6. The Mongol Conquest and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368)
The Mongol conquest of China, culminating in the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty in 1271, integrated vast new territories and promoted cross-continental exchanges. Under Mongol rule, the Silk Road flourished, facilitating trade and cultural interactions between East and West. This period also saw the introduction of new administrative practices and the promotion of religious tolerance, contributing to China’s development as a global power.
