Bronze Age · c. 1046–771 BC

Western Zhou 西周

Xī Zhōu · Capital: Fenghao (near modern Xi'an)

The first dynasty to make this bend of the Wei River its capital. Fenghao was a twin city — two settlements that together formed the political heart of the Western Zhou for 275 years. No ruins survive above ground, but the bronzes dug from nearby tombs are the finest ritual metalwork of ancient China, and they fill the Shaanxi History Museum.

Key figures

King Wu周武王

Founded the dynasty after overthrowing the Shang

Duke of Zhou周公

Regent who codified Zhou ritual and governance

See it today

Must-see

Shaanxi History Museum

Every layer of Xi'an's time stack under one roof — Zhou bronzes, Han gold and Tang treasure.

Learn more →

13 dynasties · scroll to explore

Western Zhou西周c. 1046–771 BC Qin秦350–207 BC Western Han西汉202 BC – 9 AD Xin (Wang Mang)新9–23 AD Eastern Han (return)东汉190–195 AD Western Jin (return)西晋313–316 AD Former Zhao前赵319–329 AD Former Qin前秦351–385 AD Later Qin后秦384–417 AD Western Wei西魏535–557 AD Northern Zhou北周557–581 AD Sui隋581–618 AD Tang唐618–907 AD