The Tang Dynasty, a brilliant dynasty, left a strong mark in the long river of history. When it comes to the Tang Dynasty, people often think of the word "prosperous era", the poetic Chang'an City, and the open and inclusive international city. However, have you ever thought that the Tang Dynasty was in some ways more open than the modern society that we are so proud of?
When we turn the pages of history and savor the details of the Tang Dynasty, you will be surprised to find that this dynasty, which dates back more than 1,000 years, shows a jaw-dropping openness in many ways. From social ethos to political systems, from cultural exchanges to economic trade, the openness of the Tang Dynasty was simply breathtaking.
What were the aspects of the Tang Dynasty that were more open than modern times? How does this openness manifest itself in everyday life? Why was the Tang Dynasty able to form such an open atmosphere? How did this openness affect future generations? Let's unravel the mystery of the opening of the Tang Dynasty and explore this amazing historical puzzle.
The social climate of the Tang Dynasty was extremely open, even surpassing the modern society that we are proud of in some respects
This openness is mainly reflected in the status of women, the concept of marriage and love, and clothing culture. First, let's take a look at the social status of women in the Tang Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, women enjoyed a fairly high social status and freedom. They can socialize and even play ball on horseback. There was a female poet named Xue Tao, who was not only famous for her poetic talent, but also often attended poetry clubs with male literati. In her poem "Spring Hope", she wrote: "Flowers bloom differently, flowers fall differently", showing women's independent thoughts and emotions. This phenomenon was unimaginable in other countries at the time.
Not only that, but the Tang Dynasty also had the only orthodox female emperor in history - Wu Zetian. During her reign, the status of women was further enhanced. Many women began to participate in political affairs, such as Shangguan Wan'er, who served as Wu Zetian's secretary. This phenomenon was extremely rare in the world at that time.
Let's take a look at the concept of marriage and love in the Tang Dynasty. The concept of marriage and love in the Tang Dynasty was quite open, and divorce and remarriage were common things. An interesting example is that Tang Xuanzong's sister, Princess Yongtai, had five marriages in her life. At the time, this was not seen as a scandal, but as a normal social phenomenon.
In addition, the Tang Dynasty also had a unique form of marriage called "Hedu". This form of marriage allows a married woman to have sex with another man with the consent of her husband. The famous poet Bai Juyi's poem "Song of Long Hatred" describes the relationship between Yang Guifei and Tang Xuanzong: "In heaven, I wish to be a winged bird, and I am willing to be a branch on the earth." This kind of open concept of marriage and love was extremely rare in other civilizations at that time.
Finally, let's take a look at the clothing culture of the Tang Dynasty. The clothing culture of the Tang Dynasty can be said to be quite bold and avant-garde. This is especially true for women's clothing, who like to wear clothes that show off their shoulders and backs, and some even show their navel. This style of clothing was unimaginable in other countries at the time.
A well-known example is the female figure depicted in the Tang Dynasty painter Zhou Fang's "Hairpin Lady". The woman in this painting is dressed in a light and transparent gauze gown, revealing large areas of skin, showing the beauty and confidence of women in the Tang Dynasty. This style of clothing was extremely rare among other civilizations of the time.
Not only that, but men in the Tang Dynasty also had a custom of wearing women's clothes. A poet named Li He once described this phenomenon: "The prince and grandson are like hibiscus, and the green beard and green dai come to meet." The term "green beard" here refers to the appearance of a man wearing makeup and dressing up as a woman.
In general, the social atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty showed a surprising degree of openness in terms of women's status, the concept of marriage and love, and the culture of clothing. This openness not only surpassed other civilizations of the same era, but was even more open than modern society in some respects. This open social atmosphere provided an important social foundation for the prosperity and development of the Tang Dynasty, and also left a valuable cultural heritage for future generations.
The political system of the Tang Dynasty showed a striking openness, which was mainly reflected in the fairness of the imperial examination system, the phenomenon of women's participation in politics, and the status of ethnic minorities in the court. These systems and phenomena were extremely rare in the world at that time, and even more open than modern society in some respects.
First, let's take a look at the fairness of the imperial examination system in the Tang Dynasty. The imperial examination system of the Tang Dynasty was the first truly nationwide system of talent selection in Chinese history. This system broke the monopoly of the high officials of the imperial court by the big clans, and provided opportunities for the children of the poor families to be promoted.
A famous example is the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. Li Bai was not from an illustrious background, but with his talent, he was appreciated by Tang Xuanzong and was appointed as a Hanlin worshipper. Li Bai wrote in "Will Enter the Wine": "I am born to be useful, and I will come back when my daughter is gone." This poem fully embodies the opportunities and hopes brought to ordinary people by the imperial examination system in the Tang Dynasty.
Not only that, but the imperial examination in the Tang Dynasty also introduced a "vague name" system
That is, the examiner does not know the candidate's name to ensure the fairness of the exam. This system was unique in the world at that time, reflecting the openness and progress of the Tang Dynasty's political system.
Secondly, the phenomenon of women's participation in politics and discussion appeared in the Tang Dynasty, which was extremely rare in the world at that time. The most famous example is Wu Zetian. Not only was she the only legitimate female emperor in Chinese history, but she also introduced a series of important political reforms during her reign.
For example, during Wu Zetian's reign, he vigorously promoted female officials. She appointed Shangguan Wan'er as a female official and participated in court politics. Shangguan Wan'er is not only known for her talent, but also participated in many important political decisions. Wu Zetian also set up a "sour jujube gate" to accept women's political advice. This practice was unimaginable in other countries at the time.
In addition, the Tang Dynasty also had a famous female prime minister - Shangguan Zhaorong. She served as prime minister during the Tang Zhongzong period and participated in many important political decisions. This phenomenon was extremely rare in the world at that time, reflecting the openness of the political system of the Tang Dynasty.
Finally, let's take a look at the status of ethnic minorities in the Tang dynasty. The Tang Dynasty was a large multi-ethnic empire that adopted a fairly open and tolerant policy towards ethnic minorities. Many ethnic minorities held high-ranking positions in the Tang court.
For example, the famous Tang Dynasty general Gao Xianzhi was a native of Gaochang (now Turpan, Xinjiang). With his talent, he was promoted step by step, and eventually became a famous general of the Tang Dynasty. Gao Xianzhi commanded the Tang army in battle against the Arab army in the Battle of Talas, and although he was ultimately defeated, his talent was fully displayed.
Another example is the Uighur (the ancestor of the Uyghurs) leader Uighur Khan. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, the Hui Khan was named "Huairen Khan" and was given the princess of the Tang Dynasty as his wife. This policy not only reflected the Tang Dynasty's respect for ethnic minorities, but also made an important contribution to maintaining the stability of the frontier.
The Tang Dynasty also established the "Bondage Prefecture" system, which allowed ethnic minority areas to retain their traditional institutions and culture, and only need to pay tribute to the Tang court and obey the military command of the Tang Dynasty. This system was extremely advanced in the world at that time.
Overall, the political system of the Tang Dynasty showed remarkable openness in terms of the fairness of the imperial examination system, the phenomenon of women's participation in politics, and the status of ethnic minorities in the court. This openness not only surpassed other civilizations of the same era, but was even more open than modern society in some respects. This open political system provided an important political foundation for the prosperity and development of the Tang Dynasty, and also left valuable political wisdom for later generations.
The Tang Dynasty's cultural exchange and inclusiveness was the pinnacle of Chinese history, and its openness even surpassed that of modern society in some respects. This openness is mainly reflected in the international atmosphere of Chang'an City, the coexistence of multiple religions, and the prosperity and innovation of literature and art.
First, let's take a look at the cosmopolitan vibe of Chang'an City. As one of the largest cities in the world at the time, Chang'an attracted merchants, envoys, and scholars from all over the world. On the streets of Chang'an, you can see foreigners from Persian, Arab, Indian, Japanese, and other places, bringing their own culture and customs, making Chang'an a truly cosmopolitan city.
An interesting example is that there is a famous "Fanfang" in the western city of Chang'an, which is dedicated to foreign merchants to live and do business. Here, you can see all kinds of exotic buildings, smell all kinds of exotic spices, and hear all kinds of unfamiliar languages. The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi's description of "the twelfth floor of the twelfth floor is full of makeup" in "Pipa Xing" refers to the residences of these foreign merchants.
Not only that, but the Tang Dynasty also set up a special agency to manage foreign envoys, called "Honglu Temple". This institution is responsible for receiving foreign envoys, arranging their accommodation and daily life. The degree of courtesy that the Tang Dynasty had for foreign envoys was second to none in the world at that time.
Second, the Tang Dynasty was an era of pluralistic religions
Buddhism, Taoism, Nestorianism (a branch of Christianity), Zoroastrianism (Zoroastrianism), Islam and other religions developed during the Tang Dynasty. The Tang government adopted a fairly open and tolerant attitude towards these religions.
For example, during the reign of Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Nestorianism was introduced to China. Tang Taizong not only allowed the spread of Nestorianism in China, but also ordered the establishment of the Daqin Temple in Chang'an City as a missionary center for Nestorianism. The temple existed until the end of the Tang Dynasty and became an important witness to the cultural exchange between the East and the West.
Similarly, Islam was introduced to China during the Tang Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, Arab envoys came to Chang'an with the teachings of Islam. The Tang government not only allowed them to preach in China, but also facilitated it. In Guangzhou, Quanzhou and other places, mosques built in the Tang Dynasty are still preserved.
Buddhism reached its heyday during the Tang Dynasty. The famous Xuanzang's westward journey to learn scriptures took place in the early years of the Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang lasted 17 years and traveled 100,000 miles, and finally brought back a large number of Buddhist scriptures and Buddhist relics. Tang Taizong personally wrote the "Tang Sanzang Holy Order" for Xuanzang, and this kind of respect and tolerance for religion was extremely rare in the world at that time.
Finally, let's take a look at the prosperity and innovation of literature and art in the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty was the golden age of Chinese literature and art, and a large number of literary and artistic works were born, many of which are still widely recited today.
In terms of poetry, a large number of outstanding poets such as Li Bai, Du Fu, and Bai Juyi appeared in the Tang Dynasty. Their poems not only reached a very high level artistically, but also reflected all aspects of the society of the time. For example, Du Fu's "The Stone Entrenchment" depicts the suffering of ordinary people caused by war, reflecting the poet's sense of social responsibility.
In terms of painting, famous painters such as Yan Liben and Wu Daozi appeared in the Tang Dynasty. Their works are not only highly skilled, but also incorporate elements of foreign cultures. For example, the Dunhuang murals can be seen in the obvious Western Regions style.
In terms of music, the music of the Tang Dynasty fused various styles such as the Central Plains, the Western Regions, and India to form a unique "Tang music". The famous "Dance of Neon Clothes and Feathers" is a work that incorporates elements of Indian dance.
Overall, the cultural exchange and inclusiveness of the Tang Dynasty showed an astonishing degree of openness in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Chang'an, the coexistence of multiple religions, and the prosperity and innovation of literature and art. This openness not only surpassed other civilizations of the same era, but was even more open than modern society in some respects. This open cultural atmosphere provided an important cultural foundation for the prosperity and development of the Tang Dynasty, and also left a valuable cultural heritage for future generations.
The economic prosperity and foreign trade of the Tang Dynasty was a pinnacle in ancient China's economic history, and its prosperity and openness surpassed that of modern society in some respects. This economic prosperity and openness to foreign trade are mainly reflected in the prosperity of the Maritime Silk Road, the revival of the Land Silk Road, and the vigorous development of domestic commerce.
First, let's take a look at the prosperity of the Maritime Silk Road. During the Tang Dynasty, the Maritime Silk Road reached unprecedented prosperity. Coastal cities such as Guangzhou, Quanzhou, and Hangzhou became important foreign trade ports, attracting merchants from all over the world.
In Guangzhou, there is a famous story that illustrates the prosperity of maritime trade at that time. It is recorded that in the middle of the Tang Dynasty, a Persian merchant came to Guangzhou and brought with him a large number of pearls and precious stones. The merchant lived in Guangzhou for 12 years and amassed a great deal of wealth through trade every year. In the end, when he decided to return to China, he had to hire more than a hundred porters to carry his accumulated wealth. The story, while perhaps exaggerated, is a vivid reflection of the prosperity of maritime trade at the time.
Not only that, but the Tang Dynasty also set up a special agency to manage overseas trade, known as the "Shibo Division". This agency is responsible for collecting customs duties, managing foreign merchants, regulating the price of goods, etc. The Tang government's emphasis on overseas trade was second to none in the world at the time.
Secondly, the overland Silk Road also received an unprecedented revival during the Tang Dynasty. Although the Silk Road was already open during the Han Dynasty, it reached new heights during the Tang Dynasty. As the starting point of the Silk Road, Chang'an became the center of cultural exchanges between the East and the West.
There is a famous example of this, during the reign of Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, a Hu man named An Lushan came to Chang'an. An Lushan was originally a merchant who traded back and forth on the Silk Road. With his talent and familiarity with the frontier situation, he eventually became a high-ranking general in the Tang Dynasty. Although An Lushan later launched the Anshi Rebellion, his experience vividly reflects the Tang Dynasty's openness to foreign merchants.
The Tang government also took a series of measures to facilitate trade along the Silk Road
For example, the "Four Towns" were set up in the Western Regions to protect the safety of caravans. At the same time, the Tang Dynasty also established friendly relations with the countries of the Western Regions, such as the policy of peace with Tibet (present-day Tibet), which provided a guarantee for the prosperity of the Silk Road.
Finally, let's take a look at the boom in domestic commerce during the Tang Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, with the development of the economy, many specialized markets and commercial areas appeared. In Chang'an City, there are the famous East and West Markets, which are dedicated to commercial transactions.
In the West Market of Chang'an City, there is an interesting story. It is said that there was a merchant named Zheng Yuanhe who ran a shop that specialized in the sale of spices. One day, a foreign envoy came to his shop to buy a precious spice. Not only did Zheng Yuanhe have this spice, but he was also able to converse with the envoy in a fluent foreign language, and finally successfully completed the deal. The story reflects the breadth of knowledge and the internationalization of commerce among the merchants of the Tang Dynasty.
The Tang Dynasty also saw the emergence of some new forms of commerce. For example, in big cities such as Chang'an and Luoyang, "lines" similar to modern shopping malls have emerged. Each "line" specializes in a certain type of goods, such as silk and porcelain shops. This form of specialized business has greatly promoted the development of commerce.
In addition, the Tang Dynasty also saw the emergence of advanced financial instruments such as "flying money". Merchants could deposit coins in one place and withdraw the equivalent in another, which greatly facilitated commercial activities and is considered to be the world's first paper money.
The Tang government also took a series of measures to promote commerce. For example, the "equalization method" is implemented, and the government organizes the transportation of materials to balance the prices of various places. At the same time, the Tang Dynasty also established a perfect system of weights and measures, unifying the national measurement standards, which provided an important foundation for commercial development.
In general, the economic prosperity and foreign trade of the Tang Dynasty showed an astonishing degree of openness and prosperity in terms of the prosperity of the Maritime Silk Road, the revival of the Land Silk Road, and the vigorous development of domestic commerce. This economy is not only more open and prosperous than other civilizations of the same era, but even more open than modern societies in some respects. This open economic environment provided an important material foundation for the prosperity and development of the Tang Dynasty, and also left valuable economic wisdom for future generations.
The Tang Dynasty's foreign policy and international influence were one of the pinnacles in the history of ancient China's foreign relations, and its influence and openness surpassed that of modern society in some respects. The openness and international influence of this foreign policy are mainly reflected in the cultural export to neighboring countries, diplomatic exchanges with distant countries, and the shaping of the international order.
First, let's take a look at the cultural exports of the Tang Dynasty to neighboring countries. During the Tang Dynasty, Chinese culture had a profound impact on neighboring countries, especially East Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
Taking Japan as an example, during the Tang Dynasty, Japan sent a large number of envoys to China to study. The most famous of these was Abe Nakamaro, who lived in China for nearly half a century, was well versed in Chinese culture, and even became an official of the Tang Dynasty. Abe's experience vividly reflects the profound influence of Tang culture on Japan.
There is an interesting story that illustrates this. It is said that when Abe Nakamaro was about to return to China, Tang Xuanzong held a grand farewell banquet for him. At the banquet, the famous poet Li Bai improvised a poem to send off: "There is a confidant in the sea, and the end of the world is like a neighbor." Inaction is on the wrong path, and the children are stained with scarves. This poem not only expresses the reluctance to friends, but also reflects the friendly attitude of the Tang Dynasty towards outsiders.
The writing, clothing, and architecture of the Tang Dynasty were also heavily borrowed from Japan
The Japanese Heijokyo (present-day Nara) was built in imitation of the layout of Chang'an Castle in the Tang Dynasty. This cultural export not only strengthened the ties between China and Japan, but also expanded the international influence of the Tang Dynasty.
Second, the Tang Dynasty's diplomatic exchanges with distant countries also reached an unprecedented level. The Tang Dynasty not only maintained close ties with neighboring countries, but also established diplomatic relations with countries as far away as West Asia and Europe.
A famous example is that during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire) sent envoys to Chang'an. This was one of the earliest direct diplomatic contacts between China and European countries. It is recorded that Tang Taizong warmly received the Byzantine envoys and gave them a detailed description of the situation in China. This diplomatic contact not only deepened the understanding between the East and the West, but also expanded the influence of the Tang Dynasty in the international community.
Another example is that during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, the Arab Empire sent envoys to China on several occasions. During a meeting with Arab envoys, Tang Xuanzong demonstrated China's advanced technological and cultural achievements, including astronomical instruments, silk fabrics, and more. These diplomatic activities not only promoted cultural exchanges, but also enhanced the Tang Dynasty's international status.
Finally, let's take a look at the shaping of the international order by the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty formed a China-centric international order by establishing a tributary system.
In this system, neighboring countries regularly paid tribute to the Tang Dynasty as a sign of respect for the Tang Dynasty. In return, the Tang dynasty would grant these countries various gifts and privileges. This tributary system not only maintained regional peace, but also expanded the international influence of the Tang Dynasty.
There is a vivid example of this. According to records, during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Tibet (present-day Tibet) sent envoys to Chang'an to pay tribute. Tang Taizong not only warmly received the Tibetan envoys, but also married his own clan daughter, Princess Wencheng, to the Tubo Zanpu (king). This policy of harmony not only maintained peace on the frontier, but also strengthened the influence of the Tang Dynasty on Tibet.
The Tang Dynasty also maintained this international order through military force. For example, Tang Taizong repeatedly sent troops to the Western Regions, defeated the powerful Turkic Khanate, and established the Tang Dynasty's hegemony in Central Asia. This military strength provided a strong support for the Tang Dynasty's foreign policy.
It is worth noting that this international order of the Tang Dynasty was not simply power politics, but was based on cultural attraction and economic power. Many countries took the initiative to learn from the Tang Dynasty and sent students to China, which reflected the great charm of Tang Dynasty culture.
At the same time, the Tang Dynasty also maintained this international order through economic means. For example, the Tang Dynasty controlled trade along the Silk Road and became an economic hub connecting East and West. This economic influence was also an important factor in the success of Tang foreign policy.
Overall, the Tang Dynasty's foreign policy and international influence showed an astonishing degree of openness and influence in terms of cultural exports to neighboring countries, diplomatic exchanges with distant countries, and shaping the international order. The openness and influence of this diplomacy not only surpassed that of other civilizations of the same era, but in some respects even more open than modern societies. This open foreign policy provided an important international environment for the prosperity and development of the Tang Dynasty, and also left valuable diplomatic wisdom for future generations.