Following the Tang Dynasty came the period of the"Five Dynasties and the Ten Kingdoms"(907-960). In 960 Zhao Kuangyin, a senior general of the Later Zhou Dynasty launched a rebellion. His lieutenants clothed him in the yellow imperial gown and asked him to ascend the throne. Thus he established the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

    In 1260, Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire upon his unification of scattered Mongol tribes. Kublai, a grandson of Genghis Khan, swept southward across Central China in 1271 and founded the Yuan Dynasty (1217-1368) with Dadu (Beijing) assigned as the capital.

    During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, industry and commerce, as well as foreign trade, developed greatly, and many advanced, foreign merchants and travelers visited China. Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, traveled extensively in China. In his travel notes he portrayed vividly in detail the thriving industry and commerce, as well as the immense fortunes in China.

    Paper making, printing, compass and gunpowder were the "Four Great Inventions"in ancient Chinese science and technology. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties further new progress in these fields was achieved, contributing greatly to the global civilization.