Chinese history is one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, spanning over five thousand years. It begins with ancient legendary dynasties and prehistoric cultures around 3000 BCE, progresses through the imperial period starting with the Qin Dynasty in 221 BCE, and continues to modern times beginning with the Republic of China in 1912. Throughout this vast timeline, China has created remarkable achievements including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and countless cultural innovations that have influenced the entire world.