Claims that China's Tang Dynasty never existed spread on Chinese internet

Historical Revisionism on Chinese Social Media

A recent phenomenon on China's internet involves a vocal segment asserting that the Tang Dynasty, which ruled from 618 AD to 907 AD, never existed. This period is widely recognized for its territorial expansion, international trade, and cultural flourishing, forming a core part of Chinese historical education.

Origin and Spread of the Claim

The claim originated in May from a history influencer named Qiao Yu, who used astrological data in a video to 'prove' the Tang Dynasty was a myth. This outlandish assertion subsequently gained traction, leading to reports of individuals contacting the Xi'an tourism bureau, the site of the ancient Tang capital, to demand its closure. The hashtag 'the Tang dynasty doesn’t exist' has accumulated tens of millions of views on Weibo, China's equivalent of X.

Motivations and Context

The precise motivations behind the hoax are unclear. Historically, the Tang Dynasty has faced criticism from Chinese nationalists because its founding emperor was not of Han ethnic origin. Qiao Yu's claim posits that the succeeding Song Dynasty began earlier than traditionally accepted, thereby negating the Tang's existence. The Song Dynasty was of ethnic Han origin. Harvard professor William Kirby described the claim as 'insane,' emphasizing the factual basis of the Tang Dynasty's existence.

Official Response and Public Impact

As the fallacy spread, China's state media, which is tightly controlled, intervened. The Nanjing Daily reported that parents expressed concern over their children's confusion regarding historical facts due to the hoax. The Paper, an outlet affiliated with the Shanghai government, also published a more forceful response, indicating official disapproval of the historical revisionism.