Chinese Timeline

2070 to 1600 B.C. - The Xia dynasty ruled, they were the first dynasty

1600 to 1046 B.C.  - The Shang Dynasty ruled, during their rule, Chinese writing was invented.

1046 to 256 B.C.  - The Zhou Dynasty ruled, during their rule, the compass was invented

221 to 206 B.C. - The Qin Dynasty ruled,  during their rule, China was unified for the first time

206 B.C. to 220 A.D. - the Han Dynasty ruled, during their rule the sundial was invented

581 to 618 A.D. - the Sui Dynasty ruled, during their rule, the Sui Dynasty Grand Canal was built.

1368 to 1644 - the Ming dynasty ruled, during their rule, most of the present-day Wall of China was built.

1644 to 1911 - the Qing Dynasty ruled, under the Qing dynasty the territory of the Chinese empire expanded greatly

1921 to present-day - China is a communist country.