In May, a Chinese history influencer known as Qiao Yu posted a video asserting that the Tang dynasty (618‑907 AD) never existed. Using astrological calculations, Qiao argued that the later Song dynasty began earlier than accepted, effectively erasing the Tang period from history.
Social media spread and public reaction
The claim quickly went viral on X‑like Weibo, where the hashtag “the Tang dynasty doesn’t exist” amassed tens of millions of views. Some users even called the Xi’an tourism bureau, the site of the ancient Tang capital, demanding the city be closed because the dynasty was allegedly a hoax.
Parents reported that their children were confused by the misinformation, according to the Nanjing Daily. A 24‑year‑old Beijing resident, Callum, said the theory offers a way for young people to rebel against established authority amid a slowing economy and tighter job market.
Academic and official responses
Harvard professor William Kirby dismissed the theory as “basically insane,” emphasizing that the Tang dynasty is a well‑documented historical fact. He noted that the Tang was not only a Chinese dynasty but also an inner‑Asian one.
Chinese state media entered the debate. The Shanghai‑affiliated outlet The Paper warned that “historical nihilism” threatens rational inquiry, while the Communist Party’s mouthpiece, the People’s Daily, called the claim “absurd” and warned that doubt among youth could undermine cultural confidence and Chinese‑style modernization.
Since mid‑August, Qiao Yu’s accounts have been blocked and the videos removed. Searches for the claim now return content condemning the theory.
Historical context and political significance
The Tang dynasty is celebrated for territorial expansion, vibrant trade along the Silk Road, and a flourishing of arts and literature. It has long been a symbol of Chinese greatness, a narrative that President Xi Jinping has reinforced through diplomatic events, such as a 2023 ceremony in Xi’an that featured Tang‑style performances for Central Asian leaders.
Critics note that the Tang’s founding emperor was not of Han ethnicity, a point previously used by Chinese nationalists to question the dynasty’s legitimacy. The current Party leadership, however, emphasizes a continuous Chinese civilization spanning five thousand years, using history to promote national unity.
Historians such as Harvard’s Rana Mitter explain that discussions of China’s past have often served as a lens for contemporary concerns, from the economic boom of the 2010s to current debates over identity and governance.
Implications for online discourse
The episode illustrates the Party’s heightened sensitivity to challenges to its official historical narrative. Under Xi, penalties for “historical nihilism” have increased, and state media routinely counters misinformation that could erode public confidence in the nation’s heritage.
While the claim originated from a single influencer, its rapid spread underscores how digital platforms can amplify fringe ideas, prompting swift governmental action to preserve the accepted version of history.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
