This timeline charts the major epochs in Chinese history. [Don't understand the formatting of the time periods. Make uniform? LJ]

Xia [Hsia] Dynasty 2205 – 1766 B.C.

Shang Dynasty 1766 – 1121 B.C.

Zhou [Chou] Dynasty1027 – 256 B.C.

Western Zhou1027-771 B.C.

Eastern Zhou770 – 221 B.C.

Spring and Autumn Period1066-221 B.C.

Warring States Period770 – 221 B.C.

Qin [Ch'in] Dynasty221 – 207 B.C.

Han Dynasty206 – A.D. 220

Western Han206 B.C. – A.D. 9

Eastern HanA.D. 25 – 200

Six dynasties Period /

Northern and Southern Dynasties 220 – 581 A.D.