Overview
Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor, made Nanjing his capital. The Yongle Emperor later moved the capital to Beijing and built the Forbidden City, completed in 1420.
Key developments
Zheng He’s seven treasure voyages (1405–1433) reached East Africa. Porcelain, the novel, and commercial publishing flourished, and much of the Great Wall was rebuilt in brick and stone.
End and transition
Fiscal crisis, eunuch factionalism, and Manchu pressure weakened the dynasty. In 1644 the rebel Li Zicheng took Beijing, the Chongzhen Emperor took his own life, and Qing forces entered through Shanhai Pass.