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1400 BCE
Earliest evidence of Chinese writing found on oracle bones
Oracle bone script is the form of Chinese characters on animal bones or turtle plastrons. It is Shang writing which is directly related to modern Chinese script. -
1000 BCE
Earliest known Chinese poems composed
The Classic of Poetry is a collection of the oldest existing Chinese poetry. The picture shows a song handwritten by the Emperor Qianlong from the Zhou dynasty in 600BC. -
551 BCE
Confucius teaches ethical values
Confucius was a philosopher, teacher, editor, and politician from the State of Lu in China. He taught ethical values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect for elders. -
100
The first Chinese dictionary
A famous Chinese scholar, Xu Shen, edited the first Chinese dictionary, "Shuo Wen Jie Tzi" or in English, The origin of Chinese Characters. The dictionary is arranged by "boo shou" using a system of 540 radicals. -
365
T'ao Ch'ien is born
He was an important lyric poet also known as Tao Yuanming. Well educated in Confucianism and Taoism, he projected warmth, humanity, and personal vulnerability in his poetry. -
Jan 1, 690
Poetry writing included in the civil service exam
Imperial (civil service) examinations were used to select candidates for the state bureaucracy. Most failed the exam because it was based on knowledge of classics and literary style, which therefore lead to many problems. -
Jan 1, 868
Diamond Sutra is published
A major event in Chinese literature, the first book with a printed date is published. The book relates to Buddhism principles and uses metaphors to show wisdom cuts through illusions to reveal reality. -
Jan 1, 900
Song lyrics became popular
Song lyrics, or tz'u, were sung by women entertainers and became a major poetic form. A famous poet and songwriter, Li Ch'ing-chao, wrote many songs of her feelings as a maiden and her hatred of war.
