The Chinese Dynasties are a series of ruling families that have ruled China throughout its history. The Han Dynasty (3 letters) was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 206 BC to 220 AD. The Ming Dynasty (4 letters) followed, ruling from 1368 to 1644. The SUNG Dynasty (4 letters) then reigned from 960 to 1279. The LIANG Dynasty (5 letters) was in power from 502 to 557. The CHOU Dynasty (4 letters) was the longest-ruling dynasty in Chinese history, lasting from 1046 to 256 BC. The Hsia Dynasty (4 letters) was the first dynasty of China, ruling from 2070 to 1600 BC. The Manchu Dynasty (6 letters) was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. The TANG Dynasty (4 letters) was in power from 618 to 907. The Shang Dynasty (5 letters) was the second dynasty of China, ruling from 1600 to 1046 BC. The Sui Dynasty (3 letters) was in power from 581 to 618. The Wei Dynasty (3 letters) was in power from 220 to 265. The Chan Dynasty (4 letters) was in power from 581 to 618. The Liao Dynasty (4 letters) was in power from 907 to 1125. The Tong Dynasty (4 letters) was in power from 690 to 705. The Tsin Dynasty (4 letters) was in power from 265 to 316. The Yuan Dynasty (4 letters) was in power from 1271 to 1368.