Overview
Li Yuan founded the Tang in 618 with Chang’an as its capital. Taizong’s Zhenguan era set a model of governance, the Silk Road flourished, and Wu Zetian ruled as the only female emperor during the Zhou interregnum of 690–705.
Key developments
Xuanzang traveled to India for Buddhist scriptures (629–645), and poetry peaked with Li Bai and Du Fu. The An Lushan Rebellion (755–763) broke central power; the late Tang saw autonomous military governors and the Huang Chao rebellion (875–884).
End and transition
The warlord Zhu Wen deposed the last Tang emperor in 907, ending the dynasty.