The Ming (literally “brilliant”) dynasty was one of the longest and most stable periods in China’s history. The founder of the Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang, rose from humble beginnings to become a general, ruling as emperor Hongwu (“vast military accomplishment”). During his reign, Hongwu introduced radical changes to both central and local government, which he made binding on his successors. The emperor’s role became more autocratic as Hongwu dispensed with the position of Prime Minister, taking direct responsibility for overseeing all six ministries himself.

Hongwu appointed his grandson to be his successor. Upon his death, his son the Prince of Yan, who controlled the region around Beijing, led an army against his nephew, taking Nanjing and proclaiming himself emperor Yongle (“Eternal Joy”). Yongle (r. 1403-24) moved the capital to his power base in Beijing, where he created a new city based on traditional principles of Chinese city planning. At its core lay the Forbidden City, the imperial palace and offices of government, surrounded by a grid system of streets, with four imperial altars at the cardinal points. The entire city was walled to provide both protection and enclosure. In 1421, Beijing became the official capital and, bar a short interlude during the Nationalist era in the early 20^th century, would remain so until the present day.

By the 15^th century, China had become a significant maritime power, its ships dwarfing those of contemporary Europe. Blue and white porcelain, silk, and other luxury items were in high demand in the foreign markets of Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Yongle sent six maritime expeditions under the Muslim eunuch admiral Zheng He, which reached as far as the east coast of Africa. In 1514 Portuguese traders first landed in China, purchasing tea which then became a fashionable drink in European society. Porcelain provided ballast for the ships, and other luxury items were brought back along with the cargo. Trade was dominated by the Dutch in the 17^th century, only to be surpassed by the British a hundred years later. Jesuit missionaries, who arrived in the 16^th century, claimed few converts but gained access to the emperor and the inner court. The arts thrived under emperor Xuande (r. 1426-35), an artist and poet, who patronized the arts, notably the porcelain industry at Jingdezhen. In literature, the late Ming is noted for its great dramas and classical novels, such as Journey to the West. Philosophy of the time reinforced the Neo-Confucianism of the Song.

The late Ming was dominated by peasant uprisings, incursions by Japanese pirates and Mongolian tribes, and excessive eunuch power. Rebellions within China eventually joined with external forces to end Ming rule.