In recent weeks a small but vocal segment of China’s online community has been asserting that the Tang dynasty – a period traditionally dated from 618 to 907 AD and celebrated for its cultural and economic achievements – is a myth. The claim, first spread by a history influencer known as Qiao Yu, relies on dubious astrological calculations and argues that the subsequent Song dynasty began earlier than accepted, thereby erasing the Tang from the timeline.
Social media amplification and public reaction
The hashtag “the Tang dynasty doesn’t exist” has amassed tens of millions of views on X-like Weibo, prompting some users to call the Xi’an tourism bureau and demand the closure of sites associated with the ancient capital. Parents reported that their children were confused by the misinformation, according to the Nanjing Daily.
Scholarly and official rebuttal
Historians quickly dismissed the theory as unfounded. William Kirby, a professor of China studies at Harvard University, called the claim “basically insane” and affirmed that the Tang dynasty is a well‑documented historical reality. The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, labeled the assertion “absurd” and warned that doubts about national history could undermine cultural confidence and the narrative of Chinese‑style modernization.
Political context
Since assuming power, President Xi Jinping has tightened the Party’s control over historical interpretation, treating challenges to the official narrative as “historical nihilism.” State media outlets, including The Paper – a Shanghai‑government‑affiliated publication – have urged rational inquiry to counter such nihilism. The Party’s editorial emphasized that Chinese civilization spans five thousand years and that the Tang era remains a “dazzling chapter” of that legacy.
Motivations behind the hoax
Analysts suggest the movement may reflect broader discontent among Chinese youth facing a slowing economy and heightened competition for jobs. A 24‑year‑old Beijing resident, identified only as Callum, described the denial as a form of rebellion against established authority, likening it to exposing a hidden truth.
Platform response
By mid‑August, Qiao Yu’s accounts were blocked and the videos removed. Searches for the Tang dynasty’s existence now return content that condemns the denial. The Party’s editorial stance underscores its commitment to preserving a unified historical identity, arguing that all history should support a continuous sense of Chinese nationhood.
Broader implications
The episode illustrates how digital platforms can amplify fringe historical revisionism, prompting swift governmental action in a country where the Party closely monitors public discourse. It also highlights the tension between youthful dissent and a leadership intent on safeguarding a cohesive national story.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
