A Brief History of China: Warring States
Although China is said to have over 5,000 years of history, it has only been considered a unified nation since 221BC. Just before its unification, however, seven powerful states fought ruthlessly for hegemony in what would later become known as the Warring States period.
In short
Dates: 475-221 BC
The states: Qin, Qi, Chu, Han, Yan, Zhao, and Wei
Notable people: Mencius
The struggle
Before the Warring States period, China had already been under the rule of three separate dynasties (or two, according to whom you ask). Yet, China didn’t become formally unified until 221 BC. This is due in large part to the Warring States.
The Warring States began when the vassal states of the Zhou dynasty successively declared independence. The collapsing dynasty fractured into over one hundred small states, who each claimed the Mandate of Heaven. This political and spiritual doctrine had already been used for nearly a millennium to legitimize leaders, claiming that Heaven had ordained whomever wished to take power at any given moment.
Gradually, the one hundred-plus states were consolidated into only seven powerful super-states: the Qin, Qi, Chu, Han, Yan, Zhao, and Wei. The Chu and the Qin were the most influential and held the most land, but each state was large enough that it became difficult for any to conquer another and further consolidate power.
Warfare used by the states accordingly became more advanced and much more brutal. Previously, infantries of only 10,000 men were common. Now, each state would deploy nearly 200,000 men per battle. The soldiers fought with new iron weapons like swords and daggers, and archers mounted Mongolian horses. Over the course of the period, nearly 400 battles were fought.
Finally, in 278 BC, the capital of the Chu state fell to Qin armies. With its most formidable opponent now vanquished, the Qin easily continued its domination. One reason the Qin was so successful was because of its adoption of legalist policy. The philosophy of Legalism, which has often been compared to Machiavellian-ism, favors order, security, and stability over questions of morality. Such a policy lent itself well to the Qin’s style of warfare, and the Qin managed to bring all the warring states under its control, declaring a unified Qin dynasty in 221 BC. The Qin dynasty is now considered the first Chinese dynasty and is the dynasty that gives China its name.
Literature
Despite the chaos of seven states vying for power for over two hundred years, the Warring States period produced some of China’s most famous and influential literature. The Analects of Confucius and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, both of which had been circulated orally since the Spring and Autumn period, were only written down during the Warring States period.
Additionally, the Warring States produced Mencius, the most well-known Confucian aside from Confucius himself. Mencius was born in the state of Zou but served as an official and scholar for the state of Qi. His interpretation of Confucianism is considered the orthodox version by many and went on to influence the politics of nearly every Chinese dynasty through history.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
