Overview
Yang Jian (Emperor Wen) took the throne of the Northern Zhou in 581 and conquered the southern Chen in 589, reunifying China. His reforms included a new legal code, centralized administration, and the beginnings of the civil-service examination system.
Key developments
Emperor Yang (Yangdi) built the Grand Canal between 605 and 610, linking the Yellow River and Yangtze regions. The dynasty is often compared to the Qin: short, harsh, and transformative.
End and transition
Massive conscripted labor and failed campaigns against Goguryeo in Korea exhausted the state. Rebellions spread, and Yangdi was assassinated in 618.