The Song Dynasty ( , 960-1279) was a powerful Chinese ruling dynasty. It inherited legacies of the Five Dynasties and the Ten Kingdoms ( ) and was succeeded by the Yuan Dynasty ( ). The rule of the Song Dynasty was divided into two stages, the Northern Song Dynasty ( ) and the Southern Song Dynasty ( ). The Song Dynasty had 18 emperors and ruled for about for 320 years. However, after 1127, the Song Dynasty ruled only in South China. The book, Chinese History 8, a Chinese reading practice book, presents a broad and simple overview of China's Song Dynasty. The volume, 17th in the Mandarin Chinese Reading Series, includes both the Chinese text (simplified characters) and pinyin. With about 900 unique Chinese characters, the volume would be suitable for the beginners, lower intermediate and advanced level Chinese language learners (HSK 1-6). Overall, the Mandarin Chinese Reading Series offers you a variety of elementary level books (Level 1/2/3) to learn Chinese culture as well as practice Chinese reading fast. Paperback Edition: https: //www.amazon.com/dp/1676594523 Kindle Edition: https: //www.amazon.com/dp/B082V4WM8T The book has 10 chapters in the following order: Chapter 1: Song Dynasty in Brief ( : ) Chapter 2: Foundation of the Song Dynasty ( : ) Chapter 3: Emperor Zhao Kuangyin ( : ) Chapter 4: Northern Song Dynasty ( : ) Chapter 5: The Southern Dynasty ( : ) Chapter 6: Mongolian Invasion ( : ) Chapter 7: Fall of the Song Dynasty ( : ) Chapter 8: Characteristics of the Song Dynasty ( : ) Chapter 9: Song Dynasty Art ( : ) Chapter 10: Su Dongpo ( : )