Explore the long and rich history of China's great dynasties. From the clans and legends of prehistory to the last Qing emperor, this book brings China's imperial history to life through its pivotal events, political forces, and powerful people, in a new collaboration between British and Chinese publishing houses. Covering more than 5, 000 years and featuring images of artifacts not previously published outside of China, this definitive visual guide will captivate readers with the key events that shaped Chinese history and laid the foundations of modern China. Starting with China's prehistory and early humans, Imperial China sets the scene for the "coming of age" of China's first dynasty under feudal rule, and reveals how the warring states of Bronze-Age China gave birth to the emperor-led dynasties-and China's imperial age. With illuminating features on important historical figures, cultural achievements, and philosophy-such as the rise of Confucianism and the silk and tea trades-Imperial China explores how the Chinese empire flourished and fell over the course of two millennia as emperor replaced emperor and dynasty replaced dynasty-from the unifying "first emperor" Qin Shi Huang and the golden ages of Tang and Song, to the foreign intrusions of the Mongols and the West and the final Manchu Qing Dynasty. With stunning photography of art and artifacts that bring key events to life, this exquisite and comprehensive history is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about China's enchanting and extraordinary heritage. | Imperial China by Dk, Hardcover | Indigo Chapters