This period witnessed the most frequent regime changes in Chinese history.The development of Chinese culture during this period of more than 300 years was particularly affected by feudalism and continuous wars.But despite the constantly changing environment,outstanding achievements in science and technology,an active ideological circle,and ethnic integration were the most distinguishing features of that time.

A horse head with antlers Buyao,a headwear of the nobles from the Northern Dynasty,was unearthed at the Damao Banner,lnner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 1981.

Clay figurines playing Pipa,funerary objects from the Northern Qi Dynasty,were unearthed at the Shedi Huiluo’s Tomb,Shouyang County of Shanxi Province in 1973.

AFTER the collapse of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220),China entered a period of separation,which included the Three Kingdoms (220-280),the Jin Dynasty (265-420),and the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589).

During this period of over 300 years,a land possession system that served the interests of the rich and powerful continued to develop,and many ethnic minorities entered the Central Plains.There were sharp social class distinctions drawn and national conflicts.With incessant wars,dynasties changed frequently,and several regimes often coexisted.

The integration of ethnic groups in the north promoted the recovery and development of the northern economy.After the end of the Western Jin Dynasty,northern China was in a state of constant war.As a result,a large number of people moved southward,bringing advanced production tools and technologies along,resulting in rapid economic development of the south.

During this period,a large portion of land was reclaimed in the south,water conservancy projects were built,farming techniques were improved,agriculture was greatly developed,and the handicraft industry also boomed.From then on,regions south of the Yangtze River became rich and prosperous.

Although the north and south were divided,all ethnic groups and regions maintained close ties centering on the Central Plains.The economic connection between the ethnic groups in the south and the Han Chinese strengthened as time passed,which further promoted the development of silk weaving,smelting,porcelain,paper making,and other handicrafts.

During this period,trade and cultural exchanges became more frequent.Fa Xian,an eminent monk from the Eastern Jin Dynasty,traveled westward in search of the dharma.He was the first Chinese who reached Central and South Asian countries along the Silk Road and returned to China by sea.

The period was an important stage of developing science and culture.In the fields of mathematics,astronomy,agriculture,medicine,smelting and mechanical manufacturing,etc.,there emerged many figures whose discoveries and inventions exerted a profound influence on later generations.

Many important works were published in the realms of literature,history,and geography.Some outstanding calligraphy,painting,and sculpture creations from that period have been handed down to today.

As a result of the integration of different ethnic groups,the spread of Buddhism,and the influence of many foreign cultures,the culture and art of this period were far richer and glamorous than any preceding period.

The existing cave temples from the Northern Dynasty in China,such as Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves,Bingling Temple,and Dunhuang are important cultural heritage of Buddhist art and precious world treasures.

A brown glazed ten-foot celadon inkslab,an object used for Chinese brush calligraphy,was unearthed in Zhenjiang City,Jiangsu Province in 1960.

Part of a bronze crossbow,a weapon from one of the Three Kingdoms called Wei.

A sheep-shaped celadon candlestand from the Eastern Jin Dynasty was unearthed in Zhenjiang City,Jiangsu Province.