The three early dynasties in the Chinese history (Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasty) are collectively referred as the San Dai (¿¿, s¿n dài), meaning "the three generations". The term "three generations" (¿¿) was first used in "The Analects of Confucius" ¿¿¿·¿¿¿¿. The term continued to the Warring States Period, referring to Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou Dynasty. After the Qin Dynasty (¿¿), the meaning of "three generations" began to include the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (¿¿).


The book, Chinese History 2, a Chinese reading practice book, presents a broad and simple overview of the San Dai, three early ruling dynasties (¿¿, ¿¿ and ¿¿). In the accompanied book chapters, you'll learn the history of China starting from the prehistory until the start of the imperialism in China (Qin Dynasty). The volume, 12th in the Mandarin Chinese Reading Series, includes both the Chinese text (simplified characters) and pinyin. With about 900 unique characters, the volume would be suitable for the beginners, lower intermediate and advanced level Chinese language learners (HSK 1-6). Overall, the Mandarin Chinese Reading Series offers you a variety of elementary level books (Level 1/2) to learn Chinese culture as well as practice Chinese reading fast.


The book has 10 chapters in the following order:
Chapter 1: Prehistoric China (¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 2: Xia Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 3: Did the Xia Dynasty Exist? (¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿?)
Chapter 4: The Origin of the Xia Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 5: The Destruction of the Xia Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 6: Shang Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 7: The History of the Shang Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 8: The Cultural Heritage of the Shang Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 9: Zhou Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿)
Chapter 10: The Transition from the Zhou Dynasty to the Qin Dynasty (¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿)