Chinese Dynastic Cycle

The Chinese Dynastic Cycle: Timeline
http://www.netplaces.com/speaking-mandarin-chinese/an-overview-of-china/the-dynastic-cycle.htm

Dynasty	Time Period
Xià	2205–1765 b.c.e.
Shāng	1766–1066 b.c.e.
Zhóu	1066–256 b.c.e.
Qín	221–207 b.c.e.
Hàn	206 BCE–220 c.e.
Sān Guó	220–280 c.e.
Jìn	265–420 c.e.
Liù Cháo	420–589 c.e.
Suí	581–618 c.e.
Táng	618–907 c.e.
Wǔ Dài Shí Guó	907–960 c.e.
Sòng	960–1279 c.e.
Yuán	1271–1368 c.e.
Míng	1368–1644 c.e.
Qīng	1644–1911 c.e.

Over time, a long period of time, China has gone through many dynasties as shown above. 

The Dynastic Cycle: Flow Chart

http://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/goldenages/IMAGES/dynasticcycle.gif

Above is how the Dynastic Cycle worked for the Chinese. This is the repetitive cycle that look place for many, many years in China as you can see from the numerous dynasties over time.