
How did the Sui rise to power?
What did the Sui Dynasty accomplish?
- #1 The Sui reunified China under the rule of a single dynasty after around 300 years. …
- #2 Re-unification of China by Sui led to major developments. …
- #5 The system of 3 Departments and 6 Ministries was established. …
- #6 Major reforms were carried out to improve local governance.
When did the Sui dynasty reunite China?
The Sui dynasty. The Sui dynasty (581–618), which reunified China after nearly four centuries of political fragmentation during which the north and south had developed in different ways, played a part far more important than its short span would suggest. In the same way that the Qin rulers of the 3rd century bce had unified China after the Zhanguo (Warring States) period, so the Sui brought China together again and set up many institutions that were to be adopted by their successors, the Tang.
What does Sui dynasty mean?
The Sui dynasty was a Chinese dynasty between the years 581 and 618. That means that between those years China was ruled by people from the same family. To hear it pronounced, click on the little speaker next to the suí (隋) character here: Chinese to Pinyin/Zhuyin Converter with Pronunciation
How long did the Sui dynasty last?
The dynasty, which lasted only thirty-seven years, was undermined by ambitious wars and construction projects, which overstretched its resources. Particularly, under Emperor Yang, heavy taxation and compulsory labor duties would eventually induce widespread revolts and brief civil war following the fall of the dynasty.
See more

How did the Sui Dynasty begin?
Yang Jian Usurped the Northern Zhou Dynasty in 581 After Yang Zhong died, his son Yang Jian inherited his father's title, and usurped the throne in 581 by military coup. Yang Jian adopted the title Emperor Wen, and took over the Northern Zhou kingdom, renaming it the Sui Dynasty.
Who started the Sui Dynasty?
Founded by Emperor Wen of Sui, the Sui dynasty capital was Chang'an (which was renamed Daxing, modern Xi'an, Shaanxi) from 581–605 and later Luoyang (605–18).
What was the main accomplishment of the Sui Dynasty?
The most important accomplishment of the Sui Dynasty was the successful effort to unite a country that had been divided and at war with itself for hundreds of years. Let's first talk about the events in China leading up to the Sui Dynasty. The Southern and Northern Dynasties ruled China from 420 - 589.
How many years did the Sui Dynasty last?
The Sui Dynasty is most famous for unifying China under one rule after the Period of Disunion. The Sui Dynasty only ruled for a short time from 581 to 618 AD. It was replaced by the Tang Dynasty.
What did the Sui Dynasty invent?
During the Sui dynasty, block printing was invented in which text was carved on a wooden board; the board was then covered in ink and then it was printed page by page onto sheets of paper. This technology produced the first ever known book with a verifiable printing date in 868 during the Tang era.
Who ruled Sui Dynasty?
Sui Achievements. The Sui Dynasty consisted, then, of only two emperors: Wendi (aka Wen or Wen-ti), who reigned 581-601 CE, and his son Yangdi (aka Yang Guang or Yang-ti) who reigned from 604 to 618 CE.
What are 3 accomplishments of the Sui Dynasty?
They reformed landholding practices to placate the peasants and weaken the aristocrats under the reign of the first emperor, Wendi. Wendi's son, Yangdi, oversaw many important achievements, including the construction of a new palace, the use of woodblock printing, legal reforms, and the construction of the Grand Canal.
What goods did the Sui Dynasty trade?
The Sui Dynasty traded food, clothing and tools with Japan, Brunei and other empires like the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanid Empire. Within the country, they built the Grand Canal in order to facilitate trading and the transportation of grains and goods between agricultural provinces and Beijing.
Who ruled Sui Dynasty?
Sui Achievements. The Sui Dynasty consisted, then, of only two emperors: Wendi (aka Wen or Wen-ti), who reigned 581-601 CE, and his son Yangdi (aka Yang Guang or Yang-ti) who reigned from 604 to 618 CE.
Who overthrew the Sui Dynasty?
It resulted in the defeat of the Sui and was one of the pivotal factors in the collapse of the dynasty, which led to its overthrow by the Tang dynasty in AD 618.
How did Sui Dynasty fall?
The End of the Sui Dynasty By the time that Emperor Yang-ti was celebrating ten years on the throne, the Chinese people were furious with excessive taxation, forced labor on massive projects, and failed military campaigns. Then, the rivers flooded.
Who was the only female emperor in China?
Empress Wu ZetianWu Zhao (624–705), also known as Empress Wu Zetian, was the first and only woman emperor of China. With her exceptional intelligence, extraordinary competence in politics, and inordinate ambition, she ruled as the “Holy and Divine Emperor” of the Second Zhou Dynasty (690–705) for fifteen years.
What was the Sui Dynasty?
Sui dynasty, Wade-Giles romanization Sui, (581–618 ce ), short-lived Chinese dynasty that unified the country after four centuries of fragmentation in which North and South China had gone quite different ways.
Which dynasty reunified China?
The Sui dynasty (581–618), which reunified China after nearly four centuries of political fragmentation during which the... The first Sui emperor, Yang Jian, known by his posthumous name Wendi, was a high official of the Bei (Northern) Zhou dynasty (557–581), and, when that reign dissolved in a storm of plots and murders, ...
Which dynasty reunified China after nearly four centuries of political fragmentation?
The Sui dynasty (581–618), which reunified China after nearly four centuries of political fragmentation during which the north and south had developed in different ways, played a part far more important than its short span would suggest. In the same way that the…
Who was the second emperor of China?
The second emperor, Yangdi, completed the integration of southern China into the empire, emphasized the Confucian Classics in an examination system for public employment, and built a second capital at Luoyang in the east. He engaged in great construction projects, including a vast canal system.
What did the Wendi Emperor do?
The Wendi emperor established uniform institutions of government throughout the country and raised a corps of skilled and pragmatic administrators. He reestablished Confucian rituals last used in government by the Han dynasty. He sought and won the support of men of letters, and he fostered Buddhism.
What was the Sui Dynasty?
The Sui Dynasty - a Short but Significant Dynasty. The Sui Dynasty (581–618) ruled over much of China, after uniting the four kingdoms of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589). Reminiscent of the Qin Empire, it was a short, intense dynasty, with great conquests and achievements. It's considered with the following Tang Dynasty (618–907) ...
Who was the Duke of Sui?
One of the generals of the Northern Zhou's army was Yang Zhong, the Duke of Sui. After Yang Zhong died, his son Yang Jian inherited his father's title, and usurped the throne in 581 by military coup. Yang Jian adopted the title Emperor Wen, and took over the Northern Zhou kingdom, renaming it the Sui Dynasty.
How long did Emperor Yang rule?
He was titled Emperor Yang. Emperor Yang ruled for 14 years from 604 to 618, and continued his father's policies of installing a Confucian bureaucracy, starting wars, and carrying out major construction projects. However, he exhausted the empire's resources with these projects, and the people rebelled.
Which empire did Emperor Wen rule?
Their influence waned in the Eastern Han empire, and they didn't rule in the Northern Zhou state. Emperor Wen followed the example of the Western Han empire and recruited officers using the imperial examination system, placing Confucian literati into his administration of power.
What was the capital of the Tang Dynasty?
Established: 581, replacing the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Capital: first at Daxing (Xi'an), then moved to Luoyang. Emperors: Wen (581–604) and Yang (604–618) Contribution: united China (589), construction of the Grand Canal and Great Wall. Ended: 618, defeated by a clan rebellion which began the Tang Dynasty.
How long did the Han Dynasty last?
The Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220) lasted for about 200 years. At its end, the Eastern Han empire split into three warring states. That was called the Three Kingdoms Period. Then in 376 AD, there were two large empires that divided the region into north and south. Northern Zhou (557–581) was one of the empires in northern China.
Which dynasty united China after a period of warring kingdoms?
Just as the Qin Dynasty did, the Sui Dynasty united China after a period of warring kingdoms, then used the people to carry out huge construction projects and fight large-scale wars to invade other countries. Qin's Great Wall and Sui's Grand Canal ranked among the world's greatest feats of engineering at the time.
What is the Sui Dynasty?
The Sui Dynasty was one of the shortest in Chinese history, but has a rich history that still influences China in the modern day. If you would like to learn more about the Sui Dynasty, then this lesson is for you.
What was the Sui Dynasty culture?
The Sui Dynasty's culture and society was one of warfare and expansion. Emperor Wendi was after all a military leader so naturally his reign was filled with warring against rival powers like the Vietnamese, Koreans, and Turkish forces who all had empires of their own.
What did Yangdi do after Wendi's conquests?
After Wendi's successful conquests in Manchuria and Vietnam, his son Yangdi tried to finish his father's work in Korea by conquering the kingdom of Goguryeo. Several failed attempts at taking over Goguryeo not only dampened the mood of China but worked to end the Sui Dynasty as well and led to the assassination of Yangdi.
What was the role of Buddhism in the Sui Dynasty?
Religion would also play a large role in the failing of the Sui Dynasty under Yangdi. Buddhism was still a burgeoning religion from India when Yangdi came to power, but he supported the religion by commissioning the building of Buddhist temples. Good emperors were thought to be those who adhered to the teachings of Confucius, so Wendi's support for Confucianism may explain why he was seen in a better light than his son Yangdi.
How many Zhou family members did Jian kill?
Nevertheless, Jian was a calculating individual who didn't leave much to chance and pulled off a masterful coup by assassinating 59 members of the Zhou family. With no remaining Zhou opposition, In 588 CE Jian placed himself on the throne and named his new dynasty Sui after his family's fiefdom.
What was the purpose of the canal system in the Sui Emperors?
A new canal system was built along the Yellow and the Yangtze Rivers meant to connect the north to the south. However, Yangdi was criticized for the infrastructure improvement.
What dynasty was in decline in China?
The Sui Dynasty. In the late 500s CE the storied Zhou Dynasty was in decline, and presiding over a fractured kingdom in chaos. Feudalism still ruled the social, political, and economic facets of China allowing powerful lords from powerful families to rival the emperor for influence and dominance creating a void of leadership and a power vacuum.
When did Sui Dynasty start?
Sui dynasty, Wade-Giles romanization Sui, (581–618 ce), short-lived Chinese dynasty that unified the country after four centuries of fragmentation in which North and South China had gone quite different ways.
What was the Period disunion?
THe PeRiOD OF DisUniOn After the Han dynasty collapsed in 220, China was split into several competing kingdoms, each ruled by military leaders. This time is called the Period of Disunion. The era lasted for more than 350 years, from 220 to 589.
Why is Period of disunion important?
The Period of Disunion saw a rise in the power of warlords and leading families. The government was less organized than under the Han Dynasty. Local warlords were often the main source of power. Despite the constantly changing kings and emperors, the arts continued to flourish during this time.
Who was the founder of the Sui Dynasty?
The Sui Dynasty was founded by Yang Jian (known also as Emperor Wen of Sui), in 581 AD. Prior to the founding of the Sui Dynasty, China was going through a period known as the Northern and Southern Dynasties, during which the country was divided between several different states. Emperor Wen of Sui was originally an official in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, which ruled over much of northern China from their capital of Chang’an. Yang Jian was a talented general, and he gained more power through the marriage of his daughter to the heir of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Yuwen Yun (who later became Emperor Xuan of the Northern Zhou).
What was the Sui Dynasty known for?
The Sui Dynasty is also remembered for the military campaigns launched against its neighbors. In the south, the Sui were successful against the Vietnamese, extending Chinese control over Annam in the north, and Champa in the south. The Sui armies were much less successful against the Korean kingdom of Goguryeo. Three invasions were launched, each of which were repelled.
How long did the Sui Dynasty last?
Although the Sui Dynasty only lasted from 581 AD to 618 AD, many significant contributions were made to Chinese history. Many constructions, for instance, were initiated, the most important of which was the building of the Grand Canal. This ambitious project was initiated by Emperor Yang of Sui, the second emperor of the dynasty.
What was the main cause of the fall of the Sui Dynasty?
The failure of the campaigns against Goguryeo was a major factor contributing to the fall of the Sui Dynasty. Rebellions began to break out in 613 AD and continued until 618 AD, when Emperor Yang was murdered in a coup.
How did the Sui Dynasty impact Chinese culture?
The Sui Dynasty may not have existed very long, but this imperial dynasty made an impact on Chinese culture long after the memories of its rulers faded away. Peasants were both delighted with and repulsed by the actions of the two emperors who reigned in this dynasty. Some of the projects set out by the rulers continue to live on today, reminding tourists and Chinese citizens about the highlights of the dynasty.
Who was Yang Jian's son in law?
Yang Jian’s son-in-law is recorded to have been an erratic ruler, and in 579 AD, just a year after he ascended the throne, he decided to abdicate, and installed his son, the six-year-old Yuwen Yan, as Emperor Jing of Northern Zhou. Emperor Xuan died in 580 AD, which gave Yang Jian the opportunity to seize control by becoming the regent to the new emperor. In the following year, Yang Jian staged a coup, seized the throne for himself, and established the Sui Dynasty.
Who controlled the southern part of China?
Although the Northern Zhou controlled the northern part of China, the south was under the rule of the Chen Dynasty. Having secured his new position by killing off 59 members of the Northern Zhou royal family, Emperor Wen set his sights on the south. In order to conquer the south, Emperor Wen mustered an army of half a million soldiers, as well as a huge fleet. Sailing down the Yangtze River, the Sui army easily overcame any resistance, and within three months the Chen capital of Jiankang was captured. Thus, in 589 AD, China was a unified country once more.
Sui Dynasty Timeline
As mentioned above, the Sui Dynasty was not in leadership for a very long time, but during their time, they did some incredible things. Their short timeline is as follows:
When Did The Sui Dynasty Start And End?
Sui dynasty took the leadership reins in 581, but their leadership ended in 618CE.
Why Did Sui Dynasty End?
The fall of the Sui dynasty was a result of the big losses suffered. These losses were caused by the military’s failure in their campaigns against the Goguryeo, and after too many defeats and losses, the country was left in ruins, with the rebel forces taking over control of the government.
Sui Dynasty Emperors List
Sui Dynasty only had two Emperors, Emperor Wen, who ruled between 518 and 605, and Emperor Yang, who ruled between 604 and 618.
Sui Dynasty Achievements And Inventions
The biggest achievements and contributions made by the Sui dynasty to China include the unification of China into one nation, once again ending the Northern and Southern China empires. This dynasty was also behind the constructions of the Great Wall and the Grand Canal and a host of other achievements that have really reformed China.

Sui Dynasty Key Facts
- Chinese:隋朝 Suícháo /sway-chaoww/ 'Sui [surname] Dynasty'
- Established:581, replacing the Northern Zhou Dynasty
- Capital:first at Daxing (Xi'an), then moved to Luoyang
- Emperors:Wen (581–604) and Yang (604–618)
The Pre-Sui Era (200–581) - When China Was Divided
- The Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220) lasted for about 200 years. At its end, the Eastern Han empiresplit into three warring states. That was called the Three Kingdoms Period. Then in 376 AD, there were two large empires that divided the region into north and south. Northern Zhou (557–581) was one of the empires in northern China. After the Northern Zhou conquest of North…
Emperor Wen
- It's very rare that emperors in China have such a lasting effect as Emperor Wen. During his reign, he initiated construction projects involving millions of laborers reminiscent of the Qin Dynasty. His major policies were spreading Buddhism, reinstituting rule by Confucian bureaucrats, and making the people poorer for his wars and construction projects. After ruling his large empire for 23 year…
Emperor Yang
- Yang Guang (569 – April 11, 618) was the second son of Emperor Wen. He came to power in the year 604, when many believe he killed his father. He was titled Emperor Yang. Emperor Yang ruled for 14 years from 604 to 618, and continued his father's policies of installing a Confucian bureaucracy, starting wars, and carrying out major construction projects. However, he exhauste…
Fall of The Sui Dynasty (618) - Harsh Rule Led to Revolts
- There was a lot of discontent about the loss of life, the forced labor, and the heavy taxes. Heavy taxation and compulsory labor duties caused widespread revolts and a brief civil war. Emperor Yang was assassinated in 618 by his adviser, Yuwen Huaji.(He had nothing to do with the Yuwen royal family of the Northern Zhou, who his father had usurped.) In the northern part of the empire…
Sui Dynasty Sites and Tours
- If you are interested in the Sui Dynasty's history, you can visit the Grand Canal in Hangzhou. See our popular Hangzhou tour below for inspiration: 1. 2-Day Hangzhou Highlights and Grand Canal Heritage Tour 2. See more China toursor let us tailor-make a history tour for you, according to your interests and requirements.