Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE)

The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) left an indelible architectural legacy by constructing the final Great Wall and the Forbidden City, as well as launching Admiral Zheng He's treasure fleet across the Indian Ocean. This era saw a population surge to over 150 million by 1600, driven by agricultural innovations like sweet potatoes. However, its cultural conservatism and isolationist policies contrast sharply with the outward expansion of Qing Dynasty, which later incorporated Tibet and Xinjiang.