Southern Dynasties period

The Southern Dynasties period in China (420–589 AD) refers to a time when China was divided, with the southern regions ruled by a succession of four dynasties: Liu Song, Southern Qi, Liang, and Chen. Despite political fragmentation, this era saw cultural, artistic, and technological growth, especially in literature and Buddhism. The southern states coexisted with the northern Wei and later Northern Dynasties, often in conflict but also exchanging ideas. Ultimately, the period ended with the unification of China under the Sui Dynasty, paving the way for new centralized governance and cultural development.