The Chinese place strong emphasis on recording history for the reference of the future generations. That's why information about China's history are recovered from quite a few sources: official records written by historian appointed by the imperial court, word of mouth in the form of myths and legends, and excavations by archaeologists.

China's history can be divided into a few stages

• Pre-historic China (- 221 BC )
  China's Primitive/Mythological past (- 27th BC) and Ancient past (27th BC - 221 BC)
  
  • Few written records about this period existed. Information are obtained mainly through myths and legends and archaeological excavations.
• Imperial China (221 BC - 1911 AD)
  China under Imperial rule
  
  • This period was well documented. The usual practice is that present ruler will appoint an official historian to record history of previous ruler.
• Modern China (1912 AD - )
  Republic of China (1912 AD - 1949 AD) and People's Republic of China (1949 AD - )
  
  • This period is well documented by modern historians.