Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beijing falls to peasant rebel Li Zicheng. Last Ming emperor Chongzhen
hangs himself in Jingshan Park; Qing dynasty is established.
1842
The Treaty of Nanjing ends the first Opium War. China is forced to hand
over Hong Kong island and open five ports to foreign trade.
1904-05
The Russo-Japanese War is fought entirely on Chinese territory. Japan's
victory is the first by an Asian power over a European one.
1911
Revolution spreads across China as local governments withdraw support
for the dynasty, and instead support a republic.
1925
The shooting of striking factory workers by foreign-controlled police (the
'May 30th Incident') fires nationalism.
1937
On 7 July the Japanese and Chinese clash at Wanping, sparking conflict
between China and Japan which only ends in 1945.
1946
Communists and the Kuomintang fail to form a coalition government,
plunging China back into civil war.
1949
Mao Zedong stands on the Gate of Heavenly Peace on 1 October to an-
nounce the creation of the People's Republic of China.
1962
Mass starvation from the Great Leap Forward; Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaop-
ing reintroduce market reforms leading to condemnation.
1966
