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AD 581, Yang Jian replaced North Zhou from the Two Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties and established a new era. He named this new dynasty Sui. He was the emperor -- Sui Wendi. He was a good emperor who made the lives of civilians much better than before. He made many reforms that helped to increase national power. The unifying of China once again was also accredited to him and his general (also son) Yang Guang.
Because of political needs, Sui started constructing many structures starting at the beginning of the dynasty. Wendi's son, Sui Yangdi, scaled up the construction. The projects were 1) building the two capital cities -- the city of Da Xing and city of Luo Yang; 2) filling up the storehouse; 3) opening up a canal, 4) constructing roads. During Yangdi's rein, a canal connecting the north and south was constructed, and a road connecting Luo Yang, through the mountain of Tai Hang, and Bing Zhou was constructed.
Right --> A Sui Woman Rider statue (graphic courtesy of China-Window.com)
After the death of Sui Wendi, his son Yang Guang inherited the throne. Yang Guang was later known as the famous tyrant Sui Yangdi. This title came from 1) his lavish of civilian's labour, 2) frequent invasion to Gaoli, 3)extravagance, 4) cruel punishments. During Yangdi's rein, there was conscription every year. If there were not enough men, he drafted women to do work for him. If anyone dared to say anything against him, he used cruel punishments on him. He didn't care who died or who lived.
Because of Yangdi's tyranny and natural hazards, neither people nor animals had means to live. Having no choice, the people revolted. AD 611, Wang Bo started a rebel army on the moutain of Chang Bai and called upon everybody in the country to follow him. Under these revolts, Sui was on the verge of destruction. AD 618, Sui Yangdi was killed by one of his officers. Sui was finished.
Although Sui was short-lived, its importance in Chinese history cannot be overlooked.
Because Sui was so short-lived, many of its cultural and scientific developments are grouped with Tang.