The Tang Dynasty Inventions

The Tang Dynasty ruled China from 618 to 907 CE. It is considered one of the greatest periods in Chinese history. During this time, many important inventions were created. Chinese art, poetry, and culture flourished across the empire.

Important Inventions

The Tang Dynasty saw the invention of woodblock printing, which made books easier to produce. Gunpowder was discovered, originally used for fireworks. Porcelain, or fine china, was perfected during this period. The mechanical clock was also developed by Tang engineers.

A Golden Age of Culture

Poetry was highly valued during the Tang Dynasty. Li Bai and Du Fu are still considered two of China's greatest poets. Trade along the Silk Road brought people and ideas from many cultures to China. The capital city of Chang'an was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Fun Facts

• Chang'an, the Tang capital, had about one million people, making it the largest city in the world.
• The oldest known printed book, the Diamond Sutra, was made during the Tang Dynasty in 868 CE.
• Gunpowder was accidentally discovered by Tang Dynasty scientists searching for a potion for eternal life.

Did You Know?

The Tang Dynasty was so famous that to this day, many overseas Chinese communities call themselves "Tang people."