one of the most famous Emperors in the history of China and the first one who united Chinese Empire. After the death of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi in 210 governors of two provinces started the struggle for power. rhodos
The winner Liu Ban founded new Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). During the rule of Han dynasty territory of China expanded.

At the end of 9th century the neighbouring tribes started invading the territory of China, also internal rebellions broke out. In 907 the dynasty fell and very soon was replaced by five others.
This instable period of Chinese history was marked by invention of paper money and the primitive printing-press. In the beginning of 13th century Genghis Khan conquered part of China to the north from Huan He. Sung dynasty was rooted in 1279 when Hubilai conquered the whole of China and became Emperor. He founded the mongol Yuang dinasty and the capital was moved to Khanbalik, modern Peking. At that time China was the part of huge Empire stretching from Europe and Persia in the west till plains and stepps of Siberia in the north. In 14th century the mongols were driven from China and replaced by Ming dynasty. Ming Emperors ruled till 17th century which was marked by development of architecture and marine expeditions to Yava, Sri-Lanka and even Persian Gulf and Africa. In 1644 China was conquered by Manchus and the following 150 years were the period of stability and peace, but in the beginning of 19th century Opium War was initiated by Britain and the British troops occupied Shanghai and Nankin and later Hong Kong. In 1894 the war with Japan started and China lost Korea, Taiwan and Pescador islands. Qing dynasty of Manchus was uprooted in 1911 by revolutionary movement of Sun Yatsen and in 1912 China was declared as Constitutional Republic.In 1916 Japan invaded China and power passed to Japanese. In 1917 China took part in World War I. In 1925 Sun Yatsen died and national government was headed by Chan Kaishi who ruled the country for ten years. Japan conquered Manchuria in 1933 and querilla war commenced. In 1935 Mao Zedong became the leader of communist party. In 1945 after Japanese capitulation the civil war broke out which ended in 1949 by creation of People's Republic of China which was headed by Mao Zedong. The period of Mao's rule was that of experiments in economy, agriculture and social life. In 1976 Mao Zedong died and Den Siaoping became the leader of communist party. China started developing with programm of "four modernisations", i.e. industry, agriculture, scince and defence. rodos
In 1989 during dispersal of students' demonstrations troops were involved. Hundreds of people died, thousends were arrested. Zhao Tziang was removed from governing. Since 1994 when the official control of money exchange was abolished, China's economy is developing intensively.


China today

China is a country in East Asia. With over 1.31 billion people, it is the largest country in the world by population. At over 9.5 million km² (3.7 million square miles), it is the world's third or fourth largest country in terms of total area, and second largest in land area. Its capital is Beijing.
The Forbidden City stands in the center of Beijing. It is protected by high walls and a moat on all four sides and consists of dozens of halls and courtyards.
The emperors of two dynasties, the Ming and the Ching, lived here with their families and hundreds of court ladies and palace eunuchs.

From their throne in the Forbidden City they governed the country by holding court sessions with their ministers, issuing imperial edicts and initiating military

Shanghai lies in central-eastern China, exposed to the East China Sea. The municipality covers a substantial area, but the city proper is a more modest size. Within Shanghai municipality is the island of Chongming.

Guangzhou is on the coast of the South China Sea and 182 kilometers away from Hong Kong, it is China's largest and most prosperous city in the south, an important seaport for foreign trade and a famous historical and cultural city over 2,000 years old.rhodos

Hangzhou is one of the important tourist cities in China, famous for its natural beauty and historical and cultural heritages. Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province. It is the political, economic and cultural center of the province as well. It is one of the 15 vice-provincial level cities in China

Nanjing is an ancient capital with a long history. There are various places of historic interest and scenic beauty. The Qinhuai Scenic Area and the Purple-Mountain Scenic Area are selected as one of "The 40 Best Scenic Spots in China". The Ming City Walls , Ming Tomb, and Stone-Walled City are well-known at home and abroad and have been attracting innumerable vtravelers.rhodes

Following virtual closure after the Chinese annexation of the Buddhist kingdom, Tibet was opened to foreign tourism in 1984. Closed to all but tour groups in 1987 after an uprising by Tibetans in Lhasa, and reopened in 1992, travel in Tibet comes with some ludicrous permit requirements..