Song and Tang dynasty achievments

Agricultural advances Dragon backbone pump (moved water much faster). Fast-ripening rice. Wells for irrigation were excavated.

The capitals of chang’an and Kaifeng Chang’an was the largest city of the Tang dynasty (population of over 1,000,000!) Important trade center with residents of many cultures (Persian, Korean, Arabian and European. Known today as the city of Xi’an The capital of the Song dynasty was Kaifeng, also an important trade center.

Trade and the grand canal… Trade in China expanded both internally and internationally. The grand canal was expanded and improved by the Tang dynasty. The canal became a series of waterways that connected many parts of Eastern China.

International trade during the tang dynasty During the Tang dynasty, most international trade occurred over land to places like India and Arabia. Chinese traders also travelled to Korea and Japan. They exported jade, tea, rice, and spices.

But! China’s most important export was?????

Silk!

Silk is still an important Chinese export. More on silk… Silk was such a valuable export that the method of making it was kept a secret. Silk is still an important Chinese export.

Trade expands during the song dynasty Maritime trade became more common as China opened more ports along it’s coastline. Trade over the ocean connected China to many places (Africa and Europe). Trade made the economy very strong and merchants became important members of society. Paper money was also developed during this time.

Poetry and art Wu Daozi painted murals depicting Buddhism and nature.

Two famous poets during the Song dynasty were Li Bo and Du Fu. “In autumn rain, the grasses rot and die, Below the steps, the jueming's colour is fresh. Full green leaves cover the stems like feathers, And countless flowers bloom like golden coins. The cold wind, moaning, blows against you fiercely, I fear that soon you'll find it hard to stand. Upstairs the scholar lets down his white hair, He faces the wind, breathes the fragrance, and weeps.” “Sighs of Autumn Rain” Du Fu 754 AD

Li Quingzhao, China’s greatest female poet Wind ceased, the dust is scented with fallen flowers. Though day is getting late, I am too weary to attend my hair. Things remain as ever, yet his is here no more, and all is finished. Fain wound I speak, but tar flow first. They say that at the Twin Brooks spring is still fiar. I, too, wish to row a boat there. But I am afraid that the little skiff on the Twin Brooks Could not bear the heavy load of my grief.

Tang dynasty inventions Woodblock printing was invented in 868. Gunpowder was invented during the Tang dynasty but had peaceful uses (signals and fireworks) The magnetic compass.

Song dynasty inventions Woodblock printing was perfected into moveable type. Paper money was used because it was more convenient (lighter).

Porcelain was invented and perfected during the tang and song dynasties